INCOIS Expands India’s Ocean Intelligence and Early Warning Capabilities

Why in News?

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is launching three new ocean information services—JellyAIIP, SAMUDRA 2.0 Mobile App, and SIVAS—along with a new institutional logo during its foundation day celebrations.

Background and Context: India’s Growing Ocean Governance Architecture

India, with a coastline of over 7,500 km and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), faces increasing challenges related to coastal hazards, marine resource management, climate change, and maritime safety. Rapid coastal urbanisation, rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones, and growing dependence on marine livelihoods have made timely and accurate ocean information a governance imperative.

Recognising this, the Government of India institutionalised ocean observation and advisory services under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to support disaster risk reduction, maritime operations, fisheries management, and climate resilience. INCOIS emerged as a key operational agency translating ocean science into actionable public services, particularly for coastal communities and maritime stakeholders.

The launch of advanced digital platforms and early warning systems reflects India’s shift towards data-driven ocean governance, aligned with national priorities such as the Blue Economy, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and coastal zone management.

About Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Mandate

It is mandated to provide ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and continuous improvement via focused research.

Institutional Role

• It established the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), which provides tsunami alerts to India and 28 Indian Ocean countries, strengthening regional disaster preparedness.
• INCOIS is a permanent member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), reflecting its global scientific standing.
• It is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, serving as India’s operational hub for ocean forecasting and marine hazard advisories.

Key Initiatives of INCOIS

• Search and Rescue Aided Tool (SARAT): Assists the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and Coastal Security Police in locating individuals or objects lost at sea by simulating drift trajectories.
• SynOPS Visualization Platform: Integrates real-time data from multiple sources to enhance response coordination during extreme ocean and weather events.

These initiatives demonstrate INCOIS’s role in bridging ocean science with frontline operational needs.

New Ocean Information Services Launched

1. JellyAIIP (Jellyfish Aggregation Information Interactive Portal)

A national web-based platform for:

• Reporting and visualising jellyfish aggregation, swarming, and stranding events along the Indian coast.
• Providing geospatial mapping, hotspot analysis, and multilingual first-aid guidance.

This service addresses emerging public health, fisheries, and tourism challenges linked to jellyfish blooms, which are increasing due to warming seas and ecological shifts.

2. SAMUDRA 2.0 Mobile App

An upgraded, multilingual mobile advisory platform that:

• Delivers real-time ocean information and early warnings to fishermen and maritime users.
• Enhances accessibility, usability, and dissemination of advisories related to weather, waves, currents, and safety at sea.

It strengthens last-mile delivery of ocean services, especially to vulnerable coastal communities.

3. SIVAS (Swell-Surge Inundation Vulnerability Advisory System)

A coastal inundation early warning service designed to:

• Provide advance alerts on swell-surge flooding events.
• Currently operational for the Kerala coast, with multilingual forecast bulletins.

SIVAS integrates wave, surge, and coastal vulnerability data to reduce loss of life and property from non-cyclonic coastal flooding events.

Significance of These Developments

1. Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction
Early warnings for tsunamis, swell-surge flooding, and marine hazards enhance preparedness and reduce disaster-induced mortality and economic losses.

2. Supporting the Blue Economy
Accurate ocean forecasts improve fisheries planning, maritime operations, tourism safety, and sustainable marine resource management.

3. Enhancing Coastal Community Resilience
User-friendly, multilingual digital platforms empower fishermen and coastal populations with actionable, real-time information.

4. Advancing Ocean Science and Governance
Data integration, AI-driven platforms, and real-time visualization tools strengthen India’s ocean observation and forecasting capabilities.

5. Fulfilling Global Commitments
INCOIS’s work aligns with international frameworks such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and regional tsunami warning mechanisms.

Challenges and Way Forward

Challenges

• Last-Mile Connectivity Gaps: Limited digital access in remote coastal areas may restrict real-time information dissemination.
• Data Integration Complexity: Integrating multi-source ocean, atmospheric, and coastal data in real time remains technically demanding.
• Sustainability of Operations: Continuous upgrades, maintenance, and user training require sustained funding and institutional support.

Way Forward

• Expand Coverage: Extend SIVAS and similar early warning systems to all vulnerable coastal regions of India.
• Enhance Digital Inclusion: Improve network connectivity and promote mobile-based platforms in fishing and coastal communities.
• Strengthen Capacity Building: Conduct regular training for frontline responders, fishermen, and local authorities.
• Leverage AI and Big Data: Integrate advanced analytics for improved forecasting accuracy and hazard anticipation.
• Deepen Regional Cooperation: Strengthen collaboration through UNESCO-IOC and regional ocean governance frameworks.