INCOIS Announces Major Expansion of Ocean Information Services on Foundation Day
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), headquartered in Hyderabad, is set to mark a significant milestone on its foundation day, Monday, February 9. Officials have confirmed the launch of three innovative ocean information services, alongside the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner institutions. This strategic move aims to dramatically enhance public access to critical ocean advisories and coastal management tools.
Three New Services to Empower Coastal Communities
The newly introduced services—JellyAIIP, SAMUDRA 2.0 Mobile App, and SIVAS—are designed to provide comprehensive support to citizens, fishermen, and maritime users across India's coastline. INCOIS emphasizes that these platforms will bridge information gaps and improve safety and efficiency in coastal activities.
JellyAIIP: A National Portal for Jellyfish Monitoring
JellyAIIP, or the Jellyfish Aggregation Information Interactive Portal, represents a groundbreaking national web-based platform. It enables the reporting, visualization, and analysis of jellyfish aggregation, swarming, and stranding incidents along the Indian coast. The portal features advanced geospatial mapping, hotspot identification, and multilingual first-aid guidance. This tool is expected to assist local authorities, fishermen, swimmers, and beachgoers in responding effectively to jellyfish-related hazards, thereby reducing risks and enhancing coastal safety.
SAMUDRA 2.0: Upgraded Mobile Advisory Platform
INCOIS will also unveil SAMUDRA 2.0, an enhanced multilingual mobile application that delivers real-time ocean information and early warnings directly to users. The upgraded app expands its services to include:
- Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) information to optimize fishing efforts
- TUNA advisories for targeted fishing operations
- Small Vessel alerts for improved maritime safety
With improved map-based features, SAMUDRA 2.0 aims to be an indispensable tool for fishermen and other maritime stakeholders, facilitating better decision-making and resource management.
SIVAS: Coastal Inundation Early Warning System
The Swell-Surge Inundation Vulnerability Advisory System (SIVAS) is a specialized coastal inundation early warning service. It provides advance alerts for swell-surge flooding events, which can cause significant damage to coastal infrastructure and communities. Currently operational for the Kerala coast, SIVAS issues multilingual forecast bulletins to help authorities and residents prepare for and mitigate the impacts of such natural events. This service underscores INCOIS's commitment to proactive disaster management and climate resilience.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Implications
The launch of these services will be accompanied by the signing of MoUs with key partner institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in oceanographic research and application. This initiative not only enhances INCOIS's service portfolio but also aligns with national goals for sustainable coastal development and public safety. By leveraging technology and multilingual capabilities, INCOIS is poised to make ocean information more accessible and actionable for diverse user groups across India.
This expansion reflects INCOIS's ongoing efforts to integrate scientific research with practical solutions, addressing the evolving needs of India's coastal regions and contributing to global ocean governance frameworks.
