Goa, June 17 -- Director of Fisheries Dr Shamila Monteiro on Monday said that around 660 mechanised fishing vessels have been fitted with transponders, while about 200 vessels are yet to be equipped. The installation of transponders is mandatory, as they allow fishermen to send emergency text messages at sea. Most of the vessels without the system are currently non-operational, she added.

Speaking to O Heraldo, Dr Monteiro explained that the Government of India has approved a national project under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to roll out the Vessel Communication and Support System, which includes free transponder installation for fishing vessels in all coastal states.

As part of coastal security measures, the instal...