On-board solar power for small-scale distant-water fishing vessels

The last two decades have seen the emergence of a specialized fishing fleet of small-scale fishermen that operate over large swathes of the central-western Indian Ocean. This fleet undertakes extended voyages of 30-45 days in order to conserve fuel, and targets specific varieties of pelagic fish. In order to improve their sustainability as well as to cut down their costs, these fishers are in the process of adapting solar energy for their lighting, communications and other on-board needs. This paper documents the initial iterations of the adoption process, which holds significant promise for the future in terms of energy & cost savings and for the promotion of sustainable fishing operations.