Interlacing Ocean Model Simulations and Remotely Sensed Biophysical Parameters to Identify Integrated Potential Fishing Zones

Over the global oceans (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic), fish schools are identified using remote sensing, combining sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll. Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer-derived SST and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite-P4 Ocean Color Monitor-derived chlorophyll concentration were used to generate the integrated potential fishing zone (IPFZ) forecast over the east coast of India (16°-22° N, 81°-89° E) during April 7-9 and December 18-21, 2003. The IPFZ forecasts are validated with actual fishing using the Fishery Survey of India fishing vessels. Furthermore, we analyze Naval Research Laboratory Layered Ocean Model circulations and Jason-1-derived sea surface height anomalies in the IPFZs to report the presence of cyclonic eddies which induce upwelling and enhance biological productivity, leading to active aggregation of fish schools. The use of accurate mesoscale eddy-simulating models could be useful in the long-term prediction of pelagic fish schools.