Utilization of Psat Technology in the Northern Indian Ocean: Hurdles and Prospects

Emergence of satellite telemetry of animals has potential of unprecedented opportunities. However, the technology is yet in developing stages, with access to limited number of researchers. One of the least studied geographical areas employing PSATs (Pop-Up Satellite Archival Tags) is the northern Indian Ocean. Marine fishery within Indian EEZ is an open-access capture fishery dominated by trawlers. On the other hand, India’s annual tuna production is less than many of the island countries in this region. Recent availability of tuna fishery advisories and relative abundance of Yellowfin tuna (YFT) (Thunnus albacares, Bonnaterre, 1788) in Indian EEZ has warranted to study the stock before organized fishery develops. We tagged 42 YFT during years 2012-14 using X-tag make PSATs from Microwave Telemetry. In this presentation, we share our experience and analysis pertaining to performance of different sensors, with special focus to light-based geolocation method. We also present primary results of second phase tagging initiated in year 2016, using SeaTag make PSAT variants from Desert Star Systems. Finally, we discuss prospects of using earth magnetic field intensity as well as inclination; and how the northern Indian Ocean can serve as the natural laboratory to improve accuracy of underwater geolocations.