CMFRI develops fish measurement app
CMFRI has developed MatsyaMetri, a smartphone app that measures fish dimensions and generates fisheries datasets automatically
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed a smartphone application that can measure the length and width of fish without requiring them to be physically handled.
Named MatsyaMetri, the Android application uses image-based technology to estimate fish dimensions and automatically record the results. It has been developed under a project focused on automated measurement of aquatic resources and generating standardised length-frequency data for fisheries stock assessment.
“The application is aimed at simplifying biological data collection during field surveys and supporting more systematic generation of fisheries data for scientific assessment and resource monitoring,” said Dr Eldho Varghese, CMFRI senior scientist and ICAR-National fellow, who developed the application.
The measurements generated by MatsyaMetri are compiled into length-frequency datasets used to analyse fish populations, assess stocks and monitor aquatic resources. The system allows multiple individuals of the same species or aquatic resource to be measured during a single sampling session.
Once measurements are completed, the application automatically generates length-frequency distributions using appropriate class intervals. Measurements and corresponding photographs can be saved with each sampling session and later exported as a CSV file for further scientific analysis.
According to Dr Grinson George, director of ICAR-CMFRI, the application is intended to simplify biological data collection by automating measurements and dataset generation. The tool is designed for fisheries scientists, researchers and field survey teams conducting biological assessments.
MatsyaMetri is designed for ARCore-supported Android devices. Users first register and log in before creating a sampling session. The smartphone camera is then directed towards a flat surface, with the fish positioned within the camera view.
The application detects the surface and provides an on-screen measuring guide, allowing users to estimate the fish’s length and width from its image rather than handling the specimen.
“By automating measurement and data recording, MatsyaMetri can facilitate rapid and systematic collection of biological information,” said Dr George.
The project is supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, through the ICAR-National Fellow Project.
