What is INCOIS ?

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. INCOIS plays a critical role in providing a variety of ocean-related services, focusing on oceanographic, atmospheric, and environmental data to support multiple sectors, including coastal security, fisheries, marine navigation, and disaster management.

Key Functions and Services of INCOIS:

  1. Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS):

    • INCOIS operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System, which provides early warnings and alerts for tsunamis, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. It is a part of the larger Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS).
  2. Ocean State Forecasts:

    • INCOIS provides real-time ocean state forecasts, including wave height, sea surface temperature, currents, tides, and wind speed. These forecasts help the maritime, fishing, and shipping sectors ensure safety and efficiency.
  3. Fisheries Advisory Services:

    • INCOIS offers Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, which provide information about areas where fish are likely to be abundant. This service helps improve the efficiency and yield of fishermen while reducing fuel consumption.
  4. Marine Spatial Planning:

    • INCOIS supports marine spatial planning by providing maps, satellite data, and analysis on marine ecosystems, helping with the sustainable management of marine resources.
  5. Sea Level Monitoring and Climate Studies:

    • INCOIS is involved in monitoring sea levels around India and plays an important role in analyzing the impact of global sea-level rise due to climate change. It uses tidal gauges and satellite altimeters to track sea-level changes.
  6. Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI):

    • INCOIS assesses the vulnerability of India’s coastline to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, providing valuable insights for coastal protection and disaster preparedness.
  7. Ocean Data and Information Services:

    • The organization manages and disseminates data related to ocean parameters. It provides data through its real-time observation systems like buoys, Argo floats, tide gauges, and more, which is critical for researchers, policymakers, and marine industries.
  8. Disaster Support and Services:

    • INCOIS contributes to disaster preparedness and response by providing oceanographic and meteorological data to the relevant agencies in the event of storms, cyclones, tsunamis, and other ocean-related disasters.

Notable Achievements:

  • Tsunami Early Warning System: After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, INCOIS established one of the most advanced tsunami warning systems, which now provides timely warnings to many countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
  • Coastal Monitoring: INCOIS continuously monitors the Indian coastline for environmental changes and potential impacts from sea-level rise, aiding in disaster management and coastal planning.

Headquarters:

  • INCOIS is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, where it operates advanced laboratories and data centers for ocean observation and forecasting.

INCOIS is a critical component of India’s efforts to harness ocean data for societal benefits, including marine safety, disaster resilience, and sustainable resource management.

Fisheries Advisory Services: INCOIS provides Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories to the fishing community in India. These advisories are based on satellite data, which helps identify areas with higher concentrations of fish. This service increases the efficiency of fishing efforts, reducing search time and operational costs for fishermen.

  1. Coastal Vulnerability Mapping:

    • INCOIS is involved in monitoring and assessing coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and other climate-related risks. This helps in disaster management and planning for coastal zones that are prone to the impacts of climate change.
  2. Ocean Data and Information Services:

    • INCOIS collects, processes, and disseminates a wide range of oceanographic data, including information on ocean currents, tides, and sea-level changes. The center uses buoys, satellite data, and other ocean observation systems to gather and distribute this data.
  3. Marine Spatial Planning:

    • The agency supports marine spatial planning to assist in sustainable ocean use by providing data and forecasts that guide marine traffic, exploration, and other ocean-based activities.
  4. Disaster Management Support:

    • In addition to tsunami alerts, INCOIS provides other disaster management-related services, such as early warnings for storm surges and coastal floods, which are crucial for the safety of coastal communities and infrastructures.

Facilities and Collaborations:

  • INCOIS operates the Indian Ocean Real-Time Sea Level Network, which includes a series of tide gauges, drifting buoys, and wave rider buoys to monitor ocean conditions.
  • The center collaborates with international organizations such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and its data is critical for regional and global ocean monitoring.

Importance of INCOIS:

INCOIS serves as a key player in the management of India's coastal and oceanic resources. Its services are vital for disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring, and supporting the livelihoods of India's large coastal population.

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