(a) whether the National Institute of Oceanography is working on ocean research;
(b) if so details thereof;
(c) the progress made in this regard so far; and
(d) the amount allocated to the National Institute of Oceanography during the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT ( KAPIL SIBAL)
a) Yes Sir.
b) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), goa, a constituent laboratory under the SCIR, is carrying out Research & Development work on various aspects of Ocean sciences. Its main objective is to develop a knowledge-base relating to Physical Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Geological Oceanography, Biological Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Marine Instrumentation , Marine Corrosion & Material Research, Marine Archaeology and Coastal zone management. Presently 24 projects in above fields are handled.
c) Some salient achievements of NIO`s research are in the Polymetallic nodule research, llemnite (offshore placer deposits), identification of methane rich-gas charged sediment regions from west coast of India, multidisciplinay research in the EEZ of India, development of processes from bio-active materials from the sea. NIO has also successfully developed and deployed marine instruments like Direct reading current meter, Tide Gauges and Automatic Weather Stations etc.
d) The amount allocated to NIO by CSIR during the 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-2005 (till 15 March 2005) is Rs. 19.368 crore, Rs. 23.265 crore and Rs. 23.267 crore respectively.