Mangaluru: Trials ongoing on sea water treatment machine for use in fishing boats

Mangaluru: A novel experiment is currently underway here where fishing boats could treat saltwater from the sea for on-board usage.

Fishermen who go to the sea for more than a week stock about 3,000 litres of drinking and potable water in the boat for daily use. However, the new experiment could make them use purified seawater instead of carrying water

Such a system is already in place in many countries.

A demonstration of the water treatment machine has already been given to the fisheries department officials. It is proposed to be demonstrated to the Fisheries Minister and other departmental officials.

Saltwater is collected through a small pipe while the boats move. Treated clean water is then collected through the water purification machine. Approximately 2,000 litres of water can be collected every day.

The cost of the installation of the water treatment machine in the boat is estimated to be about Rs 4.50 lakh, which will be a major burden for fishermen. Hence, discussions are on in the department to provide a 50 per cent subsidy.

Presently, there is the problem of space in the boats to store water and also the problem of increased load. If the experiment to purify salt water succeeds, water stocking will not be a problem.

Fishermen’s leader Ramachandra Baikampady speaking to Udayavani said, “When fishermen go fishing, they carry about Rs 3,000 worth of water. This means that if one boat goes for fishing for 12 times in a month then one might spend Rs 36,000. So if the saltwater treatment machine is installed, this amount spent every year will be saved.”