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 CHAPTER I
Introduction
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The Department of Ocean Development was created in July,1981 as a part of the Cabinet Secretariat directly under the charge of the Prime Minister. From March,1982 it became a separate Department. Department of Ocean Development has been functioning as a nodal Department for organising, coordinating and promoting ocean development activities in the country, in line with the Ocean Policy Statement. The salient features of the Policy Statement relate to:
* Need to map living resources, prepare an inventory of commercially exploitable fauna and to map and assess the availability of mineral resources from the deep sea.
* Optimum utilisation of living resources and seaweeds, exploitation of non-living resources such as hydrocarbons and heavy placer deposits, harnessing of renewable resources of ocean energy from the waves, temperature difference in water column, etc.
* Technological advances geared to the utilisation and preservation of the marine environment.
* Research and development in basic ocean sciences.
* Development of indigenous technology and setting up of infrastructure facilities and services to operate large sized fishing vessels.
* Development of technologies relating to instrumentation, diving systems, position fixing, materials development, oceanic data collecting devices, submersible etc.
* Broadening and strengthening of available infrastructure facilities.
* Establishment of a centralised data system with appropriate mechanism for collection, collation and dissemination of ocean related information both from indigenous and foreign sources.
* Training of skilled manpower and creation of self-reliant technological base.
* Establishment of an integrated legal framework and commitment for its enforcement.
* Cooperation with both developed and developing countries.
* The Department of Ocean Development functions in association with other concerned agencies.
The major thrust areas of development pursued by the Department over the years relate to:
* Development of technologies relating to seabed mining, extractive metallurgy.
* Contribution towards front ranking research in polar sciences.
* Exploration of marine resources and their correlation with oceanographic parameters, studies to evolve exploration parameters and strategies.
* Development of technologies and infrastructure for exploration and sustainable utilisation of marine living and non-living resources.
* Developmental activities related to ocean integrated coastal and marine area management, coastal community development, ocean information services, etc., with direct application to the welfare of the society.
* Basic research in Ocean Science and Technology, Human Resource Development, creation of Centres of Excellence in academic institutions and public awareness on the potential and uses of ocean.
The underlying philosophy of the programmes and activities undertaken by the Department of Ocean Development is one of sustainable and environment friendly exploration and utilisation of marine living and non-living resources for the socio-economic benefit of the country.
ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP OF THE DEPARTMENT
The sanctioned strength of the Department, including administrative, technical and supporting staff is 246 in all grades, attached and subordinate offices included. Out of this 51 posts were transferred to the newly created autonomous society Antarctic Study Centre, Goa.
The Department has two attached offices viz. a Project Cell for implementation of Polymetallic Nodules Programme and Sagar Sampada Cell at Kochi and one subordinate office by name Andaman & Nicobar Centre for Ocean Development (ANCOD) at Port Blair. In addition, a Project Directorate for Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) has been set up during 1997-98 at Chennai.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, a registered society under the administrative control of and funded by the Department, functions as a technical arm for development of ocean related technology. During 1998-99, the Antarctic Study Centre at Goa which was an attached office, was converted into an autonomous society w.e.f September, '98.
The Research Advisory Committee and Technical Steering Committees identify the thrust areas of research and development and also approve specific projects for implementation. The Cruise Planning and Programme Committees for Ocean Development finalise and approve the cruise programmes for the research vessels. The Department utilises the resources and manpower from various agencies in the country for implementing the programmes in the Ocean sector.
MAJOR PROGRAMMES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The programmes of the Department which have been reoriented and revamped during the 9th Five Year Plan period cover:-
i) Polar ( Antarctic) Science
ii) Marine Living Resources
iii) Marine Non-Living Resources
iv) Ocean Observation & Information Services
v) Marine and Coastal Area Management
vi) Marine Research and Capacity Building
vii) Coastal Community Programmes
viii) Ocean Awareness
ix) International Cooperation
While formulating the research and development programmes, stress is laid on accelerated development of applied technology and the benefits these will give to society.
Intensive review and evaluation of the Antarctic research programme had let to revised priorities in scientific programmes taking into consideration the increasing importance and the relevance of Antarctic research in understanding the global change and environment.
In the field of Polymetallic Nodules Programme, emphasis so far had been on the utilisation of the technologies in the survey and exploration and mining for immediate use in the Exclusive Economic Zone. However, in the recent years, the programme has been expanded to development of technologies for deep sea mining, recovery of metals, etc.
Priority is also being accorded to integrated coastal and marine area management, ocean observation and information services including use of satellite remote sensing for exploration and sustainable utilisation of the living and non-living resources, pollution monitoring, monitoring of climate change, sea level variations, etc., collection and dissemination of oceanographic and meteorological data on real-time basis, development of technologies for tapping ocean energy, coastal and environmental engineering, marine instrumentation and enhancement of marine living resources, and coastal community programmes such as Shore to Vessel Communication System, development of Integrated Fish Finder-cum-Navigational Global Positioning System (IFFNGS), Island Development, etc. Continued support is being provided to Universities and R&D Institutions for conducting basic and applied research in various disciplines related to ocean sciences and technology and establishment of Ocean Science and Technology Cells.
India is elected Chairman of the Commission on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources for a two-year term from November, `98. India is a Member of the Antarctic Treaty System with a consultative status, a Member in the Council of Managers of the National Antarctic Programme, Standing Committee on Antarctic Logistics and Operations, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and in the Council of International Seabed Authority under Investors category for survey/exploration and exploitation of polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean. In addition, India's nominees have also been elected as members in various important institutions established under the UN Convention on Law of the Sea such as: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISBA), Finance Committee of the Authority, Legal and Technical Commission of the Council of the Authority, Finance Committee of ISBA, Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf, etc. India also is actively taking part in the Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission, Regional Seas Programme, etc.,
DELINEATION OF OUTER LIMITS OF CONTINENTAL SHELF
In accordance with Article 76 of United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), claims of the delineation of the outer limits of the continental shelf are required to be submitted within 10 years of coming into force of the Convention for the country concerned. Since India ratified the convention in June 1995, the claims are required to be submitted by June 2005. The claims will be based on the hydrographic survey data. India is likely to gain an additional area of about 1 to 1.5 million sq.km outside the Exclusive Economic Zone, where the inherent rights of India can be duly exercised. The basic components of the proposed programme are the baseline survey, bathymetric survey, seismic survey and data processing.
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CHAPTER II
Review of Overall Performance during 1997-98
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ANTARCTIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME
During the period under review, the XVII Indian Antarctic expedition with a team strength of 51 members was launched on 8 December, 1997 from the Antarctic Study Centre, Goa. A technical report on the 13th Antarctic Expedition and Indian National Database on Antarctic Science (INDAS) were published and released.
The scientific and logistic tasks undertaken during this expedition are as follows:
SCIENTIFIC
A. Atmospheric Sciences
(i) Vertical profiling of ozone and dynamics of ozone hole : The National Physical Laboratory continued to measure the vertical profile of ozone and other minor trace gases in the atmosphere upto a height of 60 km using a Laser Heterodyne System (LHS).
(ii) Fluxgate magnetometer studies : This is an ongoing study conducted by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai, and is aimed to understand the dynamics of mobile current systems in the Antarctic atmosphere. During the summer period, three fluxgate magnetometers and riometers were operated at the three vertices of a triangle with the objective to obtain velocity of mobile auroral current systems that leave back geomagnetic pulsations. During the winter period, single recording was continued. Exchange of data with the Italian station 'Terra Nova' was done in order to understand the conjugate phenomenon.
(iii) Climatological and meteorological studies: This is being pursued by India Meteorological Department since the first expedition with the aim to built up a Climatological data base of Antarctica on a decadenal scale. This information will be used to generate meteorological models to understand the patterns of Antarctic circulation in context to global and Indian weather systems. A permanent and continuous observatory for recording and transmitting weather parameters, reception of satellite cloud imagery and weather chart broadcast already exists and made operational during the XVII Expedition. Regular ozonesonde ascents will also be carried out to monitor surface and near surface ozone conditions.
(iv) VLF propagation studies: A new experiment was initiated by the scientists from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal on VLF radiowave propagation studies for mapping of electric fields using whistlers on a continuous basis from Antarctica. These whistlers are powerful tools for exploring the ionosphere and magnetosphere interactions emanating from the outer space. The co-ordinated monitoring of VLF propagation has been recommended by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to be pursued by various countries in Antarctica as a part of an international campaign on solar terrestrial and astro-physical research.
B. Earth Sciences
(i) Geological mapping and Glaciological studies: These studies are continued by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Geological mapping covering unmapped areas in the Kurze and Holtedahl ranges of Orvin mountains were carried out. Samples were collected from Schirmacher hills for laboratory analysis in order to understand the petro- geochemical evolution particularly, in terms of the metamorphic history. Glaciological studies are aimed to decipher the ice dynamics through monitoring of Dakshin Gangotri polar ice front.
(ii) Geological evolution of Schirmacher Hills : This is a multifaceted study initiated by the Dept. of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University in the XV Expedition. The aim of this ongoing project is to understand the evolution of the Schirmacher Oasis through the structural and petrologic signatures in the rocks. The pressure and temperature regime, under which the litho-units generated, was studied by investigating the grades and stages of metamorphism.
(iii) Snow drift and albedo studies: This is an ongoing study conducted by Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for understanding the net energy exchange budget between the atmosphere and a variety of terrain encountered in Antarctica. The reflectivity of the snow cover surface i.e., the albedo were measured through a number of experiments under different physical conditions. These studies were aimed to determine the dependence of snow albedo on snow surface parameters like age of snow, grain size and type of snow, cloud cover, solar elevation, etc.
(iv) Teleseismic studies: Studies on seismic activity as recorded in Antarctica from the Indian station were initiated on an experimental basis during the previous expedition by the scientists from the National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad. A permanent digital broad band seismograph observatory was established and linked with the international net work of seismic stations.
(v) Planetary geodetic studies: A permanent GPS Observatory was established in Schirmacher Oasis under the SCAR GPS Epoch campaign for carrying out high precision geodetic work in Antarctica. A Turbo Rogue GPS receiver was installed by NGRI as a part of the international GIANT projects (Geodetic Infrastructure in Antarctica). The scientific goals of this project are: (a) to provide accurate positions in the Global Reference Frame, as also a fundamental frame for (relative) positioning in the operation area of each Antarctic expedition; (b) to study movements of the Antarctic plate in relation to other plates; and (c) to link of sea level changes and study of vertical motions.
The above project was undertaken as a joint collaborative programme between India (NGRI & Survey of India) and the University of Dresden, Germany.
C. Environmental Sciences
(i) Environmental impact assessment studies: With the ratification of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, it is necessary to carry out proper environmental impact assessment studies and generate baseline parameters of the surrounding environment in Antarctica. Accordingly, as a part of ongoing programme, a scientist from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) participated in the XVII Expedition with the aim to monitor the status of air, noise, water, biological and land components in and around the areas of our operation. This study will also help to generate a waste management plan for Maitri and draw an environment evaluation/contingency plan.
D. Biological Sciences
(i) Bio-diversity of snow-bank fungi: As a part of studies on bio-diversity of Antarctica, Botanical Survey of India (BSI) for the first time, carried out a taxonomic survey of two classes of snow-bank fungi, namely Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes in the Schirmacher Oasis. A detailed study of their distribution pattern was taken up in order to address: (a) Taxonomy and floristics of fungi; (b) Phyto-geographical affinities vis-a-vis Indian occurrences; and (c) to ascertain the bio-potentials of fungi as producer of antibiotics.
(ii) Bio-diversity of moss inhabiting fauna: As a part of the ongoing studies on biodiversity of Antarctica, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) carried out studies on identification of invertebrates, belonging to Phylum Protozoa, Arthropoda and Nemathelminthes inhabiting terrestrial moss in the Schirmacher Oasis. This project while addressing the taxonomy of the above phyla of invertebrates will also help to generate the bio-geographical relationship in terms of the ecosystem.
(iii) Biodiversity and heavy metal contents in lichens: The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) conducted studies on the frequency, abundance, species diversity and density of lichens in the Schirmacher Oasis and Orwin mountains in Antarctica along with the determination of heavy metal contents in these organisms. The results of this study will be used as a comparison to earlier measurements taken by NBRI.
The above three experiments on bio-diversity will contribute to the international SCAR campaign on Biology of Terrestrial Antarctic Systems [BIOTAS].
(iv) Desiccation tolerance of Cyanobacteria: This study conducted by BHU scientists has been designed to understand the floristic changes on the terrestrial habitats of certain sites and the state of soluble and structural proteins under desiccation of some Cyanobacteria on Antarctic soil. The main objectives of this study are to analyse the qualitative and quantitative occurrence and distribution of Cyanobacterial population at different sites as eco-indicators.
E. Medical Sciences
Human immune response studies: The National Institute of Immunology for the first time participated in the 17th expedition with the aim to study the effect of prolonged exposure to geophysical and environmental factors of Antarctic on human immune response system. The above study was conducted in three phases namely, prior, during and after the expedition. A complete set of immunological parameters was collected using standard medical tests on human subjects. The results obtained would be co-related with the complimentary ongoing studies of AIIMS on human physiology.
F. Engineering & Communication
(i) Structural engineering studies: Research and Development Engineering Establishment, Pune has been entrusted to undertake a study on condition monitoring of the structural components of the station under low temperature conditions. A novel aspect of these studies is an on-line health monitoring of various infrastructure facilities through INTERNET. Data on insulation properties of various materials were also collected along with regular monitoring of neutral voltage on supply line.
(ii) Communication technology: The Defence Electronics & Application Laboratory has been given the complete responsibility of maintenance and upgradation of the communication linkages from Maitri. This includes Maitri to India communication, Maitri to convoy communication and convoy to convoy communication using various modes. In addition, DEAL carried out the experiments on: (a) Upgradation of data and voice communication between Maitri and India using high speed modems and computer interfacing; (b) HF propagation as a factor of ionospheric conditions and geomagnetic storms; and (c) improvement in transmission techniques of still picture frames.
(iii) Wind energy utilisation in Antarctica: The two year project on designing and fabricating a wind turbine system for Antarctica which was initiated by the National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL) last year was concluded after a detailed energy audit was prepared and specific wind parameters were measured on a year round basis. Based on the data collected NAL would provide the design concepts of suitable wind turbine system.
LOGISTICS
(a) Establishment of a full-fledged MI room comprising OT, examination room, x-ray and dark room, sterilization room, linen and medical store room in the 'A' block of the station.
(b) Relaying of the water supply pipeline using trace coil heating system.
(c) Construction of an underground vault for permanent seismic station at Maitri.
(d) Upgradation and regular maintenance of land convoy vehicles and communication systems.
(e) Upkeep of fire fighting equipment of Maitri and updating the serviceability of all fire fighting equipment.
(f) Upkeep of station infrastructure and all life support systems as a part of regular maintenance task.
(g) Upkeep and restoration of the natural habitat of Maitri and its surroundings in line with the environmental requirements.
(h) Commissioning of water supply system with trace coil heating and new garage-cum- workshop at Maitri.
ANTARCTIC STUDY CENTRE
The construction of the Antarctic Study Centre (ASC), at Goa, which is designed to cater as the nodal Centre for all future scientific and logistic activities related to the Indian Antarctic expeditions progressed as per schedule. Completion and commissioning of Phase I of the ASC comprising the logistics, administrative, service and residential blocks. The new premises have already been occupied and made functional. The launching ceremony of the 17th expedition was conducted from the new building.
The expenditure incurred under this programme during the year 1997-98 was to the tune of Rs.21.51 crore.
MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
Assessment of Marine Living Resources
Presently the data relating to Marine Living Resources cover areas only upto 50-70 m depth. While the region upto 50-70 m depth is exploited almost to the maximum sustainable levels, the offshore region is largely under-exploited and there is reluctance on the part of the Industry to enter this sector because of the inadequacy of the information on the available resources. A reliable estimation of these resources and an understanding of the likely potential is called for. As observed by the UN Conference on Straddling and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, some form of an international involvement in the management of the high seas fishery resources is necessary. As the resources up to 50-70 m depth stand fully exploited there is an urgent need to have a better understanding of the resources and potential of the living resources of the Indian EEZ.
Keeping in view the aforesaid, a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional programme aimed at making an assessment of the marine living resources beyond 70 m depth within the Indian EEZ and correlating the fish abundance/availability with the oceanographic parameters, has been initiated during the 9th Five Year Plan.
The major objectives of the programme inter-alia area include:
* To have a realistic and reliable information on the potential of marine living resources in the Indian EEZ, for sustainable development and management.
* To augment the sea food production and thereby the income of the coastal fishing community and the fishing industry.
During 1997-98, the Department launched the following six projects under this programme:
* Assessment of environmental parameters and the marine living resources (primary and secondary) and the role of Myctophid fauna in the mesopelagic habitat.
* Stock assessment, biology and resource mapping of deep sea shrimps, lobsters and fishes.
* Studies on Deep scattering layers (DSL).
* Harvest technology and catch composition of deep-sea fishery resources.
* Investigation of Toxic Algal Blooms.
* Investigations on the benthic productivity.
The expenditure for this programme was met from the provisions under the Marine Research & Capacity Building programme.
Drugs from the Sea
The performance under this programme during 1997-98 includes:
* Collection and identification of 200 new marine flora and fauna for chemical extraction and bio-evaluation.
* Continuation of the process of Biological evaluation of 6 organisms possessing anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, anti-anxiolytic, wound-healing and larvicidal activities.
* Initiation of clinical trials of Phase-I active extracts and regulatory pharmacology and toxicology.
An expenditure of Rs. 2.50 crore was incurred.
MARINE NON-LIVING RESOURCES
A. Polymetallic Nodules Programme
The Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) Programme is a national programme with international commitments. The programme consists of four components: Survey & Exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA), Technology Development for mining of nodules and Technology Development for extraction of metals. The programme is reviewed and guided by the PMN Management Board. br>
The major achievements during 1997-98 are as follows:
Survey & Exploration
Spot sampling at a closer grid of 5 Km was initiated in the identified blocks for trends of higher abundance and validating block-wise estimation. Spot photography of sampling stations was taken. Geo-statistical resource data based on closer grid sampling in selected blocks were updated. Additional 10% of Pioneer Area was relinquished to the International Seabed Authority. A total of 30% Pioneer Area now stands relinquished.
EIA Study
The seabed was distributed at the test site by a specially designed mechanical disturber to stimulate environmental disturbance as a part of Comprehensive EIA Study. The benthic disturbance report was prepared on the basis of samples/data collected with as specialised vessel. The impact of disturbance in the test and reference site was monitored periodically.
Technology Development (Mining)
An agreement was concluded between NIOT and University of Siegen, (IKS), Germany for a joint technology development programme for shallow-bed mining at 500m depth as a prelude to deep-sea mining. Under this programme, it is proposed to refurbish the crawler designed and developed by IKS and to field test it. An improved ROV capable of operating unto 250 metres depth was designed, fabricated and field tested. A manipulator was also designed and fabricated for integration with ROV.
Technology Development (Extractive Metallurgy)
Demonstration campaigns at National Metallurgical Laboratory (Jamesdhpur), Regional Research Laboratory (Bhubaneswar) and Hindustan Zinc Limited (Udaipur) to revalidate the data generated in earlier campaigns were continued. Design of down stream solvent extraction facility at Baba Atomic Research Centre for extraction of cobalt and nickel from the sulphate solution of RRL (B) was undertaken. Campaigns with leach solution from RRL (B) were carried out and a 500 Kg/day semi-continuous demonstration plant at Hindustan Zinc Limited (Udaipur) was designed and developed.
B. Benfan
The main objectives of the programme include:
* To generate high resolution climate change markers in the sediments of the Bay of Bengal and develop a dynamic model of sedimentary accumulation during glacial and inter-glacial periods.
* To establish a technological package capable of delineation of active faults in the continental shelf off Andhra Pradesh and estimating their hazard potential.
* To define the kinemetic boundary between the Bay of Bengal lithosphere and the Andaman-Nicobar island arc.
During 1997-98 collection of long cores from various parts of fans was initiated.
The expenditure incurred during 1997-98, for implementation of the programmes under Marine Non-Living Resources was Rs.15.51 crore.
OCEAN OBSERVATION & INFORMATION SERVICES
The Marine Satellite Information Service (MARSIS) programme which was implemented during 8th Plan has been revamped, restructured and integrated into an Ocean Observation and Information Services (OOIS), during the 9th Five Year Plan. This Programme has four components viz. Ocean Observation System, Ocean Information Services, Ocean Modeling and Dynamics and Satellite Coastal Oceanographic Research.
The main objectives of this programme to: Synthesise Ocean and coastal remote sensing data with actual observed and measured data to generate and disseminate coastal and ocean data and data products in the form of sea surface temperature (SST), Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) advisories and other ocean features, like waves, upwelling zones, oceanic eddy information, chlorophyll and suspended sediment loads etc; manage the Marine Data Centres (MDCs) set up under National Ocean Information Service (NOIS) and Marine Satellite Information Service (MARSIS) Centres; undertake and organise validation campaigns for ocean satellite sensors and collection of sea truth data; undertake experimental ocean state forecast; undertake surveys and assess user demands, specifications of the Ocean Information Service costing, marketing and marketing strategies.
The achievements during 1997-98 include:
Ocean Observing System
Assembly and deployment of 12 data buoys at selected locations in the coastal/deep waters of India. A National Data Buoy Centre was established at National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai for near real time reception, analysis and dissemination of in- situ ocean data. A training programme was conducted for technical staff of Data Buoy Centre for deployment, data management, and maintenance of the equipment. By deployment of additional drifting buoys, current-meter arrays etc., sea truth and ground truth data collection for validation of satellite derived data, were carried out. Vertical profiling of temperature and salinity using expendable Bathythermographs and expendable CTDs and measurement of surface temperature and air pressure through 4 drifting buoys were carried out. Seven modern tide gauge stations set up at Porbundar, Mumbai, Marmagoa, Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Port Blair were operated and maintained for assessment of sea level variation. One more modern tide gauge station was commissioned at Paradip for accurate measurement of sea level.
Ocean Information Service
Operational services such as generation and dissemination of SST maps and PFZ advisories were continued. Coral reef maps on 1:50,000 scale for the Indian coast were prepared using satellite data from IRS, LISS and SPOT. A validation campaign of Modular Optical Scanner (MOS) carried out and algorithms were developed to retrieve chlorophyll data for the Indian Ocean. Coastal zone information services were strengthened. Wind- vector maps, atlases on Mixed Layer depth, heat budget etc., were generated. National Marine Data Centres were further strengthened for collection, compilation and dissemination of oceanographic data to user agencies.
Satellite Coastal Oceanographic Research (SATCORE)
Packing of models for retrieval of ocean parameters like waves, winds, SST, mixed layer depths etc., to make them user friendly was initiated. Assimilation studies were initiated to integrate data from different sources to develop contemporary ocean models.
Ocean Dynamics & Modelling:
Development of regional models on the dynamics of the Indian Ocean was taken up and parameters that govern their short-term/long-term variability were defined. Development of specific models that can provide 3-7 days forecasts on ocean-state; and long-term changes in climate and the contribution of the oceans to these changes. Under JGOFS programme, the observations were completed and the data collected are being integrated to estimate the carbon flux in the Arabian Sea. Recognising the importance of JGOFS studies, a science plan for undertaking the JGOFS studies in the Bay of Bengal was formulated. A project for Land-Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ-India) to assess the carbon fluxes in the selected regions of the coastal zones of India was initiated.
The expenditure incurred during 1997-98, for implementation of the programmes under various components of OOIS was Rs.20.93 crore.
MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
A. Coastal Ocean Monitoring & Prediction Systems (COMAPS)
The major objectives of this programme are:
* Systematic collection of data on pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticide residue in water, sediment and biological organisms at 77 stations along the coastline of the country.
* Development of methodologies for the evaluation of assimilative capacities of coastal marine areas for contaminant reduction and models for predicting the dynamics of the pollutants and their ultimate fate using the data generated.
During the year 1997-98, the monitoring programme was continued and 5 more locations were added due to the availability of Coastal Research Vessels. The programme brought out additional information about the status of marine pollution at the 82 locations along the coastline of the country. A glance of status of pollution indicated that the pollution levels more or less remained unchanged compared to the previous years except in case of Puri where the pollution due to domestic sewage was reduced on account of the installation of sewage treatment plant. Two inter-calibration exercises were also undertaken during the year.
The expenditure under this programme was Rs.1.99 crore.
B. Coastal Research Vessels
In order to strengthen marine pollution monitoring along the coastal waters of the country, DOD acquired 2 Coastal Research Vessels, Sagar Purvi and Sagar Paschimi - each 30 m long during 1996-97 - for facilitating collection of samples at all desired locations and for onboard analysis of mandatory parameters. The vessels have an endurance of 10 days with accommodation facilities for 7 scientists and 11 crew members.
During the year 1997-98, Sagar Purvi plying along the East Coast (Mandapam to Calcutta) made 18 cruises which was participated by COMAPS institutions such as Central Electro Chemicals Research Institute; Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceonography, Visakhapatnam; Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar and Central Pollution Control Board. Sagar Paschimi plying from Tuticorin to Gulf of Kutch completed 23 cruises which was participated by COMAPS institutions like Central Electro Chemicals Research Institute, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Regional Research Laboratory, Trivandrum; Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography (Mumbai, Cochin) and National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and Centre for Salt, Chemicals and Research Institute. The vessels performed satisfactorily and all its systems performed well during most of the cruises.
The expenditure under this programme was Rs. 3.39 crore.
C. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)
Adoption of the framework of ICMAM is the most appropriate way to achieve the ecological balance and sustainable economic development in coastal areas faced with rapid industrialisation, tourism and huge influx of masses from inland areas. ICMAM involves comprehensive assessment and setting of objectives, planning and management of coastal areas and resources, taking into account traditional, cultural and historical perspectives and conflicting interests & uses.
The broad objectives of the ICMAM Capacity Building component are:
* To acquire knowledge relating to advanced tools and techniques for an integrated Management of Coastal and Marine areas and development of expertise to use these tools to meet the present as well as future needs.
* To enhance the capabilities of concerned Government Departments both Central and State and National and State Institutions to deal with the various technical and management issues relating to the Integrated Management of Coastal and Marine environment through capacity building exercises like training, field exercises.
* Development of basic infrastructure and establish facilities to conduct survey, R&D and training on ICMAM related activities.
* To develop capabilities in the coastal States and UTs for adoption of ICMAM through training
* To create a base for human resource development in the fields of ICMAM.
* To ensure sustainable development and management of the ocean resources and enforcement of rules and regulations for regulation of ocean related activities in the ocean zone and make Indian oceans clean and productive.
The performance under this programme during 1997-98 includes:
The scheme commenced during the year 1997-98. The major activities undertaken include establishment of a Project Directorate at Chennai and preparative works such as identification of various activities to be undertaken, preparation of Terms of Reference and other procedures as laid down by the World Bank for implementation of the Environmental Capacity Building component scheme.
An expenditure of Rs.3.22 crore was incurred.
MARINE RESEARCH AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT
The objectives include:
* To encourage research on physical and chemical processes which govern the seas of India, impact of natural anthropogenic sources on global climate change. Generate reliable data and information system for development of suitable technologies for optimal utilisation of the ocean resources
* To strengthen the Infrastructure facilities in selected universities/institutes to carry out basic research in Marine Sciences.
* To create centres of excellence on ocean sciences at selected institutes/universities
* To create a cadre of high class ocean scientists and trained personnel/users.
* To create awareness among the school children, public and coastal community on the usefulness of ocean resources and create scientific temperament among the people on ocean science.
During 1997-98 the following were the major accomplishments:
Sixteen out of 18 projects were continued. Fourteen new Marine Research Projects were sponsored. Ocean Science & Technology Cells (OSTC) were set up in five selected Universities located in the coastal states, in the field of Marine Coastal Ecology of east and west coasts, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Marine Microbiology and Coastal Marine Culture Systems. Fiftyfive new Fellowships were awarded in addition to 34 ongoing fellowships, which were continued.
An expenditure of Rs.2.16 crore was incurred.
COASTAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System
Phase-II of the Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System envisaging establishment of shore stations in 10 places viz. Shankarpur and Frasergunj in West Bengal; Paradeep and Chandipur in Orissa; Worli and Mirkarwada in Maharashtra; Salegao in North Goa; Marine Hill-Port Blair in A&N Islands; Periya Veerampattinam in Pondicherry and Minicoy in Lakshadweep was under progress.
Construction of shore stations and the erection of tower/mast with antenna were in progress in six places. In Maharastra, A&N Islands and Lakshadweep, the construction work would be initiated soon. Walkie-talkie sets would facilitate communication between the fishermen in the sea and the shore stations.
Integrated Fish Finder and Navigational Global positioning System (IFFNGS)
Fifty units of IFFNGS were distributed to the fishermen selected by the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa for demonstrating the usefulness of these systems for locating fishing shoals and the position of fishing vessels in the sea. Fifty more units will be proposed to be distributed to the selected fishermen in the States of West Bengal, Orissa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Pondicherry and A&N Islands, during 1998-99.
A sum of Rs. 1.82 crore was incurred as expenditure during 1997-98.
Island Development Programme
The project on demonstration of Prawn Culture in Island ecosystem was concluded with the imparting of training to the Islanders. The technology developed and standardised for brackishwater aquaculture in acidic soil was disseminated to the local community. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) implemented this programme by setting up an autonomous society - Andaman and Nicobar Shrimp Farming Development and Research Agency (ANSFDA). On completion of this project, this society was dissolved by MPEDA with the approval of Ministry of Commerce and the assets and liabilities were taken over with effect from February 1998. These facilities will be used for implementing the future Island Development Programmes.
The A&N Centre for Ocean Development (ANCOD) set up for coordinating the efforts on the Marine Living Resources in the Island Groups and to implement the ongoing programmes such as monitoring the coastal ocean pollution in the Andaman waters, coral reef rejuvenation, etc., was strengthened by posting a Senior Scientific Officer and by creating the posts of a Technical Officer and a Technical Assistant with supporting Administrative staff.
The achievements during 1997-98 include, continuation of the ongoing programmes such as rejuvenation of coral reef, studies on the ecology and environmental aspects of the A&N waters. The artificial structures deployed for rejuvenation of coral reef were examined periodically to study the growth of corals. It was observed that out of three places where the artificial structures were deployed very near the existing natural coral reef, the growth was profuse and the entire artificial reef area was covered with hard and soft corals and rich in ornamental reef fishes and invertebrates. The Shrimp Culture project was completed. A multi-institutional programme on Island Development - Enhancement of Marine Living Resources through Sea ranching and sea farming initially for lobster fattening was initiated.
An expenditure of Rs. 0.10 crore was incurred during 1997-98.
OCEAN AWARENESS
Exhibitions & Fairs
The Department participated in a 16 day long Science Exhibition (SOPAN) having the theme `Science Since Independence' in New Delhi. The occasion provided the children an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the science conducted on the icy continent of Antarctica and the high seas. The exhibition was held to commemorate the birth anniversary of late Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Department also displayed ocean-related technology in the field of Ocean Energy, Deep Sea Mining, etc., by taking part in the `Made in India' Exhibition held at Johannesburg, south Africa from 11th to 14th Feb., '98. Other important programmes of the Department like Antarctic programme and Ocean Observation and Information Services were also highlighted appropriately during the event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Preparation of exhibits and models meant for use at Lisbon Expo, 1998 on the them "The Oceans - Our Heritage for the Future " at Portugal, was undertaken.
Seminar/Symposia/Conferences/Workshops etc.
In order to create a platform to exchange views among scientists, user communities and general public and also to support the Scientific and Technological activities about 45 International/National Seminar /Symposia/Workshops/Meetings/Conferences were sponsored on Ocean related topics during the financial year.
An expenditure of Rs. 0.15 crore was incurred during 1997-98.
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS & CO-OPERATION
India continued to contribute and participate in the International Seabed Authority, Antarctic Treaty consultative meetings, Commission on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, International Oceanographic Commission (JGOFS & GOOS) Programmes, Regional Seas Programme and Independent World Commission on Oceans. International Seabed Authority approved India's application for approval of plan of work for exploration of Polymetallic nodules in the pioneer area. Two Indian scientists underwent training in fishing technology, stock assessment, fish preservation and processing of krill, etc. under the Indo-Polish programme of cooperation for S&T at Sea Fisheries Institute, Poland from August to October 1997. India was elected as Vice-Chairman of Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO) during 19th Session of IOC Assembly, held at Paris in June 1997. India was elected as Chairman of the Regional Committee for the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO) which has been constituted to promote oceanographic activities in this region. A Regional Seminar on " India in the 21st Century - Linkages and Networking" was held in February 1998 in N. Delhi in commemoration the International Year of the Ocean, 1998.
Under Indo-Mauritian Joint Commission on Economic, Technical and Cultural Organisation, a five member Expert Team from India held consultations with the Mauritian Scientists and Officials during 6-12 June 1997 in Mauritius and identified a number of activities under the following areas of cooperation between India and Mauritius:
(i) Study on the enlargement and clearing of passes around Mauritius.
(ii) Mapping of the EEZ of Mauritius for non-living resources.
(iii) Preparation of Integrated Coastal Management Plan.
(iv) Study on hydrodynamics of the seas around Mauritius.
On the basis of the discussion between the two sides and the areas of activities identified, a draft project report on each of the above mentioned four areas, were generated and forwarded to the Mauritian side for further follow up.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Indian and Argentina in January, '98 for cooperation in Antarctic Research and logistics.
An expenditure of Rs. 0.96 crore was incurred during 1997-98.
Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental Shelf
In order to optimise the survey and data collection, an exercise was undertaken to re- quantify the work based on the data available with participating institutions. The Baseline Survey has been initiated by National Hydrographic Office. The continuous monitoring and review mechanism established with the constitution of (1) Steering Committee and (2) Standing Committees on Bathymetric Survey and Seismic Survey. Indicative Foot of the Slope Map off East Coast and West Coast of India is being reconciled by the participating institutions viz. NHO and GSI which will form the basis for the proposed bathymetric survey. The specification of parameter for seismic data acquisition finalised.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY (NIOT)
The National Institute of Ocean Technology was established in November 1993 as a registered society under the administrative control of the Department of Ocean Development with a view to developing technology relevant to ocean sector. NIOT is also rendering consultancy services to industry. NIOT is currently implementing various time- bound projects under 4 missions viz. Ocean Energy, Deep Sea Technology and ocean mining, Coastal Zone Studies and Marine Instrumentation.
Ocean Energy
An impulse turbine with self-pitched guide vanes, connected by links was designed, erected and commissioned in May, '97. Experiments conducted showed that the peak power was 80 kW and the average during an eight minute interval was 12.3 kW. It is observed that the impulse turbine, has a performance superior to that of wells turbines. A jetty was also constructed in order that the plant is operational during the monsoon of 1998. Laboratory studies were underway in order to design a floating type of oscillating water column called the backward bent ducted buoy. Preliminary studies were conducted on harnessing ocean energy following the principle of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). A Memorandum of Understanding for the design of a 1 MW OTEC plant was signed with Saga University. A detailed project report for the implementation of the 1 MW floating OTEC plant, was prepared and the approval of the Expenditure Finance Committee was obtained to implement the project during 1998-99.
Deep-sea Technology and Shallow Bed Mining
NIOT and University of Siegen (IKS) signed an agreement in January, 1998 for undertaking a joint technology development programme for an integrated deep sea mining system in a phased manner. Under this programme, in Phase-I, the crawler designed and developed by IKS will be tested at a depth of 500 m in Indian waters. The crawler is being refurbished with a cutting system, a manipulator and a slurry pumping system for an early test shallow bed mining demonstration. A remotely operable vehicle capable of operating upto 200m water depth was designed and tested at a shallow test basin. The performance of the vehicle with respect to its controllability and stability was evaluated. Design and development of an underwater robotic arm with a payload capacity of 2 kg and four degrees of freedom suitable for operations like sample collection, picking of objects etc., was undertaken. Dry testing was carried out in March 1998. Development of a slurry pump test system for providing design details for offshore mining was undertaken. Design and manufacture of underwater connectors was initiated and the first prototype 4 pin type connector was fabricated. A project for determination and development of underwater electric motor driven thrusters was initiated.
Coastal & Environmental Engineering
Two projects of the previous plan period, `Baseline data collection of aquaculture farms' and other `Oceanographic Measurements along North Madras and Pondicherry coast' were completed and results were analysed. A short term project work on developing a frustum of a cone as a breakwater armour unit was taken up.
Under the project Oceanographic Measurements along North Madras and Pondicherry Coasts, beach profiles at 10 locations, sediment sampling at 14 locations and current measurement at 13 locations were made. Validation and Calibration exercise has been completed. Base line data collection of aquaculture farms was completed. An efficient model for near shore hydrodynamics was developed and verified. Studies on Sediment Transport and Deposition at the Mouths of Pulicat Lake and Cooum River were initiated. A software has been developed for the analysis of floating breakwaters and its testing with reference to laboratory and its testing with reference to laboratory experiments is in progress. A basic storm surge prediction software using finite element method has been developed. Simulation studies for the ocean shelf region between Chennai and Kalingapatnam have been carried out. An inundation model with surge prediction has been developed and the model is being tested with actual topography. Work on high precision sea level gauges to obtain sea level data for future calibration of surge and inundation software has been initiated.
Marine Instrumentation
An Acoustic Tide Gauge (ATG) was designed and developed with an accuracy of better than 1 cm, and field trials were conducted at Chennai Port Trust. A novel calibration technique using quarter wave tubes as side branches has also been developed to minimize errors due to temperature effects. A project to design, develop and fabricate a prototype ROSS module with environmental sensor and underwater radio control from a stationery ship or shore was taken up. A 3-component multilayer Perforated Ball Velocity Meter (PVBM) has been developed. Ten strain gauge cantilever arms with perforated balls, which form the main component of PVBM current meter, have been fabricated and tested in laboratory. The laboratory model has been demonstrated at the wave basin in September 1997.
A sum of Rs. 8.25 crore was incurred as expenditure during 1997-98.
NON-PLAN PROGRAMMES
EXPLORATION OF LIVING AND NON-LIVING RESOURCES USING
FORV SAGAR SAMPADA AND ORV SAGAR KANYA
The FORV Sagar Sampada completed 11 cruises relating to studies on relationship of chemical and biological oceanographic parameters and abundance of living resources in the Arabian Sea. Extensive training programmes on living resources also conducted on board. During 1997-98, seven MR-LR projects namely (i) assessment of environmental parameters, (ii) stock assessment, biology and resource mapping of deep sea fishes, (iii) studies on deep scattering layer, (iv) investigation on benthic productivity, (v) investigation on toxic algal blooms, (vi) harvest technology and (vii) predictive modelling for marine fishes were approved for implementation.
ORV Sagar Kanya undertook 15 cruises in the fields of chemical, physical and geological oceanography. Air-sea interaction studies to understand the role of oceans in climate change were also undertaken.
A sum of Rs.15.05 crore was incurred as expenditure during 1997-98.
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CHAPTER III
Review of Overall Performance during 1998-99
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Significant Achievements During 1998-99
POLAR SCIENCE ( ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) PROGRAMME
The XVIII Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was launched on December 14, 1998 for conducting in the contemporary areas of atmospheric, geological, biological, environmental, medical sciences and engineering & communication. An Iranian scientist is participating in this expedition.
Impetus will be laid to contribute and participate in various international scientific campaigns mounted by SCAR on a bi/multilateral platform in order to play an active and perceptible role in polar science and logistics. Phase I of the Antarctic Study Centre (ASC) will be made fully functional. ASC will serve as the nodal agency for coordinating and launching the Antarctic expeditions. Planning and construction of Phase II comprising the laboratories will commence. The database repository on polar science and the snow ice modelling facilities at ASC will be established. At Maitri in Antarctica, the new MI Room construction will be completed. The under ground seismic vault for housing a permanent seismic observatory will be commissioned.
MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
Drugs from the Sea
The achievements during 1998-99 would include:
* Continuation of the next sequential step of development of Drugs from Marine organisms.
* Initiating regularly pharmacology and toxicology of the active extracts/products.
* Initiating simultaneous Phase I and II clinical trials for products under the traditional mode, particularly for the anti-diabetic.
Assessment of Marine Living Resources
This is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional programme aimed at making an assessment of the marine living resources beyond 70 m depth within the Indian EEZ and correlating the fish abundance/availability with the oceanographic parameters, during the 9th Five Year Plan.
The achievements of the programme during 1998-99 inter alia are:
* Compilation of available information on marine living resources, their distribution and their inter-relationship with oceanographic parameters.
* Development of a systematic and standard methodology for carrying out resources survey in the Indian EEZ.
* Upgradation/augmentation of on-board and on-shore facilities with Sagar Sampada Cell, and FSI and the educational institutions.
* Collection and compilation of information/data for assessment of the marine living resources in our EEZ.
MARINE NON-LIVING RESOURCES PROGRAMME
The following are the likely achievements under the Polymetallic Nodules Programme during 1998-99.
A. Polymetallic Nodules Programme
Survey & Exploitation
* Continuation of spot sampling at 5 Km grid for higher trends of higher abundance.
* Spot photography at spot sampling stations.
* Updating geo-statistical resource evaluation.
* Collection of bulk samples for metallurgical activity.
EIA Study
* Monitoring of impacts of disturbance in the test and reference site periodically
Technology Development (Mining)
* Developing in a phased manner necessary technology components, subsystems and finally an integrated deep-sea mining module to mine nodules from the Indian Mine Site at CIOB from water depth of 6000 meters.
* Basic engineering and specification of a mining complex module of 25,000 tons/year shall be generated. Simultaneously existing crawler with the German Collaborator shall be refurbished, necessary accessories integrated and demonstrate shall bed mining up to 500 m depth in Indian waters.
Technology Development (Extractive Metallurgy)
* Demonstration campaigns at RRL (B), NML (J), and HZL (U) to validate the data obtained from earlier campaigns and for optimisation of process parameters.
* Design of down stream exactly at BARC for extraction of cobalt and nickel from the sulphate solution generated at RRL (B)
* Design and development of semi-continuous demonstration plant of 500 kg/day capacity to be established at HZL (U).
* Campaigns at RRL (B), for generation of leach solution
B. Bengal and Nicobar Fan (BENFAN):
* The BENFAN programme was approved by the SFC with multi-institutional role.
* NIO, Goa to carry out multibeam swath bathymetric studies, geochemical studies, studies of benthic foraminifers and response of planktonic foraminifera and carbonate to quaternary palaeo-oceanographic changes.
* PRL, Ahmedabad to undertake isotopic studies and radiometric dating of long cores.
* Andhra University, Vizag to take up granulometry, mineralogy and major element geochemistry.
* Madras University to study texture, geochemistry and clay mineralogy of samples.
* GSI, Calcutta to make studies on ostacod assemblages of ocean bottom sediments.
* Surface morphology of the Central Bay of Bengal to identify locations for sediment core collections particularly the long cores.
OCEAN OBSERVATION & INFORMATION SERVICES
The major achievements during 1998-99 are:
Ocean Observing System
* Retrieve, store, archive and disseminate the tidal data and maintenance of Floating Type Digital Tide Gauges (FTDGs)
* Apart from periodical maintenance of buoys and sensors deployed in the first and second years, data dissemination will also be carried out. Data from all the 12 buoys are expected to be made available to end-users.
* Procurement of drifting buoys, deployment of data acquisition, processing, and quality control and archival, validation of SST retrieval algorithm, preparation of 10 day averaged 1x1c surface velocity climatology, etc.
* Procurement of components and fabrication and deployment of current arrays, processing and transfer of data.
* Procurement of XBT probes, analysis, interpretation and publishing of annual data
* Procurement of special equipment, finalisation of annual validation campaigns, procurement of satellite data, collection of met-ocean data.
Ocean Information Services
* Continuation of generation of SST and experimental data products. Continuation of generation and dissemination of PFZ forecasts.
* Real-time reception of foreign satellites' ocean colour sensor data. Derivation of the Ocean Colour data products like chlorophyll, suspended sediments and bathymetry and operational generation of the products, depending on the availability of ocean colour sensors.
* Experimental generation of integrated PFZ forecast by including various environmental parameters like chlorophyll, suspended sediments, nutrients etc.
* Experimental product generation and validation of products on wind and wave parameters from microwave data.
* Generation of coastal zone maps/information required by users with available high- resolution satellite data.
Satellite Coastal Oceanographic Research (SATCORE):
* Packaging and customarisation of Version I software for retrieval of ocean parameters.
* Continuation of R&D activities for upgradation of existing algorithms, initiation of the development of Version II software by using other algorithms and improved models.
Ocean Dynamics & Modelling
* Development of process models for air-sea interaction and sub-grid processes
* Integration of Ocean Global Circulation Model (OGCM) and validation
* Formulation of flux schemes/simple atmospheric models for development of an Ocean Model and a hybrid coupled model for the Indian monsoon region.
* Development of data assimilation and forecasting system for horizontal and vertical structure of currents, temperature and salinity in the Indian seas and study of the effect of freshwater discharge from major river systems on the circulation pattern.
* Observation part of Land Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) and processing of JGOFS Bay of Bengal proposal.
* Results of the Indian JGOFS field programme would be integrated and presented in the International Symposium of JGOFS proposed to be held in Amsterdam during November 1999.
COASTAL AND MARINE AREA MANAGEMENT
The major achievements in 1998-99 includes:
A. Coastal Ocean Monitoring & Prediction Systems (COMAPS)
* Continuation of inter-calibration exercises on chemical parameters once in six months.
* Continued collection of data on chemical and biological pollution and other parameters and intensive monitoring of hot spots.
* Processing of data to draw inference on the levels of pollutants in different parts of the coastal ocean and dissemination of knowledge to the Pollution Control Boards whenever the pollution levels reach alarming levels.
B. Coastal Research Vessels
Two coastal Research Vessels, viz. Sagar Paschimi and Sagar Purvi have been deployed to facilitate systematic collection and analysis of sediment and biological samples from Coastal India.
During the year both the vessels would complete 48 cruises for pollution monitoring. Reviewing the performance of the ships and the equipment onboard the vessels. Assessment of the scientific contribution of the vessels and the capabilities and upgrading the scientific instruments for successful execution of all the programmes.
C. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)
The major achievements expected under this programme during 1998-99 are:
* Initiating the project activities on development of GIS based information system and completion of training on methodology. Data for 2 seasons collected and design for GIS database developed.
* Consultants for the project on Determination of Waste Assimilation Capacity and Development of Model ICMAM Plans engaged.
* Review of EIA reports for coastal & marine projects completed.
* Completion of design of Instrumentation and Ecotoxicology Labs for National Facility on ICMAM.
* Project on designated best use of coastal waters and determination of "No Impact Zone", initiated.
MARINE RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING
The achievements during 1998-99 include:
* Continuation of 30 ongoing Research Projects.
* Funding 20 more research projects in newly emerging and front-line areas of ocean sciences viz. Physical, Chemical and Biological Oceanography, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Coastal Engineering, Marine Chemistry, Marine Pharmacology, Pollution and Coastal Zone Management, Ocean Dynamics, Oceanic Processes, Satellite Oceanography, Marine Archeology, Mathematical Modeling, Marine Instrumentation, Climatology, etc.
* Setting up 5 more Ocean Science & Technology Cells in selected coastal Universities, in the areas of Ocean Engineering & Underwater Robotics, Beach-placer Deposits, Marine Biology, Coastal Hazards and Marine Benthos.
* Fellowships awarded in the previous year will be continued.
* Fresh research associateships and research fellowships will be awarded in specialised areas.
COASTAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
A. Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System and IFFNGS
The achievements during 1998-99 would include:
* Completion and commissioning of all the 10 shore stations for providing shore to fishing vessel communication to the fishermen.
* Distribution of the remaining 50 IFFNGS to the fishermen in three States and three Union Territories.
* An MOU will be signed between the DOD and the concerned stations for taking over of the Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication system at 10 sites for continued operation and maintenance beyond 1998-99.
* Obtaining the feedback from the fishermen on the usefulness of IFFNGS for commercialisation of these gadgets.
B. Island Development Programme
The achievements during 1998-99 includes:
* Continuation of the ongoing pogrammes such as rejuvenation of coral reef, studies on the ecology and environmental aspects of the A & N waters.
* A concerted programme for Island Development as a mission mode project of NIOT will be initiated.
* A pilot demonstration project for lobster fattening will be initiated.
OCEAN AWARENESS
* Monitoring the construction of an oceanarium at Goa.
* The proposals received for construction of ocenaria in Delhi, Chennai and Visakhapatnam are under active consideration. Technical suitability of the Delhi site is being examined.
* About 50 seminars/symposia/workshops will be sponsored.
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS & CO-OPERATION
A. Contribution to International Orgnisations:
During 1998-99, India continued to contribute and participate in the International Seabed Authority, Meeting of State Parties to the Law of the Sea Convention, Antarctic Treaty consultative meetings, Commission on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, International Oceanographic Commission (JGOFS & GOOS) Programmes, Regional Seas Programme and Independent World Commission on Oceans. On the eve of the International Year of the Ocean, H.E. Mr. Satya Nandan, Secretary General, International Seabed Authority visited India in November 1998 and delivered lectures on contemporary issues in Ocean Policy and Law at Goa, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. India has been elected Chairman of the CCAMLR for a two-year period from November 1998 to November 2000. India hosted the 1998 Working Group on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management meeting at Kochi from 10 - 21 August, 1998.
In commemoration of International Year of the Ocean (IYO), Department had taken up several activities such as organising special lectures and special oceanographic cruises, distribution of stickers, conducting workshops, signing of ocean charter, printing of stamps and inland letters for promoting the awareness of oceans among public, government and educational institutions. A national symposium on `Oceans our Heritage' on All India Radio, and a panel discussion on `Oceans - Common Heritage of Mankind' on national television (Doordarshan) were organised. Special supplement in daily newspaper "The Hindu" was issued. Signing of "Ocean Charter" by Secretary, Department of Ocean Development, to increase awareness on the importance of oceans and indicating the commitment of this country for protection of seas and preservation of marine resources.
B. Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental Shelf
The Departmental Vessel ORV Sagar Kanya was deployed in April - May 1998 for delineation of outer limits of continental shelf and a total of 2122 nm of sounding lines were run. The data was collected with the participation of National Institute of Oceanography, National Hydrographic Office, and Geological Survey of India. The specification of parameters for acquisition of seismic data is finalised by Standing Committee on Seismic Survey. The activities regarding seismic survey are being initiated. The work on baselines is continued by National Hydrographic Office.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY
The achievements under this programme during 1998-99 include:
Mission I - Ocean Energy
* Evaluation of options for turbines for wave energy plants including the impulse and Wells's turbines based on performance at the National Test Facility, Vizhinjam.
* Simulation of power modules for wave energy plants.
* Feasibility studies on wave powered navigational buoys.
* Preliminary design of 1 MW floating OTEC plant.
Mission II - Deep Sea Technology and Shallow Bed Mining
Under the Joint program on deep-sea mining with University of Siegen, Germany -
* Refurbishment of Crawler was completed and the system was integrated on board DOD vessel, ORV Sagar Kanya. Preliminary tests were done on board the vessel. The crawler was launched and retrieved successfully as part of soak test at a depth of 50m.
* The underwater manipulator for 250 m was developed.
* 1:4 model jet pump test facility has been fabricated and the work on the main facility was in progress.
* Fabrication and testing of both connector and thruster are proceeding and is expected to be completed during this year.
Mission III - Coastal and Environmental Engineering
* The software for nearshore wave transformation using elliptic mild slope equation, which is being tested, will be completed with proper user manual.
* Development of a Storm Surge Model that has been taken up as an inter-institutional effort is completed. Potential sites for deployment of tide-gauges to monitor the surge to help the calibration of model is being examined. Digitisation of topography along vulnerable coastlines is in progress.
* Field studies on sediment transport (siltation along navigational channels) and basin tranquillity has been taken up with Calcutta Port Trust.
* Thermal pollution studies due to two proposed thermal power plants at Visakhapatnam have been undertaken and one is already completed. The other is in progress.
* Work on the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for ports and harbors has been initiated.
Mission IV - Marine Instrumentation
* Site trials for the second prototype of the Acoustic Tide gauge will be conducted at three different ports. Work on the improved model will begin.
* An Acoustic Pinger will be developed and tested in the sea. This is a part of a project on Acoustic Release system.
* User interface to link a dual frequency echo-sounder and DGPS will be tested in the field.
NON-PLAN PROGRAMMES
EXPLORATION OF LIVING AND NON-LIVING RESOURCES
USING FORV SAGAR SAMPADA AND ORV SAGAR KANYA
The FORV Sagar Sampada will conduct 11 cruises covering a total track length of 22578 nautical miles in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. 237 participants from sixteen organisations conducted investigations on Living Resources and environmental factors influencing their distribution, physical transport and exchange process across the shelf of Arabian Sea, effect of winter cooling on bio-geo cycling in the Arabian Sea, quantification of the flux of green house gases in coastal upwelling regions, etc. Ten dedicated cruises of the vessel were undertaken under MLR programme and data on physical, chemical and biological oceanography, fishery, deep scattering layer, toxic algal blooms, benthic productivity and harvest technology were collected and analysed. Department will continue its task of survey to locate and map the potential non-living resources with the help of its own vessels ORV Sagar Kanya. In year 1998-99, ORV Sagar Kanya will perform multidisciplinary and multi-institutional cruises for assessment of marine non-living resources in our EEZ and beyond, carry out studies on the geological oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and exploration activity in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea with the participation of various CSIR Institutions.
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CHAPTER IV
Activities/Targets for 1999-2000
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POLAR SCIENCE (ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) PROGRAMME
During this period, the Nineteenth Indian Antarctic Expedition will be launched towards the end of 1999, for carrying out contemporary research in the fields of atmospheric, geological, biological, environmental, medical sciences and engineering and communication.
The broad scientific and logistic activities planned to be undertaken are as follows:
* A major impetus during the expedition will be towards contributing to various international scientific campaigns mounted by SCAR.
* The next International COMNAP/SCALOP meeting will be held at the Antarctic Study Centre, Goa during September, 1999.
* Continuation of studies on ozone, trace gases and aerosols of the Antarctic atmosphere using various state-of-the-art equipment.
* Archival of meteorological parameters that can be employed for climate modelling and prediction.
* In situ geological and air-borne geophysical investigations of the Central Droning Maudland area.
* Continuation of experiments on solar terrestrial phenomenon like optical aurora and geo- magnetic perturbations.
* Identification and taxonomic classification of micro and macro-organisms as a part of on- going biodiversity studies of Antarctica.
* Experiments on Antarctic ice moss in relation to snowdrift patterns and snow albedo.
* Studies on adaptation techniques of human beings in adverse conditions to continue.
* Application and utilization of clean energy sources like wind and sun in Antarctica.
* Upgradation of communication facilities with special emphasis on real time picture transmission.
* Reorientation of waste discharge and handling facilities.
Antarctic Study Centre
Commencement of the Phase II laboratory building and establishment of basic laboratory facilities and augmentation of the existing data processing/ arranging computational infrastructure and library facilities is proposed during 1999-2000.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 20.00 crore.
MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
A. Drugs from the Sea.
* Taking up release of new drugs developed from marine flora and fauna under Phase III of the project.
* Completing regulatory pharmacology and toxicology of the anti-diabetic lead.
* Initiating commercial working of patent on anti-cholesterol molecule.
* Further revamp of the scope of the project under Phase IV to be initiated from 1999-2000 to 2000-2002.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 1.60 crore.
B. Assessment of Marine Living Resources
* Compilation of available information on marine living resources, their distribution and their inter-relationship with oceanographic parameters.
* Development of a systematic and standard methodology for carrying out resources survey in the Indian EEZ.
* Upgradation/augmentation of on-board and on-shore facilities with Sagar Sampada Cell, and FSI and the educational institutions.
* Collection and compilation of information/data for assessment of the marine living resources in our EEZ.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 2.00 crore.
MARINE NON-LIVING RESOURCES
A. Polymetallic Nodules Programme :
During 1999-2000 the activities would comprise:
Survey & Exploration
* Spot sampling of nodules using grab sampler.
* Spot photography at closer 5 km. grid for knowing the trends of higher abundance.
* Updating of geostatistical resource evaluation in the pioneer area.
EIA Study
* Recolonisation study of benthic organisms effected by disturbance created at sea bottom in CIOB to be carried out.
* CTD and Rosette observations at the depth near seabed.
* Collection of post-disturbance box corer samples to assess the test and reference areas.
* Automatic weather monitoring.
Technology Development (Mining):
* Undertaking a series of demonstrations of the shallow bed mining system along the coast under the joint technology development programme between DOD/NIOT and IKS, Germany.
* Development of detailed engineering and specification of a mining complex module of 25,000 tonnes/year for 6000 m depth jointly by NIOT and IKS, University of Siegen.
* Testing of upgraded version of ROV developed by CMERI at a water depth of 250 m
* Development of manipulator for underwater operation and testing of materials for deep-sea operations.
* Initiating a joint programme between NIOT and Russian counterpart under Russian Academy of Science, Moscow for design, development and testing of unmanned submersibles operational unto 6000 m depth.
Technology Development (Extractive Metallurgy):
* Demonstration campaigns at RRL (B), NML (J), and HZL (U) to validate the data obtained from earlier campaigns and for optimisation of process parameters.
* Design of down stream exactly at BARC for extraction of cobalt and nickel from the sulphate solution generated at RRL (B)
* Design and development of semi-continuous demonstration plant of 500 kg/day capacity to be established at HZL (U).
* Campaigns at RRL (B), for generation of leach solution
Financial Requirements: Rs. 14.05 crore.
b. Benfan:
* Collection of long sediment cores from various parts of fans.
* Analysis at appropriate sample intervals for palaeoceanography (foraminifers), isotope dating, grammino-metric and sedimentological studies.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 0.50 crore.
OCEAN OBSERVATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES
Ocean Observing Systems
* Completion of installation of two more tide gauges (FTDG) at Machilipatnam and Tuticorin for measurement of sea level data
* Periodical maintenance of buoys and sensors deployed in the first and second years and continued dissemination of data and data products generated from all the 12 buoys deployed in the Indian EEZ to end users.
* Supply of surface meteorological and upper oceanographic data generated from the buoys, in real time through Global Telecommunication Satellite (GTS)
* Undertake validation campaign of satellite data
Ocean Information Services
* Establishment of "Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)" at Hyderabad, as a registered society under the department for executing the project.
* Experimental and operational studies on seasonal and annual upwelling phenomenon, propagation of small-scale eddy and gyres from the thermal data.
* Mapping of ocean circulation using ocean colour images with visible and IR channels on weekly, monthly and seasonal frequencies.
Satellite Coastal Oceanographic Research (SATCORE):
* Continuation of development of Version I software for retrieval of ocean parameters using remote sensing satellites.
* Generation and validation of data assimilation models for short and long-term ocean state forecasting.
Ocean Dynamics & Modelling
* Development of a coupled atmospheric model for prediction of tropical cyclones and associated surges. Validation of existing atmospheric models for simulation of tropical cyclones using the past data.
* Sensitivity and validation experiments with regional wave prediction model for the Bay of Bengal.
* Simulation of surface wind stress on monthly and seasonal time-scales using a Coupled Atmosphere Ocean Model (CAOM) to provide force for driving an Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM). Comparison of the simulations with observations to determine the skill of the uncoupled hindcasts.
* Initiation of Bay of Bengal studies under the Joint Global Ocean Flux Studies (JGOFS)
Financial Requirements: Rs. 11.50 crore.
MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
A. Coastal Ocean Monitoring & Prediction Systems (COMAPS)
To ensure the establishment of a permanent setup for systematic observations, DOD will provide a mechanism and infrastructure for data and information to be made available on various time scales to participating institutes. As a result individual National and State Research and Development institute's observing capabilities will be strengthened. Data will be collected by repeat sampling in the coastal waters. Major physical, chemical and biological variables need to be identified that can be used to provide an integrated assessment of the current health of coastal marine environment and early warning of deterioration. The data collection should continue into future as it is anticipated that more effective methods may become available in due course. Although the measurements are being made with spatial and temporal sampling frequencies, precision and accuracy need to be tuned further to address the specific deliverables. The objectives of the COMAPS are to provide a basis for the assessment of the state and trends in the marine environment regarding the effects of anthropogenic activities including inter-alia increased risks to human health, harm to marine resources and general quality of coastal marine environment. The programme of monitoring marine pollution with collection of data at 77 locations on the stipulated 25 parameters will be continued during 1999-2000 also.
During the year the monitoring programme will be continued and redesigned to include additional pollutants, which will be identified during the interaction meeting with the State Pollution Control Boards. A new programme to facilitate maintenance of types specimen from bacterial cultures collected during the COMAPS monitoring programmes will be initiated. A database containing the data generated under the COMAPS programme will also be developed in the GIS.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 1.50 crore.
B. Coastal Research Vessels
During the year 1999-2000, the cruises for COMAPS programme will be continued and also vessels will be utilised for other programmes like Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) programme and ONGC offshore survey. It is planned to undertake 48 cruises for each vessel.
Financial Requirements : Rs. 2.50 crore.
C. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)
Capacity Building in ICMAM
The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) programme will enter into an operational phase from 1999-2000. The major activities proposed during the year are as follows:
GIS for critical habitats
Completion of field data collection, satellite based theme maps, development of a Decision Support System in GIS for one critical habitat, initially.
Determination of Waste Load Allocation and Waste Assimilation Capacity in Tapi Estuary and Ennore Creek
Preparation of a detailed project document, collection of first and season data for hydrodynamic and water quality modelling and ecological assessment and identifying the choice of models for determination of waste assimilation capacity.
Development of EIA guidelines for coastal developmental activities
Tasks relating to development of EIA guidelines for ports, harbours and breakwaters by NIOT, will be initiated. Process of engagement of a consultant to develop EIA guidelines for coastal industries, power plants, marine transportation and tourism activities will be completed.
Preparation of Model ICMAM Plans
Detailed Project Document indicating the activities to be taken up for development of ICMAM plan for Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kutchch will be prepared. Analysis of environmental problems and designing of Decision Support Systems, will be taken up.
National Facility on ICMAM
Construction of the building for National Facility will be completed. Procurement of equipment for ecotoxicology lab will be initiated. R&D Projects for Determination of No Impact Zone and preparatory work for training programmes relating to development of management plans for critical habitats, will be initiated.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 5.00 crore.
MARINE RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Proposed Programmes for 1999-2000 include:
* The ongoing projects will be integrated for generation of a national project under Marine Living Resources Programme.
* 18 ongoing projects will continue to receive financial assistance of which 5 are expected to be completed.
* About 20 new projects to be considered for assistance.
* Funding of about 10 socially beneficial projects proposed to be taken up, with a view to develop suitable technologies.
* Three more OSTCs in major areas of Ocean Science & Technology as indicated below will be set up.
* Marine Traditional Medicines - Health University, Vijayawada
* Ocean Atmospheric Sciences - Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore
* Marine Chemistry - Bombay University, Mumbai
* To facilitate interaction among the scientists, professionals, planners and academicians, about 50 seminars, symposia, workshops, are proposed to be supported some of which will be at the regional level in local languages for effective communication.
* About 80 ongoing fellowships will receive financial support. About 20 new fellowships will be awarded.
* Action will be initiated to bring uniformity in course curriculum for offering courses on Ocean Science & Technology in colleges and universities and to evolve a mechanism for upgrading and bringing in uniformity in academic standards in all marine related course.
* Action will be initiated for introduction of Ocean Science & Technology at Secondary School level.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 2.50 crore.
COASTAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
A. Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System- Phase-II.
* The 10 shore stations set up during Phase-II of the Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System will be operated and maintained.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 0.10 crore.
B. Island Development
With the commissioning of a sea-front laboratory at Neelankarai, Chennai and with the availability of strengthened infrastructure at NIOT and ANCOD, the pace of work in this programme is proposed to be accelerated under all three components of the Enhancement of Marine Living Resources project, namely:
* Breeding and rearing of lobsters.
* Fattening studies.
* Sea-farming and sea-ranching.
It is also envisaged to take up new programmes on
* Integrated programme on Ocean Environment and Conservation of Living Resources including coral reefs.
* Other S&T initiatives of specific relevance to the development of island community.
Financial Requirements: *Rs.1.25 crore.
* Being implemented as Mission V of NIOT from 1998-99 onwards.
OCEAN AWARENESS (EXHIBITION & FAIRS, OCEANARIA/AQUARIA SEMINARS/SYMPOSIA/WORKSHOP ETC.)
* Production of video-films on DOD related activities and participation in science fairs/exhibitions in India with the upgradation of the existing exhibits.
* Sponsoring a number of seminars/symposia/Workshop etc., on Ocean Science & Technology for creation of awareness among children/students/public.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 0.50 crore.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY
Mission I - Ocean Energy
* Design, fabrication, erection and commissioning of 1 MW floating OTEC plant off the coast of Tuticorin.
* Design, fabrication, erection and commissioning of navigational buoy based on backward bent ducted buoy.
* Recommendations/design procedure/ economics for near shore bottom mounted wave energy plants.
Mission II - Deep Sea Technology and Shallow Bed Mining
* Joint program on deep-sea mining with University of Siegen, Germany for seabed mining will be completed with testing the crawler and other sub-systems at 500 m depth off Indian coast. Upon completion of sand mining demonstration, the 2nd phase of the project - namely the design document preparation for a commercial manganese nodule mining system at a depth of 6000m will be taken up.
* Development of jet pump testing facility will be completed.
* The prototypes of Connectors & Thruster to be ready after completing the under water tests. The thruster will be tested at 100 bar and the connector at 25 - bar pressure.
* A new project for development of hyperbaric chamber for testing the various sub- components of the underwater systems will be taken up.
Mission III - Coastal and Environmental Engineering
* Additional modules like tidal flow and parabolic wave models to compute hydrodynamics over large domains will be developed to make a comprehensive hydrodynamic module and will be interfaced with transport models to simulate pollution and sediment movements.
* Tide gauges at suitable locations will be deployed to monitor the storm surges and these measurements will be used to calibrate the in-house models. The performance of the model will be studied and further improvements as necessary will be made.
* Sediment transport (siltation along navigational channels) and basin tranquillity will be monitored in regard to selective field projects in order to understand the limitations of the existing theoretical models.
* A `shallow water basin' is being planned at the new NIOT campus. Specifications for the basin, equipment and instrumentation will be drawn and procurement initiated.
* Draft guidelines on the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for ports and harbors will be ready for discussion with major users and port promoters.
Mission IV - Marine Instrumentation :
* Acoustic Test Facility: The work on the Acoustic Test Facility (ATF) will be started at the new campus of NIOT.
* Acoustic positioning system: Based on the outcome of the ongoing project on acoustic release system, this project will be taken up for guidance and location of underwater vehicles.
* Inter-mission project: Depending on the requirements, intermission projects such as development of a wave sensor buoy (under Coastal & Environmental Engineering - Mission 3) and instrumentation for marine environment monitoring (Marine Living Resources - Mission 5) will be taken up.
* Externally sponsored projects: Based on the outcome of the feasibility studies currently underway, new projects for fish meat freshness index meter, portable current meter, and magnetometer will be taken up.
Mission V - Island Development
* An integrated approach has been evolved for realising the overall objectives of the Island Development Mission. The first activity which has been taken up in Phase-I of the mission is a project on Lobster breeding, rearing, fattening and sea-ranching as part of a general programme on Living Marine Resources Enhancement (LMRE) in and around the Island groups. This will be extended to mud crab and other marine commercial organisms in stages.
* The wet lab at Neelankarai will serve as the R & D set up to initiate the work on technology development.
* The field survey on lobster resources is being carried out in Gulf of Mannar and preliminary experiments on technology development initiated during 1998-99 at Neelankarai, will be continued.
* The programmes on environment, conservation, living resources and other ocean science & technology related activities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands would be integrated and implemented.
Financial Requirements : Rs. 24.00 crore.
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS & CO-OPERATION
A. Contribution to International Organisations:
* India will continue to contribute and participate in the States Parties meeting on Law of the Sea, International Seabed Authority as an elected Member of the Council of ISBA, Antarctic Treaty consultative meetings, Commission on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), Working Group on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management of CCAMLR, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, Meeting of the Council of Managers of the National Antarctic Programme/Standing Committee on Antarctic Logistics and Operations, International Oceanographic Commission (JGOFS & GOOS) Programmes, Regional Seas Programme, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network South Asia ,etc.
* India hosted the Working Group on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management meeting of the CCAMLR at Kochi during August 1998.
* Under the South Asian Regional Seas Programme, a training on Integrated Management of Marine Protected Areas was held at Male, The Maldives, which was represented by India.
* Organising a number of meetings, ocean awareness programmes, special lectures, release of postal cancellations, to commemorate the International Year of the Ocean 1998 celebrations.
Financial Requirements: Rs. 0.75 crore.
B. Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental Shelf:
Following activities are proposed for the year 1999-2000:
* Continuation of Baseline survey for East Coast and West Coast of India.
* Deployment of ORV Sagar Kanya for Bathymetric survey along indicative Foot of the Slope.
* Initiation of Seismic survey.
Financial Requirement : Rs. 0.50 crore.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
* Initiation of the process for filling up of the vacant posts and creation of approved additional posts.
* Provision of the requisite infrastructure support to the Department and its attached offices for reviewing, implementing and monitoring various approved plan programmes.
Financial Requirement: Rs. 1.75 crore
NON-PLAN
EXPLORATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LIVING AND NON-LIVING RESOURCES
During the year, it is planned to undertake 12 cruises of the FORV Sagar Sampada for MLR programmes with special emphasis on the resources along the continental slope. It is also planned to undertake column productivity studies in the Indian EEZ. The following activities are proposed to be taken up during 1999-2000:
a) Hydro-acoustic studies to establish techniques for estimation of fish, zooplankton and DSL biomass.
b) Project on large marine ecosystem of the Arabian Sea and
c) Project on mesopelagic resources of the high seas.
d) Studies on the benthic and fishery biodiversity of the continental slope area.
Financial Requirements: Rs.18.17 crore.
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CHAPTER V
Appraisal of Performance of Major Programmes/Projects
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POLAR SCIENCE (ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) PROGRAMME
The Antarctic Research programme, which was initiated in 1981, has taken a shape into a major national programme that has a distinct multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary approach. So far 20 scientific expeditions have been launched on a regular basis, including two expeditions to the Southern Oceans one to Waddell Sea and another one for assessment of Antarctic Krill, which have carried out research work in the thrust areas of polar science. Till date, more than 45 national institutions have participated in the scientific and logistic components of the expedition thereby putting about 1200 Indians to the icy continent.
The first Indian station, Dakshin Gangotri which was established on the iceshelf in 1984 has been replaced by a modern and indigenously built station "Maitri" established in the Schirmacher Oasis in 1988. Maitri is equipped to provide comfortable living facilities for 25 persons on a year round basis and has several laboratories to carry out research in the frontier areas of Antarctic Science. So far, twelve technical reports and two reports have been published. Over 300 scientific papers have been published in various national and international journals. All these publications have been compiled and structured by the Department as the Indian National Database on Antarctic Science (INDAS). The remote and inhospitable continent has been used by the Indian scientists as a unique laboratory for conducting scientific investigations, which have a direct bearing on the globe as a whole and Geo-political relevance for India in particular.
By virtue of our sustained scientific interest in Antarctica, India acquired Consultative Status in the Antarctic Treaty System. She is also a member of various international bodies affiliated to the Antarctic Treaty System. India has been able to decisively influence the outcome of the negotiations leading to the adoption of the protocol on Environmental protection to the Antarctic Treaty in 1991, which was ratified by India in April 1996. For the first time after India acquired the consultative status in the Antarctic Treaty System and became a member of CCAMLR, India hosted the Working Group of CCAMLR on Ecosystem Monitoring and Management at Kochi during August 1998. India was also nominated as the Chairman of CCAMLR for duration of 2 years from 1998 November. The next international COMNAP/SCALOP meeting will be held at the Antarctic Study Centre, Goa during September 1999.
The policy of the Department of Ocean Development, which is the nodal agency responsible for planning and execution of Indian Antarctic Expeditions, is to conduct a carefully balanced programme of contemporary science through which it is possible to maintain an active and influential presence of India in Antarctica. The Department constantly keeps evolving scientific programmes, which are based on national priorities and contribute to global issues. The Department has judiciously framed India's long term scientific strategy in Antarctic with a clear-cut focus on three basic and mutually dependent factor namely, science, logistics and economics. Over the years, a distinct impetus on scientific objectives has resulted in an increase in the scientific team component over the logistic team.
The success of the Antarctic Programme is an example of multi-disciplinary and multi- institutional approach adopted by the Department. The Department's Antarctic Study Centre (ASC) at Goa is designed to become a state-of-the-art national facility for conducting front ranking research in the field of polar sciences and launching all Antarctic expeditions. With the completion of part of Phase I of the building comprising logistic, administrative, residential and service blocks, the ASC started functioning from the new premises from December 1997. ASC, Goa was converted into an autonomous society from September,'98. When fully operational, it will have a unique facility for low temperature research on ice cores retrieved from Antarctica and the Himalayas. It will also have an Antarctic museum and a database repository on polar sciences. Further, in order to continue to play a perceptible role in Antarctic science, a distinct thrust has been provided on bi-/multi-lateral scientific co-operations so as to contribute to international scientific campaigns which have to address pertinent global issues. India is presently having bilateral cooperation in polar science with Italy, Peru, Argentina and Germany. An Iranian scientist participated in the 18th Indian Expedition to Antarctica.
In brief, the benefits of the Antarctic research to India are:
* Studies of Antarctic meteorology with the aim to build a climatological data set for application in the prediction and forecast of the Indian monsoons.
* Studies on ozone hole and other trace gases to understand its influence over the climatic pattern of the Southern Indian Ocean.
* Studies on auroral phenomenon and geo-magnetic storms have yielded valuable insights to solar terrestrial physics of the outer space.
* Geological mapping of hitherto unmapped areas of Schirmacher Oasis and Wolhthat mountains has helped to understand the geological evolution of this area and its co-relation in the reconstruction of the Gondwanaland.
* Studies on human adaptations in cold and extreme conditions and this application to the frontier regions of the country.
* Identification of Antarctic microbes and its application for human and organic waste degradation in cold regions of Himalayas.
* Technology transfer on a commercial basis as a spin-off of the SODAR instrument developed in Antarctica for studying inland environmental pollution.
* Research and development in cold temperature technology in designing prototype toilet incinerators, generators and low temperature structures used in Antarctica has been deployed in colder regions of the country.
* Availability of trained manpower pool to work in extreme cold, harsh and isolated conditions have been generated from the expeditions.
* The Indian Navy and Air Force by virtue of their participation in the expeditions have gained professional expertise of the highest order in snow-ice navigation under adverse climatic conditions.
MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
A. Drugs from the Sea
The National Project on Drugs from Sea is a multi-institutional project aiming at developing potential drugs and chemicals from the marine flora and fauna. This project which is completing the 3rd phase will enter the IV Phase from 1999-2000 onwards, has led to identification of five marine organisms showing potent activity as anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti- anxiety, anti-cholesterol and larvicidal agents for developing new drugs during the IX Plan.
B. Assessment of marine living resources
Presently the data relating to Marine Living resources cover areas only upto 50-70 m depth. While the region upto 50-70 m depth is exploited almost to the maximum sustainable levels, the offshore region is largely under-exploited and there is reluctance on the part of the Industry to enter this sector because of the inadequacy of the information on the available resources. A reliable estimation of these resources and an understanding of the likely potential is called for. As observed by the UN conference on Straddling and Highly Migratory Fish stocks, some form of an international involvement in the management of the high seas fishery resources is necessary. As the resources upto 50-70 m depth stand fully exploited there is an urgent need to have a better understanding of the resources and potential of the living resources of the Indian EEZ.
Keeping in view the aforesaid, a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional programme aimed at making an assessment of the marine living resources beyond 70 m depth within the Indian EEZ and correlating the fish abundance/availability with the oceanographic parameters, has been initiated during the 9th Five Year Plan.
The major objectives of the programme iner-alia are:
* To have a realistic and reliable information on the potential of marine living resources in the Indian EEZ, for sustainable development and management.
* To augment the sea food production and thereby the income of the coastal fishing community and the fishing industry.
During 1997-98, the Department launched the following projects in this regard:
* Assessment of environmental parameters and the marine living resources (primary and secondary) in the Indian EEZ and the role of Myctophid fauna in the mesopelagic habitat.
* Stock assessment, biology and resource mapping of deep-sea shrimp, lobsters and fishes in the EEZ of India.
* Studies on Deep scattering layers (DSL).
* Harvest technology and catch composition of deep-sea fishery resources in the Indian EEZ.
* Investigation of Toxic Algal Blooms in the EEZ of India.
* Investigations on the benthic productivity in the EEZ of India.
MARINE NON-LIVING RESOURCES
The Polymetallic Nodules Programme envisages eventual exploitation of the nodules from the allotted 150,000-sq. km. mine site in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. As per an international commitment to the International Seabed Authority, India has to relinquish 50% of the total area assigned, after detailed survey and exploration and retain the remaining 50% for future exploration and exploitation. India is a member of the Council of International Seabed Authority, under the Investors' category owing to its contribution and commitment to the Polymetallic Nodules programme. India's nominees are also on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Legal and Technical Commission of the Council, Finance Committee of the Authority and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
The Survey and Exploration endeavor is aimed at firmly establishing the resource potential on the basis of progressive closer grids sampling, spot photographs. Topography of the pioneer area has been already assessed. The abundance pattern vis-a-vis the geomorphology has been established along with upgradation of the resource evaluation techniques on the basis of one lakh photographs obtained from the minesite. Three moored systems deployed in the pioneer area obtained continuous time series oceanographic data. The analysis of the data will reveal the environmental condition at various depths over a period of time in the pioneer area of the Central Indian Ocean Basin. India has already relinquished 30% of the surveyed area of ISBA.
Development of technologies for mining from the deep ocean is viewed as a contribution to the long-term objective. The Department appointed two committees headed by Shri M. Gopalkrishna, Additional Secretary and Shri B.K. Rao, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Mines to suggest alternative uses of technologies for intermediate applications. The entire mining programme has been reoriented on the recommendation of these committees. Technology development in this field of pioneer ocean-related expertise holds enormous promise for the future.
To further develop the technology for nodule mining at greater depths, a joint technology development agreement has been concluded between National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of DOD and University of Siegen (IKS), Germany. Under this, it is proposed to demonstrate shallow bed mining technology upto 500 m depth in Indian waters. The existing crawler would be refurbished with a cutting system, a manipulator and a pumping system and tested. During the tests, the performance of the crawler as regards its maneuverability and control systems would be evaluated, besides the sand mining demonstration. Upon completion of the shallow bed mining test, a joint report containing the design of various system launching and retrieval system etc., required for deep sea nodule mining would be prepared. The designed system would be capable of operating at 6000 m depth with a mining capacity of 25,000 tonne nodules per year.
The improved Remotely Operable Vehicle (ROV) capable of operating up to 250 metre depth designed and fabricated by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, was tested in the sea off Chennai coast at 40 m. depth. The upgraded ROV is now ready for testing at 250 m depth in the open sea. A manipulator has also been designed and fabricated for integration with ROV.
Under the Joint programme on deep-sea mining with University of Siegen, Germany, refurbishment of Crawler is complete and the system was integrated on board DOD vessel, ORV Sagar Kanya. Preliminary tests were done on board the vessel. The crawler was launched and retrieved successfully as a part of soak test at a depth of 50m. The underwater manipulator for 250 m has been developed. 1:4 model jet pump test facility has been fabricated. The fabrication and testing of both connector and thruster are progressing and expected to be completed.
Pilot plant campaigns of 100 Kg. per day capacity continued at RRL and NML for optimising the process parameters for recoveries of Copper, Nickel and Cobalt from the nodules. At HZL batch scale experiments are conducted for firming the process package. The process route at RRL has been chosen for testing on a continuous demonstration plant of 500 Kg. per day capacity. Pilot plant campaigns are continued at RRL (B) to generate data that will facilitate design of the demonstration plant.
OCEAN OBSERVATION & INFORMATION SERVICES
The various related programmes of the Department such as MARSIS, SELMAM, NIOS, JGOFS, National Data Buoy, implemented during the 8th five Year Plan, have been revamped and integrated into a major scheme " Ocean Observation and Information Services (OOIS) " for the 9th Five year Plan period. The OOIS consists of four components viz. Ocean Observation System; Ocean Information Services; Satellite Coastal Oceanographic Research; and Ocean Dynamics and Modelling. The primary objective of OOIS is to generate reliable coastal and ocean data products pertaining to winds, waves, sea surface temperature, currents, upwelling, potential fishing zone information, coastal maps etc., for potential use in coastal and offshore developmental activities and for furthering the quality of oceanogrpahic research. During the period, Department launched a National Data Buoy Programme with partial financial assistance from NORAD, Norway for acquiring meteorological and oceanographic parameters from the seas around India on real time basis. Under this programme 12 data buoys were deployed in the coastal (8 data buoys) and deep waters (4 data buoys) in the EEZ of India. The data generated under this programme is being used in improving the cyclone prediction in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, coastal and offshore developments and in research activities. Efforts are under way to develop data products using the data generated under this programme to supply to the end users. Online data is also being made available to the potential users such as Indian Meteorological Department, Navy, Ports, Shipping etc. The data generated under this programme is found to be very useful for weather forecasting, oceanic research and other developmental activities.
Extensive validation studies of the PFZ advisories have confirmed its utility in reducing the search time by fishing boats and also in getting better catch per unit effort. This data product has been well accepted by both the traditional and mechanised fishing sectors. The PFZ is proposed to be further refined by incorporating other parameters such as chlorophyll data obtained from the Sea Wifs, on-board the American Satellite "Sea Star" which was launched in August 1998. Information on Potential Fishing Zone is being disseminated to 170 fish landing centres.
The coral reefs of the entire country have been mapped and codified. These maps are useful in the scientific management of the fragile coral ecosystem. Coastal wetland maps and Shoreline change maps of entire country have been prepared. These maps indicate mangroves, aquaculture sites, coastal erosion, accretion which are useful in coastal zone management. Suspended sediment load maps developed through the MARSIS programme are very useful for the port authorities, State Governments and researches for varied applications.
The programme has also succeeded in demonstrating on a pilot basis the capability for retrieval of other parameters such as winds, wave, currents, Mixed Layer Depth, Heat budget of the oceans etc. from satellite data. The possibility of making these parameters operationally available is being explored. Validation campaigns were conducted for calibration of Modular Optical Scanner (MOS) satellite data.
MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
A. Coastal Ocean Monitoring & Prediction Systems (COMAPS)
Due to multipurpose uses of the coastal zone such as shipping, fishing, tourism, industrialisation and disposal of wastes, the stress on the coastal area is growing rapidly with developments taking place often in an unplanned fashion and unmindful of long term consequences. COMAPS is designed to assess the status and likely trends in coastal marine environment quality and to contribute directly to the development of strategies for maximizing the economic benefits derived from the intelligent and sustainable use of marine environment and resources. Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) is a continuing programme since 1991, for monitoring the level of various marine pollutants and its impacts on marine fauna and flora of the country. Data collected through this programme are essential to formulate remedial measures to protect health of our marine environment. Depending upon the level and source of pollutants 77 sampling stations have been chosen and classified as "Hot spot" and "Regular" stations. Data on 25 environmental parameters including pesticides, heavy metals and other pollution indicating parameters like dissolved oxygen, pathogenic bacterial are being monitored. The infrastructure and other facilities of National and State Research and Development institutions which are participating in the programme have been fully strengthened to undertake all activities stipulated for this programme. The results emerging through these studies have shown that our coastal waters are by and large clean. The data collected are also reported to coastal State Pollution Control Boards. It appears that the organised industry is slowly disciplining itself in following proper environmental standards.
B. Coastal Research Vessels
The coastal research vessels are essential to ensure coverage of sea areas at desired location for sampling towards monitoring of pollution and to facilitate systematic on board analysis of samples collected. The facilities established onboard the vessels were highly useful for analysing most of the parameters. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai is successfully managing these vessels. So far both the vessels have completed 95 cruises. Apart from that the vessel, "Sagar Purvi" served as a testing platform for the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur under Polymetallic Nodules Programme of Department of Ocean Development.
C. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)
Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) is a new activity started during the 9th Plan period and to ensure adoption of an integrated approach to the management of marine environment. The major achievements so far including: collection of data for 2 seasons and development of design for GIS database, completion of design of Instrumentation and Eco-toxicology Labs for National Facility on ICMAM and of the review of EIA reports for coastal & marine projects and engagement of consultants for the project.
MARINE RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING
With a view to encouraging research in the newly emerging and frontline areas of Coastal Engineering, Marine Chemistry, Marine Biology and Microbiology, Pharmacology, Coastal Zone management, Marine Archaeology, Exploration and Exploitation of Marine Resources, etc., to create infrastructure facilities in Universities/Institutions/Orgnisations, etc., and to generate specialist Manpower in Ocean Sector, the Department has been implementing this programme.
The research projects so far funded under this programme of the Department have provided useful results on the history of the sedimentation process; tectonic events before Miocene period including Himalayan drift; physical, chemical and biological oceanography of our sea; provided clues for development of potential drugs and chemicals from the marine organisms; etc. A large number of scientific papers on various aspects of ocean science and technology have so far been published. Over 120 fellowships awarded to young scientists for pursuing higher studies in the ocean sector have helped augment the manpower resources, capacity building and improving the scope for further research in marine sciences.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was established by the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), Government of India in co-ordination with IIT, Chennai. NIOT is an autonomous institute fully funded by DOD. The main aim of NIOT is to develop and promote technology in mission mode for specific purposes in ocean related areas. NIOT is serving as the technical arm of DOD, through a pool of highly trained manpower by taking up technology development and demonstration projects in major areas of ocean technology.
The main mission areas initially identified with the available expertise and facilities within NIOT and IIT, Chennai are as follows:
* Ocean Energy
* Deep Sea Technology and Ocean Mining
* Coastal and Environmental Engineering
* Marine Instrumentation
Subsequently, DOD to implement the National Data Buoy Programme (NDBP), operate Coastal Research Vessels (CRV) and participate in the Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management programme (ICMAM) has entrusted NIOT. A new mission area on Island Development has been added to NIOT in 1998. The core staff consisting of Engineers and Scientists from Mechanical, Civil, Electrical/Electronics, Environmental & Ocean Engineering, Ocean Sciences and physics are responsible for implementing the above programmes.
NIOT is presently located in IIT, Chennai campus with its own laboratories, library and computer centre. The successful demonstration of technology and implementation of various prestigious programmes, necessitated a few organisational changes in the structure of NIOT. To cater to the growth, NIOT has acquired 50 acres of land at Narayanapuram, Chennai and is in the process of establishing new laboratories and additional workspace in the new campus.
OCEAN ENERGY
One of the broad mission areas of NIOT is harnessing different forms of energy from the ocean. Currently wave energy and ocean thermal energy conversions are the main focus at NIOT.
NIOT took over the wave energy project from IIT, Chennai towards the end of 1995. The wave energy plant at Vizhinjam, Kerala incorporates an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and a horizontal axis twin turbine. Subsequently to increase the dynamic range of the turbine, an impulse turbine with self-pitched guide vanes was commissioned. It has been observed that this turbine has a superior performance compared to Wells's turbine. Laboratory studies are underway to design a floating type of oscillating water column called Backward Bent Ducted Buoy. The preliminary results have paved the way for designing a wave powered navigational buoy.
Preliminary studies have also been conducted on harnessing ocean energy using the principle of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). A site on the East Coast of India has been chosen as the location of this pilot OTEC plant. Currently designs are underway to establish a 1 MW floating OTEC demonstration plant consisting of a barge supporting the cold water pipe and other components for the sea water systems and power plant.
DEEP SEA TECHNOLOGY AND OCEAN MINING
The main objective of this mission is to develop/acquire technology that lead to commercial mining of polymetallic nodules from the central Indian Ocean basin. NIOT is involved in design and development of other systems and accessories like underwater inspection vehicle, underwater manipulator, underwater thruster and underwater connector.
NIOT and Institute of Design (IKS), University of Siegen, Germany have jointly undertaken the development of the integrated mining system in a phased manner with the preparation of a detailed technical report. Under this programme, the crawler mounted mining system developed by IKS and NIOT will be tested at a depth of 500 m.
For carrying out underwater inspection, CMERI, Durgapur is developing a remotely operable vehicle (ROV) capable of operating up to 300 m water depth.
Design and Development of an underwater robotic arm with a payload capacity of 2 kg and four degrees of freedom suitable for underwater operations like sample collection, picking of objects etc., was undertaken by NIOT with technical cooperation from M/s. Systematics India Ltd. Bangalore. The arm will be mounted on the ROV developed by CMERI.
COASTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
This group supports and provides engineering inputs for the better utilisation and management of coastal resources. The diverse nature of this field has activities ranging from a design of a seawall to environment control measures. This group supports the collection and presentation of oceanographic data for feasibility studies of Ports and Harbours.
Based on the laboratory model tests, NIOT is developing software for the analysis of floating breakwater.
The baseline data collected for aqua farms are being used along with in-house water quality models towards achieving sustainable development technologies. Apart from this, computer models and field studies are being carried out for nearshore wave transformation, sediment transport and deposition at the mouths of Pulicat Lake and Cooum River. Numerical models are being developed to predict storm surge and associated inland flooding as sponsored an in-house projects.
Sponsored programmes on measurement of physical and environmental conditions, studies on detached breakwaters and environmental impact assessment are currently on.
Building up of coastal and oceanographic data base using vessel Management Cell at NIOT, development of applications of Remote Sensing and GIS for coastal and ocean engineering studies, research on shore protection measures and modelling and monitoring of coastal pollution are also envisaged.
MARINE INSTRUMENTATION
The group is involved in the development of instruments for marine use. The group has expertise in underwater acoustics, acoustic based instrumentation, materials for acoustic transducers, transducer calibration and signal processing. An Acoustic Test Facility (ATF) for the calibration of underwater acoustic transducers will be established at the new NIOT campus being developed.
NIOT has successfully developed an Acoustic Tide Gauge (ATG) with accuracy better than 1 cm, which is suited for marine environment. ATG and the analog electronic hardware have been tested at Chennai port.
NIOT is implementing a project with NIO, Goa to develop a portable surface-skimming platform, which can be remotely controlled from a ship or shore.
A project to develop a portable current meter has been entrusted with the Ocean Engineering Centre, IITM employing the principle of a 3-component multi-layer Perforated Ball Velocity Meter.
An acoustic sub-bottom profiler is being developed indigenously for coastal area research. The individual components of the system such as transducers, electronic assembly and the software for signal processing and image processing are being developed in this project.
The instrumentation group also proposes to develop an integrated system consisting of a sub-bottom profiler and side scan sonar.
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CHAPTER VI
Summary of Financial Requirements
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CHAPTER VII
Explanation of Financial Requirements for 1999-2000
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POLAR SCIENCE (ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) PROGRAMME
During 1999-2000, the 19th Indian Antarctic Expedition will be launched for achieving a part of the long term scientific objectives as laid down in the ten years work profile designed by the Department. The activities are proposed to be continued in the area of geology, atmospheric sciences, biological sciences etc as already explained in Chapter IV. The benefits of the scientific research to India are detailed in Chapter V.
In order to continue the scientific activities and maintain the station, it would be necessary to continue the chartering of the ice-breaker along with other logistics activities in the station for which funds to the tune of Rs.20.00 crore is estimated to be required during 1999- 2000.
MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
A. Drugs from Sea
The project will enter the crucial Phase IV of taking up release of new drugs developed from marine flora and fauna under Phase III, revamp of scope of project, initiating commercial working of patent on anti-cholesterol molecule and completion of regulatory pharmacology and toxicology of the anti-diabetic lead.
The outlay of Rs. 1.60 crore proposed for 1999-2000, therefore, is very much essential.
B. Assessment of Marine Living Resources
Studies on the Hydro-acoustics, Large Marine Ecosystem of the Arabian Sea, mesopelagic resources, benthic biodiversity and the fish biodiversity of the continental Slope area, will be taken up. A Project Directorate at Sagar Sampada Cell, Kochi, would be set up to coordinate the programme implementation.
A sum of Rs. 2.00 crore proposed for 1999-2000 is therefore, fully justified.
NON-LIVING RESOURCES
A. Polymetallic Nodules Programme
The Polymetallic Nodule (PMN) Programme consists of the following basic components:
1. Survey & Exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB)
2. Environmental Impact Assessment
3. Technology Development (Mining)
4. Technology Development (Metallurgy)
It would be one of the potential and promising areas for development of expertise and technologies. The programme is important in many a ways. It is the field of pioneer ocean- related technology with enormous promise for the future. The major impetus will be for developing technology for deep sea mining and efficient process routes for recovery of metals from nodules by setting up a pilot plant. The details of the activities proposed to be taken up during 1999-2000 are part of the long-term activities planned under the programme.
The outlay of Rs.14.05 crore is the barest minimum requirement for 1999-2000.
B. Benfan.
During 1999-2000, the multi-institutional project on "Palaeoceanographic studies of the Bengal Fan" is to undertake various activities such as identifying the nature, chemistry and frequency of hydrothermal discharges with Andaman back-arc basin, development of a model for hydrothermal processes and metallogenesis; geomorphology, micro-palaenological, OBM measurement, seismic observations, size analysis and clay mineralogy, palynology of core samples, radioactive and stable isotope measurements, modeling of sedimentary and deep coastal processes etc., of BENFAN. The programme approved for a period of four years, from 1998-99 onwards, would require essentially Rs. 3.46 crore during 1999-2000. However, a sum of Rs.0.50 crore only is provided for 1999-2000 for enabling the Department to initiate the preparatory activities.
OCEAN OBSERVATION & INFORMATION SERVICES
Under Ocean Observing System component, 2 more Floating Tide Digital Gauges would be installed at Machilipatnam & Tuticorin, Supply of surface meteorological and upper oceanographic data generated from the buoys and validation campaigns of satellite data are amongst the various activities to be taken up during 1999-2000. In addition, periodical maintenance of buoys and sensors, data dissemination etc., will also be taken up.
Under Ocean Information Service mapping of ocean circulation using ocean colour images on weekly, monthly and seasonal basis, studies on upwelling, propagation of eddies, etc., setting up of Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), are the major activities proposed for 1999-2000.
Under the Component Satellite Coastal & Oceanographic Research, development of version I and II software for retrieval of ocean parameters using remote sensing satellites and R&D activities will be continued. Data assimilation models for short- and long-term forecasts will be generated and validated.
Development of Ocean Model; a coupled model for Indian monsoon; a coupled ocean atmospheric model for prediction of tropical cyclones and associated surges; wave prediction model; ocean circulation model; joint global ocean flux studies, etc., are proposed to be taken up during 1999-2000, under Ocean Dynamics and Modelling component.
For taking up all these programmes including the externally aided National Data Buoy Project a sum of Rs. 11.50 crore is proposed for 1999-2000.
COASTAL AND MARINE AREA MANAGEMENT
A. Coastal Ocean Monitoring & Prediction Systems (COMAPS)
The programme which is long-term in nature reveals the health of our ocean. Since the health is to be assessed periodically to take control/remedial measures, it is necessary to continue the programme in the year 1999-2000 also.
For this purpose, during 1999-2000, an outlay of Rs. 1.50 crore is the essential requirement.
B. Coastal Research Vessels
Vessels are the mandatory requirements for the COMAPS and other coastal research and survey programmes of DOD. In order to meet the ship time requirements for all scientific investigations it is necessary to operate and maintain these vessels for which an amount of Rs. 2.50 crore is necessary for the year 1999-2000.
C. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)
The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) has two components namely Capacity Building on ICMAM and National Facility on ICMAM. The Capacity Building component includes undertaking of new activities in India for which we do not have any experience in the past. These activities which were launched during the year 1997-98, are long-term in nature and need to be carried out for a minimum period of 5 years for which an amount of Rs. 3.00 crore is very much essential.
Under the National Facility component on ICMAM, the facility for training programme, R&D and Survey will be established and the facilities will be used for the future years to implement the contemplated activities like training to coastal states on development of model ICMAM Plan, support to Central and State Pollution Control Boards in determining sea water quality criteria, etc., all of which will require an amount of Rs. 2.00 crore.
Thus, an amount of Rs. 5.00 crore is very much essential in order to accomplish the objectives set for these programmes during the 9th Five Year Plan.
MARINE RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING
It is essential to undertake R & D activities in the ocean sector in order to understand the oceanographic phenomena and to study basic aspects relating to the oceans and its inhabitants. The programme envisages the participation of academic/research institutions and national R&D laboratories for promoting frontline research in oceanography, human resource development and establishing state-of-the-art facilities in our country. The Ocean Science & Technology Cells set up in a few selected maritime Universities/academic institutions will grow into full-fledged Centres of Excellence in the relevant field.
Therefore, during 1999-2000 Rs. 2.50 crore is very much required for Marine Research and Capacity Building.
COASTAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMME
A. Shore to fishing vessel communication system
As already indicated earlier, during 1999-2000, 10 shore stations set up during Phase-II of the Project "Shore to Fishing Vessel Communication System" will be operated and maintained.
To meet the spill over commitment a token amount of Rs.0.10 crore has been earmarked for expenditure during 1999-2000.
B. Island Development
A concerted programme for island development as a mission mode programme of National Institute of Ocean Technology has been introduced in January, 1998. With the commissioning of a sea-front laboratory at Neelankarai, Chennai and with the availability of strengthened infrastructure at NIOT and ANCOD, work under all three components of the "Enhancement of Marine Living Resources" project, viz., breeding and rearing of lobsters, fattening studies and sea-farming & sea-ranching is proposed to be accelerated. It is also envisaged to take up new programmes on Ocean Environment and Conservation of Living Resources including coral reefs and other S&T initiatives of specific relevance to the development of island community.
The sum of Rs. 1.25 crore proposed as the outlay for 1999-2000, therefore is required for implementation as Mission V of NIOT.
OCEAN AWARENESS
With a view to promoting awareness among the public and school children, it is proposed to promote construction of oceanaria/aquaria at selected locations, participating in the exhibition and fairs and extending funding support for a number of seminars/symposia/workshops etc.
To carry out these tasks, during 1999-2000 a sum of Rs. 0.50 crore is proposed.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY
Under the Ocean Energy mission the pilot 1MW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) programme will be implemented as a technology demonstration programme. The National Test Facility at Vizhinjam was established to ultimately provide recommendations, design procedure and economics for the near shore bottom mounted wave energy plants. Three power modules have been designed and tested since its erection in 1991. Finalization of design options will be done in the current year. Similarly under the deep sea mining technology mission, sea trials of various subsystems of the joint pilot shallow bed mining technology demonstration programme with technical expertise from the University of Siegen, Germany are to be undertaken. The prototype underwater thrusters and underwater connectors to be prepared.
Under the Coastal and Environmental Engineering mission, mathematical and field studies in coastal processes such as nearshore wave model, sediment transport model, storm surge model, theoretical and experimental studies on coastal and ocean structures, will be developed. Development of shallow water test basin, determination of waste load and waste assimilation capacity of selected coastal waters, development of EIA guidelines for marine developmental activities, etc. will also be addressed.
Under the mission Marine Instrumentation, development of acoustic sub-bottom profiler, creation of acoustic test facilities, development of remotely operable surface skimming platform, current meter, duel frequency echo-sounder and directional wave rider buoy, will be taken up.
A financial outlay of Rs. 24.00 crore has been proposed for these programmes during 1999-2000.
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS & CO-OPERATION PROGRAMMES
A. Contribution to International Organisations
During the year 1999-2000 also contributions to International Commissions and organisations such as UNCLOS, ISBA, COMNAP/SCALOP, CCAMLR, Regional Seas Programme, etc., where India has made commitments will have to be continued. The studies relating to JGOFS will also need to be continued to yield valuable conclusions. The 1999 meeting of COMNAP/SCALOP is proposed to be held in ASC, Goa during Sept. '99.
For these an amount of Rs.0.75 crore is required during 1999-2000.
B. Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental shelf
The financial requirement for 1999-2000 is based upon the EFC memo considered in the last EFC meeting held in March 1997. During 1999-2000, only a token provision of Rs.0.50 crore is provided to meet the proposed requirement of carrying out the seismic survey.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
The process of filling up of the vacant posts will be initiated in 1999-2000. The requisite infrastructure support to the Department and attached offices will be provided for reviewing, monitoring and implementing the various approved plan programmes.
For this purpose, an outlay of Rs. 1.75 crore provided for in 1999-2000, is fully justifiable.
NON-PLAN
EXPLORATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LIVING AND NON-LIVING RESOURCES
The task of survey to locate and map the resources potential of living and non-living resources with the help of DOD's own vessels ORV Sagar Kanya and FORV Sagar Sampada will have to be continued in the coming years as collection of enormous data and information on geological oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and exploration activity in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are essential in order to understand various oceanographic phenomena.
Even though the Department has been requesting Ministry of Finance to enhance the non-plan budget provision for operation and maintenance of these two research vessels which are already 14-15 years old necessitating replacement of both the deck machinery and other essential equipment/instruments and the fund allocation has always been less than necessary. This has resulted over the years in accumulation of huge amounts of payments to be made to Shipping Corporation of India, which runs the vessels.
An allocation of Rs.9.48 crore and Rs.7.50 crore made for operation and management of ORV Sagar Kanya and FORV Sagar Sampada, respectively, during 1999-2000, is the barest minimum, as against the required amount of Rs.43.00 crore.
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
