INCOIS launched 3 technological support and alert systems

The Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) launched three new technological support and alert systems on 25 February.

The technology aims to significantly reduce damage and losses to fishermen, offshore oil exploration industries and coastal population during extreme weather and oceanic events.

Highlights:

1. Swell Surge Forecast System:
   One of the products was the 'Swell Surge Forecast System'. It will provide forewarnings for the coastal population of India's vast shoreline that experiences a slew of damages caused by the swell waves. These waves originate from the distant southern Indian Ocean. This Swell Surge system can predict 'Kallakkadal' (meaning swell surge) that occurs along the Indian coast. Now, the Swell Surge can be detected 2-3 days ahead.
   
   Swell surge is the flash-flood events that take place without any apparent signature in the coastal environment or any noticeable advance change in local winds.
   
   
2. Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS):
   The second product which was launched is the Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS). It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters. The warning system is developed on the basis of the 'Boat Safety Index' (BSI). It was derived from wave models forecast outputs including wave height, steepness of the wave, directional spread and the rapid development of wind at sea.
   
   The SVAS can detect the potential zones where vessel overturning can take place. It provides warning 10 days in advance. It is valid for small vessels of beam width up to 7 m. This system can cover an entire range of beam widths of the fishing vessels used in all the nine coastal states and union territories (UT) of India.
   
   
3. Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS):
   The third product released by INCOI is the Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS). The system will provide timely information on harmful algal blooms. The developed system will provide service for "Detection and Monitoring of Bloom in the Indian Seas". It can be used by fishermen, marine fishery, researchers, ecologists, resource managers, and environmentalists.

Algal bloom:
An algal bloom is detrimental to coastal fisheries. It can cause respiratory problems within the coastal population from time to time. It also causes ill effects on the fishery, marine life, and water quality. Four regions that have been identified as bloom hotspots are the North Eastern Arabian Sea, coastal waters of Kerala, Gulf of Mannar and coastal waters of Gopalpur.

Published date : 27 Feb 2020 12:56PM