The FORV Sagar Sampada, a multi-purpose fisheries and oceanographic research vessel has been carrying out survey of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone ever since 1984.

During the period under report, FORV Sagar Sampada continued investigations on Living Resources and the oceanographic factors influencing their distribution. The vessel conducted 14 scientific cruises in the Indian EEZ and 4 trial cruises for field testing of Autotrawl system and calibration of acoustic equipment. Samples from over 180 stations were collected. 139 Scientists/Research staff from 14 organisations including DOD partcipated in the cruises.

The major scientific investigations/research carried out by FORV Sagar Sampada during 1999-2000 include:-

Seasonal coverage of the environment and productivity patterns and detailed column productivity studies using C14 techniques were conducted at 50 stations in the EEZ off the west coast including 16 anchor stations.

Seasonal coverage of the environment and productivity patterns at 32 stations in the EEZ off the east coast including 12 anchor stations for detailed column productivity studies using C14 techniques were conducted.

Demersal fishery survey along the Indian continental slope at depths of 150-300 metres.

Collection of sediments from 58 stations along the shelf of the west coast for benthic productivity studies.

Location and sampling of DSL realms and investigations on the toxic algal blooms in the Indian EEZ.