Thayannur Mullachery Balakrishnan Nair, founding scientist of the Indian National Ocean Information Systems in Hyderabad (Incois), recently took over as a director under the Ministry of Sciences of the Earth (MOE). In this exclusive interview, he shares insight into the next phase of observation and forecasts of the ocean.
Incois completed 25 years. How do you look at the development of the Institute?
For a scientific institution, 25 years are relatively young. Nevertheless, we proved to be a global leader in the ocean information systems. Only four other countries – United States, Great Britain, France and Japan – have this level of operational oceanography. We started with potential fishing councils (PFA), followed by tsunami warnings, ocean forecasts and others. We focus on improving the accuracy of observation systems for better predictions that will serve stakeholders such as fishermen, maritime industry, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and tourism.
Did Incois achieve her mission goals during this time?
200%! Our growth was phenomenal. The Institute was built of bricks after bricks, thanks to the visionary directors right from the start. Our research and publications had a tangible social impact, especially in helping a common person. Isro’s culture of building a nation and teamwork inspired us. Minister Moes M. Ravicandran greatly supported.
How has oceanography importance acquired over the years?
There was a fight in the first years. However, our translation research mission – how to provide the company service and support stakeholders, such as the fishing community – has gained traction. Today, nine fishermen Lakh will receive our advice from PFA daily. We have set up an extensive network of observation systems that provide accurate forecasts, and we are constantly upgrading them with the latest technologies.
How good are we in ocean monitoring, especially in the Indian Ocean?
We are among the best when we have invested a lot in tidal networks, automated weather stations, water monitoring, Argo floats, tsunami and gliders. Now we are developing the underwater cable observatory for real -time monitoring.
What are the advantages of ocean monitoring in real time?
It allows us to provide timely company services – whether it is to identify potential fishing zones, predict high waves or release tsunami and alerts of storms. The boat industry industry relies on safer routes, while the tourism sector needs information about the safety of the beach and cleanliness. Our goal is to offer adapted services. We are also planning to provide ocean climatic services such as increasing sea levels, impact on the coastal area and the participating parties of the blue economy.
How do you plan to expand your ocean monitoring systems?
We are a key partner in the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) and deal with 10 main challenges related to the risk of disasters through advanced early warning systems. We are an integral part of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which recognized us as a regional specialized meteorological center (RSMC) for early warning and disaster management. Our goal is to develop the information system of deep fishing and expand our current range of 20 kilometers to international waters where countries such as China and Taiwan actively hunt.
Are the creators of politicians and the parties involved seriously notify the early warning?
Absolutely. We cooperate closely with the National Authority for Disaster Management (NDMA) and state agencies to provide warnings directly to the public through the Common Alert protocol. Our current focus focuses on low -profile but highly impact events such as high waves and storm growth. Last year, 15 people lost their lives despite our warnings in Kerala. With the growing level of the sea, forecasts based on impact have become essential.
Can you elaborate the need for advanced forecasts?
We currently provide forecasts for three to four days. However, maritime users need long-term planning tools-sometimes a month in advance. For decadal predictions, we plan advanced AI -powered modeling systems, more satellite data and seabed observation systems, especially in regions such as the Andaman subduction zone. The constellation of satellites is essential for scanning each place at least twice a day compared to the current delay of one week to 22 days.
Incois seems to have introduced a buoy near Mauritius. What is the idea behind it?
India has undertook to support other nations that need oceanographic information. We already provide warnings to 30-40 countries in the Indian Ocean and 14 countries in the Pacific. African nations, including Mozambique, are looking for our help and plan to expand our observation contributions. So far, we have trained more than 6,000 employees from 97 countries in the operating oceanography.
How do you look at how you and now build your entire scientific career and are now heading to the institute?
I am proud and deeply satisfied. When I was accepted, I was asked for my vision. I was clear to me – I wanted to use science to serve society. Over the past two decades, we have contributed to saving lives, improving livelihoods and helping government agencies to manage natural disasters and sea development. But only providing information is not enough. We have to look at how climate change affects our society, blue economy and agriculture. This is our vision.
