Fisheries Survey of India celebrates 80th Foundation Day in Visakhapatnam

The Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) marked its 80th Foundation Day on Tuesday with the ceremonial flagging off of its tuna longliner vessel MSV Matsya Drishti at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The vessel had recently undergone dry-docking and repairs at the shipyard.

The FSI traces its origins to August 26, 1946, when it was launched as a pilot project called the “Deep-Sea Fishing Station,” prior to India’s independence. Its primary aim was to develop deep-sea fisheries and contribute to the nation’s food security. The organisation was then headed by Commander A.S. Morris, Superintending Engineer.

Addressing officers at the Visakhapatnam base from the Mumbai headquarters and Chennai base, Director General Dr. Srinath K.R. highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing India’s fisheries sector. “Over the decades, the FSI and its fleet of vessels have provided critical services for deep-sea resource assessment, training, and development. In the coming years, they will continue to play an important role in capacity-building and training programmes initiated by the Government of India,” he said.

Visakhapatnam, which serves as one of the major bases of the FSI, has been central to several deep-sea survey operations on the east coast. With its strategic location and strong maritime infrastructure, the base has played a key role in resource assessment, training programmes, and collaborations with the local fishing community. Officials noted that the city would continue to remain a hub for scientific surveys and fisheries development initiatives in the years ahead.