Systematic exploration of the sea floor topography and of oceanographic parameters and biomass distribution in different parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the central Indian Ocean was started during 1983-84 using the multi-purpose research vessels ORV Sagar Kanya and FORV Sagar Sampada. These two sea going research vessels, now in their ninth year, have done much to stimulate the scientific exploration of the oceanic resources and environment of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, besides supporting exploration of deep seabed nodules and Exclusive Economic Zone of some friendly countries. These vessels have respectively completed (February 1992) 71 and 96 research cruises. The information generated by this activity is pioneering in many ways, considering that the coastal vessels operated by the Geological Survey of India, Department of Mines have rather limited capabilities both in range and equipment and quasi research vessels operated by other agencies of the Government are devoted to narrow specific tasks. The momentum generated by the research facilities created by this Department is now poised towards addressing some critical questions about the nature and behaviour of the various interconnected oceanic regimes. Exploration of the oceanic resources and environment was continued during the year .