The Department of Ocean Development was established in 1981 with a mandate to formulate and implement programmes in Ocean Science and Technology with long term scientific, technological and economic benefits, like the Antarctic programme and the Polymetallic Nodule Programme, and to formulate and co-ordinate scientific and technological projects for exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources of the sea and protection and preservation of its environment. Over the years, the programmes of the Department were formulated based on the Ocean Policy Statement of the Government, the Allocation of Business Rules and activities specifically assigned by the Government. The main thrust areas identified in the Ocean Policy Statement are:

Survey and exploration of living and non-living resources;

Sustainable exploitation of these resources;

Harnessing of renewable energy from waves, tides and temperature difference in water column.

Technology Development relating to instrumentation, material development, ocean data collection and anti-erosion capabilities;

Protection and preservation of marine environment;

Human resource development in scientific and technological programmes;

Institutional and infrastructural support like research vessels and reliable data and information systems. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea which came into force in 1994 provides for extended area of national jurisdiction in the sea and increased base for exploration and exploitation of living and non-living resources even beyond Exclusive Economic Zone in the Continental Shelf. UN Conference on Environment and Development of 1992 envisages integrated approach towards environment and development as well as integrated coastal and marine area development and management. Consequent to the above, the Department has augmented and oriented its activities towards exploration and exploitation of marine living and non-living resources for the socio-economic benefits, protection of the marine environment and the development and use of the Ocean Science and Technology with the active participation and support of national R&D laboratories, educational institutions and industries. The activities in thrust areas relate to:

Developments with direct application to the welfare of the society such as integrated coastal and marine area management, coastal community development, ocean information services, etc.

Developments in technologies relating to survey and exploration, seabed mining, extractive metallurgy, environment impact study, etc. to fulfil our international obligations and continue as a Pioneer Investor and member of the Council of International Sea-Bed Authority under investor's category. These developments will enable India to exploit the mineral resources of the ocean outside our national jurisdiction when the techno- economic feasibility and market demand are established.

Contributions towards sustained front ranking research in Polar Sciences to maintain India's status as Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty System.

Exploration of marine resources and their correlation with oceanographic parameters, studies to evolve exploitation strategies, development of technologies and infrastructure for exploration and exploitation of marine living and non-living resources for socio- economic benefit and protection of marine environment.

Basic research in the Ocean Science & Technology, human resource development, creation of Centre of Excellence in academic institutions and public awareness of the potential and uses of ocean. The major programmes and projects, implemented by the Department during the year 1995-96 relating to Antarctic Programme, Polymetallic Nodules Programme, Coastal Zone & Island Programme, Marine Research and Manpower Development, Infrastructure and Ships, and International Co-operation, are presented in this report.