Documenting ocean weather events and seasonal changes

Documenting weather events and weather information :One of the biggest challenges faced by small-scale artisanal fishermen is the lack of accurate local weather information.
To address this issue, a research project titled “Forecasting with Fishers Project”, which ran from 2020 to 2022 was conducted with the members of the Association of Artisanal Fishers. The project was led by the University of Sussex School of Global Studies (UK) with the support of scientists from Cusat University. As a result, the website ‘Kaattum Kadalum’ (Wind and Sea) now provides local weather information to small-scale traditional fishermen in Thiruvananthapuram district as a public service.
Additionally, a digital LCD display board has been installed at the Marianad Fish Landing Centre under the supervision of the Association of Artisanal Fishers. The weather information for the day is updated on this board via the website.
Moreover, the research team assisting the organization updates weather information, including voice messages, on the organization’s WhatsApp group. Fishermen from various coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram district frequently inquire about weather information through phone calls.
To assess whether fishermen are receiving accurate weather information based on actual conditions, members of the organization’s research team collect feedback from the fishermen. They record wind direction, speed, and other relevant data in logbooks. The team is also exploring ways to further improve the accuracy of weather forecasts. To verify the reliability of the weather data provided to fishermen traveling in different directions, the team equips boats with two wind meters.
The research team members are also diligently documenting the weather conditions that fishers experience in their workplace on a daily basis. They request adverse weather information from the scientists at Cusat, who provide the necessary updates at the required times.