Remote Sensing Applications in Advancing Marine Fisheries Management: A Review

Abstract

Remote Sensing Technology (RST) has become an indispensable component of contemporary marine fisheries management, offering synoptic, repetitive, and near real-time observations of oceanographic processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Unlike conventional survey-based approaches, which are often constrained by limited coverage, high operational costs, and temporal delays, satellite remote sensing provides continuous and large-scale monitoring of critical marine environmental variables. This technological advancement has significantly strengthened scientific understanding and evidence-based decision-making in fisheries governance. Earth observation satellite missions such as MODIS, Sentinel-3, and Oceansat-2 facilitate the systematic assessment of key oceanographic parameters, including sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a concentration, ocean colour, wind fields, and primary productivity. These variables are fundamental drivers of marine ecosystem structure and function, directly influencing fish distribution, migration patterns, spawning behaviour, and trophic interactions. The integration of such parameters enables the identification of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs), particularly in regions characterized by thermal fronts, upwelling systems, and productivity gradients. Furthermore, the integration of RST with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, and ocean circulation models has substantially improved predictive analytics and spatial decision-support systems. Such interdisciplinary convergence enables scenario-based modelling, climate resilience assessment, and spatial planning for marine protected areas and fishing effort regulation. In addition, remote sensing-derived early warning systems for cyclones, storm surges, and extreme ocean events contribute to disaster risk reduction and operational safety for fishing communities. Overall, Remote Sensing Technology represents a paradigm shift toward data-driven, climate-resilient, and ecosystem-oriented marine fisheries management. By enhancing monitoring efficiency, strengthening predictive capabilities, and supporting sustainable resource utilization, RST plays a critical role in balancing economic productivity with ecological integrity in marine ecosystems.