The main objectives of the project are perfection of demersal, pelagic and semi-pelagic trawl systems with the aid of ITI sensors, with a view to design and optimize deep-sea trawls for cephalopods, deep-sea prawns and lobsters.

 Resource specific studies for gear specificity, efficiency and fuel economy, trawl configuration measurements (net-height, wing end and door spread) at different speeds, model testing of gears at experimental tanks, selectivity of square mesh and diamond mesh with respect to major deep-sea fin-fish and shell-fish resources, and shoal characteristics of deep-sea resources are in progress.

The project is aimed at identifying the harmful and toxic algal bloom forming species in the Indian EEZ and to study the dynamics of bloom formation and culture aspects.

          During 2002-2003, Toxic algal studies were carried out by CUSAT (School of Marine Sciences) Kochi, CMFRI and Andhra University by participation in seven FORV Sagar Sampada cruises during the period.  Samples were collected from 150 stations for toxic algal studies. 234 species of microflora consisting of 118 species of dinoflagellates, 112 species of diatoms, and 4 species of blue green algae were recorded during this period from the EEZ.  146 species of microflora recorded from the Bay of Bengal constituted 87 species of dinoflagellates, 56 species of diatoms and 3 species of blue green algae.  165 species of microflora comprising 82 species of dinoflagellates, 81 species of diatoms and 2 species of cyanobacteria were recorded in the Arabian Sea.

Bloom formation of Trichodesmium theibantii

The objectives of this project are

·          to understand the spatial distribution of standing crop of benthos and its seasonal variations, if any

·          composition of benthic community; microbial production, its role and the mineralisation process;

·           benthic diversity in the Indian EEZ and creation of a data base on benthos of the Indian EEZ.

Some of the echinoderms – benthic fauna
and molluscs – benthic fauna recorded

The Main Objectives of the program are-

·         Study of Target Strength (TS) of fishes such as mackerel, sardines, anchovies and ribbon fishes;

·         design and development of software for signal processing, its validation and fine tuning

·         manpower training,

Experimental cage developed for in situ TS measurements

Lead organization implementing this program are, the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow and National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.

The ocean living resources provide ample scope for extraction of drugs and chemicals for medical and other purposes.  During the year, About 500 marine organisms, representing Porifera, Coelenterata, Echinodermata and Mollusca, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, Cyanophyta and some mangroves were collected.    Organisms possessing anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal, anti-cholesterol, anti-bacterial and spermicidal activities were identified. The regulatory pharmacology and toxicology of the anti-diabetic lead and toxicity test of anti-cholesterol molecule are being conducted. More exploratory work to identify organisms, which show bioactive potential is being undertaken.

Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)

A wide range of developmental activities viz., industry, tourism, fishing, aquaculture, etc., and large-scale human inhabitation take place in the coastal areas. Development of these activities clustered along the narrow strip of coastal waters, creates conflicts between activities and the goal of conservation of the nature.

The natural coastal systems and the areas in which human activities involve the use of coastal resources may therefore extend well beyond the limit of territorial waters.  The natural habitats of the coastal waters are varied, but being small in area, have been shrinking fast for several decades, primarily due to excessive use for a variety of purposes.  This leads to generation of different kinds of waste, which are discharged into the coastal marine environment either directly or indirectly through the rivers, canals and creeks.   This results in degradation of coastal water quality, which has become a major cause for concern. These known problems are likely to be compounded in future as a result of the general trend in environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Protection and preservation of marine environment is one of the priority areas of Government of India.  As per the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, Department of Ocean Development is responsible for preservation and conservation of marine environment. Under this directive, the department has been carrying out studies relating to monitoring of marine pollution in the coastal and offshore areas of the country under the programme viz. "Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)” since 7^th five year Plan period.

The COMAPS programme has been in operation at 82 locations for systematic collection of data and analysis with respect to 25 parameters relating to physical, chemical and biological including microbiological characteristics of water and sediments. The study also envisages concentration of heavy metals and pesticide residues. Besides, models are being developed for the evaluation of assimilative capacities of coastal marine areas for contaminant introduction and to enable the Pollution Control Boards to evolve a mechanism for mitigating the adverse impact of pollution on marine environment. During the current year Development of GIS based data base for marine pollutants has been initiated under the programme. For ensuring data quality, Inter-calibration exercises are also carried out.

The Participating Institutes in the program are:

·         Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar;

·         Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Prangipettai;

·         Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum;

·         National Institute of Oceanography, Goa;

·         Centre for Marine Analytical Reference & Standards, Trivandrum;

·         Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai

·         National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai

Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)

The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management project initiated during 1997-98 has two main objectives

·         Capacity Building

·         Development of Infrastructure for R&D training.

  The Capacity Building component is supported by the International Development Association (IDA) under the Environmental Management Capacity Building Project of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.  It is having four major components.  They are:

Development of Critical habitat Information System for 11 selected critical habitats

·         Determination of Waste Assimilation Capacity in Tapi estuary, Ennore creek and Hooghly estuary.

·         Development of Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Ports and Harbours, Coastal Tourism, and Waste disposal through marine out falls,

·         Development of Model ICMAM Plans for identified areas such as Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kachchh.

The following programmes have been initiated during the Tenth Plan.

§         Development of Critical Habitat Information System (CHIS) using GIS for 3 selected Critical Habitats (Andaman & Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep islands and Goa)

§         Determination of the Zonation of Coastal waters at 10 additional sites

§         Development of specific habitat/ water quality criteria through Marine Ecotoxicology and related R&D activities

§         Studies on Ecosystem Modelling

§         Management of tidal inlets

§         Shoreline management

§         Satellite based R&D programme

Arcview output of Sundebans reserve forest.  Sundri magrove plant in the inlay

Deepsea Mineral Exploration

Palaeo-oceanographic Studies in the Bay of Bengal Fan (BENFAN)

The main objective of the program is to reconstruct the paleo-oceanography/paleo climate using the long sediment cores (up to 40 m) in the Bay of Bengal.

The Participating institutions of the program are:

• National Institute of Oceanography, Goa
• Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
• Delta studies Institute, Andhra University, Vishakapattnam
• Madras University, Chennai

Bathymetric data collected in parts of Bay of Bengal in the Exclusive Economic Zone were analysed to identify areas of long core collection. Gravity core samples were also collected and taken up for analysis at the participating labs/organizations.

Piston corer in operation over-board ORV Sagar Kanya for BENFAN

Marine fauna useful for developing drugs

Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)

A wide range of developmental activities viz., industry, tourism, fishing, aquaculture, etc., and large-scale human inhabitation take place in the coastal areas. Development of these activities clustered along the narrow strip of coastal waters, creates conflicts between activities and the goal of conservation of the nature.

The natural coastal systems and the areas in which human activities involve the use of coastal resources may therefore extend well beyond the limit of territorial waters. The natural habitats of the coastal waters are varied, but being small in area, have been shrinking fast for several decades, primarily due to excessive use for a variety of purposes.  This leads to generation of different kinds of waste, which are discharged into the coastal marine environment either directly or indirectly through the rivers, canals and creeks. This results in degradation of coastal water quality, which has become a major cause for concern. These known problems are likely to be compounded in future as a result of the general trend in environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Protection and preservation of marine environment is one of the priority areas of Government of India.  As per the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, Department of Ocean Development is responsible for preservation and conservation of marine environment. Under this directive, the department has been carrying out studies relating to monitoring of marine pollution in the coastal and offshore areas of the country under the programme viz.   ‘Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)” since 7^th five year Plan period.

The COMAPS programme has been in operation at 82 locations for systematic collection of data and analysis with respect to 25 parameters relating to physical, chemical and biological including microbiological characteristics of water and sediments. The study also envisages concentration of heavy metals and pesticide residues. Besides, models are being developed for the evaluation of assimilative capacities of coastal marine areas for contaminant introduction and to enable the Pollution Control Boards to evolve a mechanism for mitigating the adverse impact of pollution on marine environment.  During the current year Development of GIS based data base for marine pollutants has been initiated under the programme.  For ensuring data quality, Inter-calibration exercises are also carried out.

The Participating Institutes in the program are:

·         Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar;

·         Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Prangipettai;

·         Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum;

·         National Institute of Oceanography, Goa;

·         Centre for Marine Analytical Reference & Standards, Trivandrum;

·         Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai

·         National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai

Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)

The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management project initiated during 1997-98 has two main objectives

·         Capacity Building

·         Development of Infrastructure for R&D training.

  The Capacity Building component is supported by the International Development Association (IDA) under the Environmental Management Capacity Building Project of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.  It is having four major components.  They are:

Development of Critical habitat Information System for 11 selected critical habitats

·         Determination of Waste Assimilation Capacity in Tapi estuary, Ennore creek and Hooghly estuary.

·         Development of Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Ports and Harbours, Coastal Tourism, and Waste disposal through marine out falls,

·         Development of Model ICMAM Plans for identified areas such as Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kachchh.