Advancing marine ecological services for the Indian Seas: INCOIS’s contribution

Abstract

The seas around India hold immense ecological and economic importance. However, this region experiences adverse effects from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources. To tackle these challenges and promote sustainable ocean management and blue economy, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) offers a suite of marine ecological services on Marine Fisheries Advisory Services (MFAS), Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS), and Coral Bleaching Alert System (CBAS). The MFAS provides advisories on Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) and tuna fishery. The PFZ advisories detect major fishing grounds, helping increase catch and reduce fishing costs. ABIS provide information and early warnings of algal blooms. CBAS monitor coral reefs' health by detecting coral bleaching events around major Indian islands and supporting conservation and climate resilience. The Water Quality Nowcasting System (WQNS) delivers updates on coastal health by disseminating data on multiple water quality parameters. WQNS operates at two key locations, utilising measurements from autonomous water quality observatories onboard moored buoys. This study also highlights the ongoing research towards developing marine ecological services on jellyfish aggregation, species-specific marine fisheries, and front-based PFZ characterization. The Jellyfish Aggregation Advisory Service (JAAS) aims to identify environmental triggers and provide early warnings on jellyfish swarming and beach stranding. Species-specific marine fisheries aim to provide region-specific information on the expected abundance and distribution of specific fish species (Hilsa, Sardine, and Mackerel). Such information will aid the fishing industry and the fishermen in targeting their efforts more effectively and in reducing the environmental impact of fishing.