The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has introduced DeepDATA, a mobile app aimed at bolstering marine biodiversity documentation and citizen-led scientific research. This app, part of the Deep Ocean Mission and funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, offers verified information on deep-sea fishes and allows users to contribute field observations for a national digital repository. DeepDATA is set to revolutionize research on India’s unexplored deep sea ecosystems by merging expert validation with real-time field observations.
Designed as an educational and documentation tool, DeepDATA enables students, researchers, fishermen, and marine enthusiasts to explore detailed information and images of deep-sea fish species. Users can learn about taxonomy, identifying features, distribution, and conservation status of these species. The app’s main goal is to democratize scientific knowledge on India’s deep-sea biodiversity and promote public engagement in marine conservation efforts.
A notable feature of DeepDATA is its citizen science aspect, where users can share photos and observations of deep-sea fishes encountered during various activities. Each submission undergoes scrutiny and authentication by CMFRI scientists before being included in the national database, ensuring accuracy and credibility. Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, highlighted how this initiative harnesses the extensive field experience of fishermen to enhance biodiversity mapping and provide valuable insights into marine resources.
Dr. Eldho Varghese, in charge of the CMFRI IT Unit and lead app developer, emphasized that DeepDATA consolidates scientific knowledge and field observations on a single digital platform, making deep-sea biodiversity information easily accessible. Dr. Rekha J. Nair, Principal Scientist leading the Deep Ocean Mission project at CMFRI, noted that the app not only serves as an educational tool but also strengthens biodiversity assessments and supports conservation planning. DeepDATA is expected to advance scientific understanding of India’s deep-sea ecosystems through collaborative public participation.
