MYSA Boosts Fisheries Collaboration Through FSI System Upgrade

PASIR PUTEH, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) has strengthened its strategic collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF), the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and the National Fishermen’s Association (NEKMAT), under the Fishing Site Identification (FSI) project.

The collaboration, which began in 2007, was reaffirmed yesterday through the exchange of documents between MYSA director-general, Datuk Azlikamil Napiah; DOF Capture Fisheries Resources Division senior director, Ruzaidi Mamat; LKIM director-general, Hamdan Mamat; and NEKMAT chairman, Abdul Hamid Bahari.

Azlikamil said that the renewed collaboration expands the scope to include the development of space technology research and innovation within the fisheries sector. This covers areas such as data collection and verification, system maintenance, documentation, and technology transfer.

“Among the enhancements introduced are the upgrading of the coastal Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) module, as well as the renewal of the Satellite Data Reception System and the installation of a new-generation antenna,” he said.

The document exchange ceremony, held at the Tok Bali Fishermen Resettlement Multipurpose Hall in conjunction with the ‘Komuniti MADANI Nelayan Digital’ programme, was also witnessed by the deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Enculturation) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Ruziah Shafei.

At the ceremony, around 350 local fishermen attended a briefing and demonstration on the benefits of the FSI system - an initiative aimed at empowering the fishing community through the use of space technology.

Azlikamil explained that the FSI system was developed collaboratively, using remote sensing technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The FSI system utilises oceanographic satellite imagery, from Suomi-NPP, Aqua, and Terra, to detect sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration, enabling the identification of high-potential fishing zones with up to 94 per cent accuracy.

“As a result, fishermen using this system have seen a 30 to 50 per cent increase in their catch, while also reducing time and operational costs,” he said.

Since its launch in 2011, the FSI system has benefited over 30,000 fishermen nationwide, involving 1,257 purse seine-fishing vessels and 751 driftnet-fishing vessels.

In Kelantan alone, more than 4,000 fishermen - particularly in Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok, and Pasir Puteh -  have benefited from the system.

Azlikamil said that additional modules, such as PFZ Tuna and PFZ Pesisir (coastal), were also introduced to cater to the specific needs of deep-sea and coastal fishermen.

“This programme aligns with the principles of sustainability, well-being, and creativity, under the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, to continuously improve the livelihoods of the fishing community,” he said.

He added that MYSA remains committed to maximising the use of space technology in supporting the country’s strategic sectors, including fisheries.

“With this renewed collaboration, the FSI system will continue to be enhanced, in terms of effectiveness, usability, and accessibility, for fishing communities nationwide,” he said.

-- BERNAMA