INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services)

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, dedicated to providing oceanographic data, information, and advisory services for the benefit of various sectors including fisheries, shipping, coastal management, disaster mitigation, and research. Established in 1999 and located in Hyderabad, Telangana, INCOIS serves as the country’s premier organisation for real-time ocean monitoring, forecasting, and early-warning systems.

Background and Establishment

INCOIS was established in response to the increasing need for reliable and timely ocean information to support India’s growing dependence on the marine environment for food security, transportation, and resource exploitation. Its creation was part of the national initiative to strengthen ocean science capabilities following the formation of the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), which later became part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami highlighted the urgent requirement for a dedicated early-warning system for ocean-based disasters. Consequently, INCOIS expanded its mandate to include tsunami warning and coastal hazard monitoring, making India one of the leading nations in ocean-related disaster management.

Objectives

The key objectives of INCOIS include:

• To provide reliable ocean information and forecasts for safe navigation, sustainable fisheries, and disaster preparedness.
• To develop and operate real-time observation and data management systems for the Indian Ocean region.
• To support operational oceanography through modelling, forecasting, and data assimilation.
• To collaborate with international agencies for global ocean data exchange and scientific research.
• To develop decision-support tools for policymakers, coastal planners, and end-users in marine and coastal sectors.

Organisational Structure

INCOIS functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, working in coordination with other national and international scientific organisations. It operates various divisions that specialise in ocean observation, modelling, satellite oceanography, and information dissemination.
It also hosts the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), one of the most advanced multi-hazard warning centres in the world, providing services to several countries in the Indian Ocean region under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

Core Services and Programmes

INCOIS delivers a wide range of operational and advisory services, many of which have direct applications in the economic and disaster-management sectors.
1. Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS): The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre, operated by INCOIS, was established in 2007. It monitors seismic activity, sea-level changes, and ocean models to provide accurate and timely tsunami alerts. The system integrates data from:

• Seismic networks for earthquake detection.
• Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys for pressure changes.
• Tide gauges and satellite observations.The ITEWC issues warnings not only for India’s coastal regions but also to 24 other Indian Ocean Rim countries, enhancing regional cooperation in disaster mitigation.

2. Ocean State Forecast (OSF): INCOIS provides daily forecasts of ocean parameters such as wave height, sea surface temperature, ocean currents, tides, and wind patterns. These forecasts assist:

• Fishermen and coastal communities in planning sea voyages.
• The shipping and offshore industries for operational safety.
• The Indian Navy and Coast Guard for navigation and rescue missions.

3. Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisory: One of INCOIS’s most widely used services, the PFZ advisory identifies areas where fish are likely to be abundant based on satellite data on sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration. Disseminated through mobile SMS, web portals, and local communication systems, this service helps fishermen save fuel, time, and effort while increasing their catch efficiency and income.
4. Coastal and Ocean State Services (COSS): This programme monitors and predicts coastal water levels, waves, and currents to assist in port operations, coastal engineering, and erosion management. It supports coastal protection and sustainable development initiatives.
5. Storm Surge and Coastal Flood Forecasting: INCOIS provides early warnings for storm surges and coastal flooding caused by tropical cyclones. The forecasts are used by disaster management agencies to plan evacuations and reduce damage in vulnerable coastal areas.
6. Ocean Observation and Data Management: Through the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and collaboration with international networks, INCOIS collects real-time oceanographic data using Argo floats, moored buoys, and satellite sensors. The Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) ensures that this information is stored, processed, and made accessible for research and operational purposes.
7. Satellite Oceanography: INCOIS uses remote sensing data from Indian and global satellites to monitor sea surface temperature, ocean colour, wave height, and sea-level anomalies. This information supports fisheries, climate research, and ocean circulation modelling.

Research and Development

INCOIS is deeply involved in operational oceanography research, focusing on:

• Development of coupled ocean-atmosphere models for improved forecasting.
• Coastal vulnerability mapping and climate impact assessment.
• Data assimilation techniques to enhance model accuracy.
• Marine ecosystem and biogeochemical studies to support sustainable fisheries management.

Collaborations with national institutions such as the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Centre for Climate Services (INCCS), and international organisations like NOAA, ESA, and UNESCO-IOC strengthen INCOIS’s scientific and technical capacity.

Capacity Building and Outreach

INCOIS conducts regular training, workshops, and capacity-building programmes for scientists, disaster managers, and end-users. The International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean), established in collaboration with UNESCO-IOC, trains professionals from India and other developing nations in ocean information services, marine forecasting, and hazard management.
The centre also engages in public outreach through educational initiatives, user-interaction workshops, and dissemination of ocean literacy materials in multiple regional languages.