01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-06-0242 |
| Title of Abstract | Thermal front dynamics and their role in identifying Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) hotspots along the southwest coast of India |
| Authors | Harisha Rathod*, P.C. Mohanty, Dhanya M. Lal, Alakes Samanta, Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh, Sudheer Josheph, T.M. Balakrishnan Nair |
| Organisation | Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) |
| Address | INCOIS Pragati nagar, TELANGANA, India Pincode: 500090 E-mail: harisha-p@incois.gov.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of thermal front (TF) frequency and its ecological significance along the southwest coast of India from 2020 to 2023. High-resolution AVHRR (1 km) satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) data were analyzed using the Cayula-Cornillon Algorithm (CCA), implemented through the Marine Geospatial Ecology Tools (MGET) in the GeoEco Python package. TFs were identified as regions with SST gradients exceeding 0.3°C per pixel. Results reveal persistent TF activity, particularly in defined hotspot zones influenced by mesoscale eddies, coastal upwelling, and stratification. Seasonally, TF frequency peaked during winter, declined in summer, and was lowest during the southwest monsoon due to cloud cover, freshwater influx, and enhanced wind-driven mixing, which led to thermal homogenization. Post-monsoon months showed partial reactivation of frontal activity. Statistical analysis indicated a moderate positive correlation between TF density and chlorophyll-a concentration (r = 0.35), and total fish catch (r = 0.28), suggesting that TFs serve as proxies for biologically productive and fish-rich waters. These findings underscore the utility of TF detection in delineating Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) and support its application in sustainable fisheries and marine spatial planning. This research demonstrates the relevance of remote sensing-based front detection as a valuable tool in ecosystem-based fishery management in the eastern Arabian Sea, with broader implications for PFZ forecasting and marine resource conservation. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Thermal Fronts; Thermal Front Frequency; Thermal Front Density; Remote Sensing; PFZ Hotspot |
| For Awards | no |