Research in marine sciences has been promoted through various academic institutions, IITs and other national laboratories. Research support has also been provided through a number of research associateships and fellowships. During the year, research support was made highly discriminating and largely limited to coherent sets of programmes in specific areas that address critical issues. A number of research projects were thus generated through extensive brainstorming and implemented after critical evaluation of their significance to problems of ocean development. Some of the major programmes designed and initiated during the year include:

7.1 Bio-active substances of Potential Therapeutic Value from the ocean

Major objective of this multi institutional programme coordinated by the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow is to identify potentially useful bio-active substances found in the coastal ocean as a source of drugs.

7.1.1. Studies on the sediment water interaction in estuarine and shelf regions of the Godavari region (Bay Bengal)

This project envisages an integrated study of sediment interactions and bio-chemical processes pertaining to riverine, estuarine and shelf zones of the Godavari. In order to prepare a viable ground for this work a first order model based on existing data will be prepared. The project has been funded for implementation by Andhra University.

7.1.2. Mariculture of spiny lobsters

This project taken up for implementation by the Tamil Nadu University, Tuticorin, aims to study the breeding cycle of controlled spawning and develop suitable techniques for multiplying seed and lobster production.

7.1.3. Coupled surge-wave model

The project aims at refining the present techniques to predict storm surges along the coasts of India. It is intended to develop a coupled surge model, encourage theoretical research, to assess the impact of coastal geometry, depth profile of the sea bottom on surge wave interaction, preparation of quantitative estimate of the extent of the coastal inundation for systems of different intensities and speeds, etc. It is intended to generate expertise in the field of ocean dynamics and has been taken up for implementation by the University of Calcutta under the Atmospheric Sciences Programme.

7.1.4. Documentation of research output and analysis in high-tech aquaculture

The basic objective of this project is to coordinate the implementation of high-tech aquaculture projects being implemented at Bhopal, Jabalpur and Raipur and ensure timely monitoring of progress. It also aims to document and analyse the research output of the programme. Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology at Bhopal is implementing this project.

7.1.5. Feasibility studies for application of scientific outputs for the benefit of coastal population

The project being implemented by the Sea Explorers' Institute, Calcutta aims to build up socio-economic database by undertaking a pilot survey of selected villages in the coastal areas of West Bengal. In addition, data on education, housing, health, accessibility to drinking water, effect of natural hazards,etc. will also be collected. A preliminary report on the pilot survey is expected to be finalised shortly.

7.1.6. Unit for post-graduate training and research

A unit for post-graduate training and research in the critical area of geophysical fluid dynamics to illuminate course of the dominant processes of ocean circulation and air-sea exchange was created in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

7.1.7. Review of on-going project

Twenty research projects initiated and funded during the 7th Five Year Plan period were critically evaluated by experts in June 1990. On the basis of such a review, the need for continuation or otherwise of such research projects was determined.

Financial support for the following research projects was continued:

Development of Advanced-Raman and Photoluminescence (PL) Spectroscopic facility for Oceanic and Mineral Physics

A ground-based millimeter-wave technique for ozone observations at Antarctica

Observational studies and numerical modelling of Antarctic weather and climate in relation to Indian monsoon

Monitoring the organochlorine pollutants along Indian coast using their levels in the bodies of long- life marine animals as tracers

Integrated studies on coral reefs and reef associates of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.