Bangladesh plans satellite tracking system to protect deep-sea fishermen

The government is planning to introduce a satellite-based vessel monitoring system in the Bay of Bengal to improve the safety of deep-sea fishermen, speed up rescue operations and strengthen the management of the country's marine resources.

The proposed system will use satellite technology to track the location and movements of fishing vessels in real time, including those operating far beyond the reach of coastal mobile networks.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is planning to establish a satellite-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) network, with the preliminary project cost estimated at around Tk 600 crore.

The initiative is expected to improve maritime security, support sustainable fisheries management and help Bangladesh make better use of its blue economy potential.

According to BSCL officials, Bangladesh has a maritime area of approximately 118,813 square kilometres, rich in fisheries resources, marine biodiversity and economic opportunities. However, monitoring such an extensive maritime zone remains a major challenge.

To address this, the proposed project includes four Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, two ground stations and local server infrastructure for data storage and processing.

The infrastructure will allow information on maritime vessels to be stored and managed within Bangladesh's own systems, reducing dependence on foreign third-party service providers.

Bangladesh's first satellite, Bangabandhu Satellite-1, currently in orbit, was primarily designed to provide telecommunications and broadcasting services.

30-minute monitoring target

The proposed system aims to ensure a maximum revisit time of 30 minutes across the Bay of Bengal. This means a particular area could be monitored again within 30 minutes of its previous satellite observation.

The system would help authorities analyse vessel movements, identify areas with concentrated fishing activities and detect vessels operating outside designated zones.

Such information could also support efforts to prevent overfishing, protect marine species and develop more sustainable fisheries management policies.

A feasibility study is currently underway. Implementation will begin after finalising the technical design, financing arrangements, selection of satellite manufacturers and development of the required infrastructure.

According to the current plan, BSCL aims to launch the satellite-based monitoring service by 2028.

Faster rescue operations for fishermen

Fishing vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal frequently face risks from storms, rough seas, mechanical failures and maritime accidents.

When vessels travel far offshore, they often move beyond the coverage of mobile networks, making it difficult for authorities to determine their exact locations during emergencies.

In many cases, locating missing fishing vessels requires prolonged search operations.

The proposed satellite-based AIS network would enable authorities to monitor the movements of AIS-equipped vessels even in remote offshore areas. This is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of rescue agencies, including the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard.

The system could also help fishing operators plan more efficient routes, reducing unnecessary travel and fuel consumption.

According to BSCL's preliminary estimates, optimised route planning could save up to 150 litres of diesel per vessel on a single trip.

The company estimates that the potential annual fuel savings could reach 45 million litres.

Satellite data to support sustainable fisheries

Beyond maritime safety, the proposed system is expected to create a long-term database of vessel movements and fishing activities across the Bay of Bengal.

By analysing when and where vessels operate, how frequently they visit particular fishing grounds and when they return to shore, authorities could develop a comprehensive database to support fisheries management.

Such information could help identify areas experiencing excessive fishing pressure, monitor changes in fishing patterns and formulate more effective conservation policies.

However, AIS technology does not directly detect the presence of fish in the sea. Its primary function is to identify vessels and monitor their movements.

Determining potential fishing grounds requires a different set of technologies and scientific data, including sea surface temperature, ocean colour, chlorophyll concentration, plankton distribution and ocean currents.

Satellite remote sensing, sonar and echo sounders are among the technologies used for such purposes.

In simple terms, AIS can establish where a fishing vessel is operating, while marine science and remote-sensing technologies can help identify areas where fish are more likely to be found.

Integrating these datasets could open new opportunities for technology-driven fisheries management in the Bay of Bengal.

'A strategic investment in maritime security'

BSCL Managing Director Dr Muhammad Imadur Rahman said the Bay of Bengal was a vital economic asset for Bangladesh and that establishing a technology-driven monitoring system was essential to protecting its resources and ensuring maritime security.

He said the proposed satellite-based AIS network would allow authorities to regularly monitor the locations and movements of deep-sea fishing vessels, helping rescue agencies quickly identify vessels in distress and coordinate emergency operations.

"We want to establish a system through which critical information about Bangladesh's maritime resources and vessels can be stored and managed using the country's own satellite and server infrastructure," he said.

He described the initiative as more than a technological project, calling it an important step towards developing Bangladesh's maritime economy, protecting fishermen and safeguarding maritime sovereignty.

He added that analysing vessel movements and fishing activity could also help ensure sustainable management of marine resources, prevent illegal and unregulated fishing, and reduce fuel consumption.