Knowledge and information on the ocean surrounding India are of paramount importance, as this realm is a potential source for food, energy and drugs, a driving force for monsoons, a powerful means of transport and strategic space. In order to generate user-oriented data products and provide services to cater the needs of the coastal and ocean sectors, an integrated programme called "Ocean Observation & Information Services" (OOIS) is being implemented by the Department. The OOIS envisages generation and dissemination of reliable coastal and ocean data products such as waves, winds, surface, temperature, currents, salinity, upwelling and potential fishing zone information, coastal maps, etc. The OOIS consists of four major components viz., Ocean Observing Systems, Ocean Information Services, Ocean Dynamics and Modelling and Satellite Coastal and Oceanographic Research. The OOIS is aimed at development of a system for Ocean State Forecast, on experimental basis by 2001-02.