Govt to implement vessel monitoring system

by Mohammed NAALIR

The implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) will help monitor vessel movement and fish locations. The fishermen can promptly be informed in case of any disaster arising in the sea. "Unregistered vessels which trespass our waters can also be easily traced", National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) the Chairman S.G. Samarasundara said. He said that NARA is engaged in offshore sand and heavy mineral deposit exploration.

Dr. Samarasundara said that the survey off the West coast is in progress where 365 million cubic metres sand deposit has been found. Heavy mineral deposits have also been found off Kokkilai along the East coast. The Oceanography Division of the Agency is striving to understand the ocean with a view to assisting the industrial and strategic exploitation for economic development.

It is also trying to improve livelihood and give timely warnings of unexpected hazards in the ocean.