Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Established in 1999, INCOIS is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, and is mandated to provide ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of INCOIS is to provide reliable, timely, and accurate ocean information and advisory services for the benefit of various user communities. The main objectives of the organization are:

• To establish and maintain a system for monitoring, analyzing, and predicting ocean parameters and providing ocean information services.
• To develop and maintain a comprehensive ocean observational network, data management system, and information dissemination infrastructure.
• To carry out research and development activities in ocean sciences and related fields to improve the understanding of ocean processes and enhance the quality of ocean services.
• To promote capacity building and human resource development in oceanography and related areas.

Services and Products

INCOIS provides a wide range of ocean information services and products to various stakeholders, including:

• Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories
• Ocean State Forecast (OSF)
• Tsunami Early Warning System
• Ocean Observing Systems
• Satellite Oceanography
• Ocean Data and Information System

Research and Development

INCOIS conducts research and development activities in various areas of ocean sciences, including:

• Ocean Modeling and Prediction: INCOIS develops and improves numerical models for simulating and predicting ocean processes at different spatial and temporal scales.
• Satellite Oceanography: INCOIS carries out research on the application of satellite remote sensing techniques for studying ocean dynamics, biological productivity, and climate variability.
• Ocean Observing Systems: INCOIS works on the development and optimization of ocean observing systems, including the design of new sensors and platforms for collecting oceanographic data.
• Ocean Data Assimilation: INCOIS develops techniques for assimilating ocean observations into numerical models to improve the accuracy of ocean predictions.
• Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: INCOIS studies the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere and their role in shaping the Earth’s climate and weather patterns.

=== Capacity Building and Outreach ===

INCOIS places a strong emphasis on capacity building and outreach activities to promote ocean literacy and awareness among the public and stakeholders. Some of the key initiatives in this regard are:

• Training Programs: INCOIS conducts regular training programs and workshops for students, researchers, and professionals in ocean sciences and related fields.
• Ocean Literacy Programs: INCOIS organizes various events and activities, such as exhibitions, seminars, and school visits, to promote ocean literacy among the general public and school children.
• Stakeholder Engagement: INCOIS actively engages with various stakeholders, including the fishing community, coastal zone managers, and policymakers, to understand their needs and provide them with relevant ocean information and advisory services.
• International Collaboration: INCOIS collaborates with international organizations and institutions to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices in ocean sciences and services.

Awards and Recognition

INCOIS has received several awards and recognition for its contributions to ocean sciences and services, including:

• National e-Governance Award (Gold) in 2016 for the Potential Fishing Zone Advisory Services.
• Digital India Award (Gold) in 2016 for the Ocean State Forecast Services.
• National Award for Outstanding Services in the field of Disaster Management in 2015 for the Tsunami Early Warning System.
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Certificate of Recognition in 2014 for the Potential Fishing Zone Advisory Services.