The achievements of PFZ and Ocean State Forecast programmes are highlighted in the recent study of National Centre for Economics and Applied Research revealed that ~ 90% fishermen in Tamil Nadu and 64% fishermen in the eastern states, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, are aware of and are utilizing these advisories together with the ocean state information. The study further stated that the total annual net economic benefit due to the scientific identification of PFZs based on satellite information is estimated to lie in the range of Rs. 34,000 to 50, 000 crores. INCOIS operationalised advisories on Tuna species based on satellite derived SST, Chlorophyll, water clarity and model based mixed layer depth.

Currently, the wave forecasts are provided on a spatial resolution of 25x25 km grids and the other parameters (SST, MLD, etc.) on 1/8°x1/8° grid (ie. ~ 13 km resolution). In addition to providing the forecasts on aforementioned parameters, INCOIS also set up operational tidal predictions (tidal elevation) at 137 major and minor ports along the Indian region. Another useful service, named ‘high wave alert’ is found to be highly useful for the coastal community.

Considering thermal stress as an indicator, coral health bulletins are issued bi-weekly indicating the hot spot composites (early signs of bleaching), degree of heating weeks (DHWs) (intensity of bleaching) and time series satellite observations. Currently, this service covers the coral environs of the Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Currently, INCOIS data bank holds ~ 17,00,000 records of in situ data. Other notable achievements are in the improvements in the generation and archival of satellite data downloaded them daily using the ground station at INCOIS as well as the data downloaded from elsewhere (current holdings of satellite data is ~ 5 TB) and the preparation of special data products (Argo data CD that has ~ 1,40,000 temperature and salinity profiles obtained during 2001 – 2010).

An important achievement in the dissemination is the development and deployment of new generation electronic display board (EDB) that communicates with the server in INCOIS and automatically obtains the necessary information (PFZ advisories and ocean state forecast) relevant to the location where it is installed. During the XI plan, INCOIS installed ~ 100 new EDBs at various locations along the Indian coast

Several projects involving coastal geospatial applications were carried out during XI plan to identify the changes in shorelines of Lakshadweep Islands, mapping of coral reefs and for the preparation of coastal vulnerability index (CVI) maps. The CVI maps at 1:100000 scale for the entire coastline of India including Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands and the maps of coral reef in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are near completion

a) Objectives:

1. To generate, archive and provide data and value added data products to user communities.
2. Sustain and improve the Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories and Tuna Fishing Zone advisories, Ocean state forecasts, coral reef health bulletins, data products, etc.
3. Operationalise the improved WWIII, ROMS and other models for more accurate forecasts of ocean waves, currents, SST, etc.
4. Set up a state-of-the-art ‘Ocean Data Processing Lab’ and the development of ‘Digital Ocean’ that will allow the users to examine, view and experience the ocean on 4D.
5. Develop, maintain and improve INCOIS website and Ocean portal.
6. Data search and rescue - Digitization and archival of available old records to update Indian Ocean Hydro Base (IOHB) and development of distributed in situ data network.
7. Setting up of special data centre for OBIS and development of tools for data processing, quality checking and dissemination.
8. Install 100 new Electronic Display Boards (EDB) and integrate them with INSAT communication system to enhance dissemination of PFZ, ocean state forecast and disaster information.
9. Conduct user interaction and awareness campaigns – reach out to new user groups and users.
10. Prepare upgraded CVI maps at 1:50,000 scale (Version2).

b) Participating Institutions:

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad

c) Implementation Plan:

Data and modeling being the kernel for information and forecasting services, concentrated efforts will be made to improve the quality of data sets and accuracies of existing models. In addition, new models will be developed to location specific, parameter specific forecasts.

The cloud contamination of satellite data limits its usage for the generation of PFZ advisories. To address this issue, high resolution modeling utilizing the available high resolution data will be taken up.

Forecast of ocean parameters, (waves, currents, SST, etc) near the coast and the seas around India, has become a necessity for safe navigation and other marine activities. This requirement will be met through the improvements to the existing ocean models and improved dissemination systems.

Data management and information generation and their dissemination will be improved through new technology and enhancement in observing systems.

d) Deliverables:

Regular advisories to fishermen on the potential fishing grounds, tuna fishing grounds, ocean state forecasts for the benefit of fishing, navigation, marine industries, etc.

Data archival, data products and dissemination

CVI maps of the Indian coast at 1:50000 scale

Regular advisories on the health of coral reef, harmful algal blooms, etc.

Training to users and policy makers on how to use the advisories, data and data products

e) Budget requirement : 73 crores

(Rs. In crores)