Home / Environment / Innovative App Shields Endangered Turtles and Coastal Livelihoods
Innovative App Shields Endangered Turtles and Coastal Livelihoods
13 Oct
Summary
- Mobile app alerts fishers to protected turtle nesting zones
- Prevents accidental violations, protects turtles and fishers' livelihoods
- Provides real-time weather, hazard, and government scheme information
As of October 2025, a groundbreaking mobile app is making waves in India's coastal regions by bridging the divide between marine conservation and economic hardship. The Fisher Friend Mobile Application, developed by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), recently won the prestigious Tech4Nature Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi for its innovative approach.
The app's standout feature is the No-Fishing Zone Alert system, which uses geolocation technology to notify fishers in real-time when they approach protected Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites. These seasonal bans are crucial for the turtles, which migrate in the millions each year to nest on the Odisha coast. However, the lack of visible boundaries has led to countless accidental violations in the past. The app's alerts transform these invisible legal boundaries into actionable information, allowing fishers to steer clear and avoid penalties that could devastate their families.
Beyond conservation, the Fisher Friend app also provides a range of services to support coastal communities. It offers real-time weather updates, information on fishing zones, disaster alerts, and government schemes. The app also helps fishers navigate hazards like rocks, sunken ships, and coral reefs, enhancing their safety at sea.
