Institute for Ocean Management

Research Projects Completed

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Research Projects Completed

 

RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED

Marine Remote Sensing Information System (MARSIS)

Funded by : Department of Ocean Development
Period : 1991 - 1997
Cost : Rs.150 lakhs
Data on various oceanographic, hydrographic, meteorological parameters and coastal zone were collected, compiled and stores and MARSIS data files. These data are analyzed and value added outputs were disseminated to potential users. So far, about 500 data files have been created. More than 150 users have been benefited.

Potential Fishery Zone (PFZ) Information Dissemination and Validation
As part of the MARSIS project, the Potential Fishery Zones are identifies by National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad, for the entire Indian Coast based on satellite sensed sea surface temperature and disseminated to all the coastal states, for the benefit of fishermen all along the coasts. Institute for Ocean Management (IOM) of Anna University acts as a nodal agency to disseminate the PFZ information in Tamil Nadu state. The PFZ information received from NRSA twice a week were translated and disseminated to coastal fishermen through All India Radio stations, Tamil Newspapers, State Fisheries Department, Fishery Survey of India, Fishermen Associations and NGOs.

Coastal Zone Information System (CZIS)

Funded by : Department of Ocean Development
Period : 1992 - 1993
Cost : Rs.1.02 lakhs
This project was undertaken as a pilot project and Rameswaram taluk was selected as the study site. Conventional / socio-economic data and maps on variety of themes derived from remote sensing were collected and stored in computer using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Integrating these data and maps in GIS, an analysis was carried out to identify suitable sites for brackish water aquaculture, tourism development and land use practices. The outputs were discussed with various state departments to make use of remote sensing and GIS technologies for coastal zone management.

3. Coral reef Map Validation

Funded by : Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad.
Period : 1992 - 1993
Cost : Rs.0.50 lakhs
Coral reef maps prepared by Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, for the Gulf of Mannar area and Andaman and Nicobar Islands were validated through field verification and the corrections of the maps were carried out. The maps are submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI.

Coastal Land use Mapping for Brackish water Aquaculture site selection in Tamil Nadu

Funded by : Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad.
Period : 1993 - 1994
Cost : Rs.0.78 lakhs
A total of 34 maps on 1:50,000 scale covering the Tamil Nadu coast were prepared using IRS LISS-II data by visual interpretation and a digital data bank was created using GIS. Maps were provided to the State Fisheries Department and Centre for Brackish water aquaculture for their use.

Mapping of Suspended Sediment Concentration along Tamil Nadu coast

Funded by : Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad.
Period : 1993 - 1994
Cost : Rs.1.00 lakh
Suspended sediment concentration is an important parameter of water quality. This project was undertaken to monitor the coastal regions where erosion, accretion were pronounced through remote sensing. Satellite data for the entire Tamil Nadu coast were analyzed. Field studies for the quantification and qualitative assessment of SSC to validate satellite data and for calibrating satellite imageries were done for two sites i.e. Chennai Ennore and Tuticorin. Preparation of model quantifying the SSC was completed using the field data using chromaticity analysis. The results were published in the Indian journal of Remote Sensing.

Coastal wetland mapping of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Funded by : Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad.
Period : 1993 - 1996
Cost : Rs.4.00 lakhs
Coastal wetland maps on 1:50,000 scale for Andaman and Nicobar Islands were prepared using IRS LISS-II and Landsat imageries. 51 maps have been prepared. The maps were submitted to MoEF, GOI and Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Coastal Regulation Zone mapping of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Funded by : Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad.
Period : 1993 - 1996
Cost : Rs. 3.55 lakhs

Coastal regulation zone maps on 1:25,000 scale for Andaman and Nicobar islands were prepared using IRS LISS-II transparencies. More than 102 maps were prepared. The maps were submitted to MoEF, GOI and Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.


Aquaculture site selection in Tamil Nadu using GIS and Remote Sensing

Funded by : International Foundation for Science, Sweden
Period : 1993 - 1995
Cost : Rs.3.00 lakhs
Thematic maps of 1:50,000 scale for Vedaranyam and Tuticorin areas were collected and were digitized using PAMAP-GIS software. Several parameters such as infrastructural facilities, demographic and meteorological data were also collected to incorporate into GIS. The results were published in Asia Remote sensing Journal. So far 60 people have been trained during the past three years. The trainees are working in the department of Environment and Forest of the 8 maritime states of India and UT's. These people are now involved in the preparation of Coastal Zone Management plans of the respective states. In addition to these people from universities, MOEF and DOD, GOI were also trained.

Case studies on Coastal Fragile Areas

Funded by : Central Pollution Control Board, GOI
Period : 1994 - 1997
Cost : Rs.3.00 lakhs

This project aimed at identifying the fragile coastal areas of the country including the estimation of its area and to bring out the environmental status of each fragile area and management plans. It also identified the important species in the area and those requiring conservation, assessing the human interference and socio-economic problems. The report of the project is published as a book by Central Pollution Control Board, GOI.

Methane emission in wetlands of Tamil Nadu

Funded by : Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI.
Period : 1994 - 1995
Cost : Rs.0.50 lakhs

Methane gas flux from soil, using the closed chamber technique was determined at monthly intervals, to measure the change in concentration of the gas with time, during the period of linear change. Field visits to Adyar Estuary, Cooum Estuary, and Buckingham Canal were undertaken. Diurnal variation in methane emission was also determined.

Flux measurement of greenhouse gases in the Mangroves
Funded by : Dept. of Science and Technology, GOI.
Period : 1994 - 1996
Cost : Rs.1.86 lakhs


The study of the potential sources and sinks for greenhouse gases, their flux measurement and impacts of man-made interferences in the mangrove ecosystems of South India was the objective of this study. Regular field visits to Pichavaram, Ennore creek, and Adyar estuary mangroves were undertaken to study the spatial and temporal variation in methane efflux.

National Ocean Information System (NOIS)
Funded by : Department of Ocean Development
Period : 1995- 1997
Cost : Rs. 50 lakhs

This research project was undertaken to ensure the productive and purposeful use of enormous amount of data and information generated by R & D institutes in various fields relating to Ocean Science and Technology. Using the latest communication technologies and expert manpower through network of data centers, NOIS has identified 13 National Marine Data Centres (MDCs) located in expert institutes engaged in R & D entrusted to accomplish the objectives of collection, validation, collation, storage and dissemination of information for its productive use. IOM is responsible for the collection of data on the Coastal Geomorphology of India. The data were submitted to various Government and Non Government user Departments.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS techniques for Harbour Area Management and Development

Funded by : Department of Ocean Development, Madras Port Trust & Tuticorin Port Trust
Period : 1995 - 2000
Cost : Rs.5.90 lakhs
Harbour information systems were created for Chennai and Tuticorin Harbours. Remote Sensing data from IRS satellites 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D were used for landuse, land cover changes and shoreline changes. IRS P4 OCM data were used to derive Chlorophyll and Suspended Sediment concentration. SSC distribution and Transport were studied. Water quality parameters were estimated and sea water use classification standards were assessed. All the information are available in the information system developed. Port managers were trained in using the system.

Application of Remote Sensing Techniques for the coastal wetland ecology of Tamil Nadu with special reference to Mangroves

Funded by : Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI.
Period : 1995 - 1997
Cost : Rs.4.57 lakhs

The objectives of this project were to document the extent and status of the mangroves of Tamil Nadu and to identify the environmental changes in the mangrove area. The project report was submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI.

Sediment and Elemental Accumulation rates along Tamil Nadu coastal Ecosystem

Funded by : Dept of Atomic Energy, GOI
Period : 1995 to 1999
Cost : Rs. 10.07 Lakhs


The main objective of this project was to determine rates of sedimentation on the basis of depth-wise distribution of 210Pb. Sediment cores from diverse ecosystems along the coastal zone of Tamil Nadu was measured for this purpose, to quantify the deposition rates of trace metals (such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni etc.) in these ecosystems during the last 10 to 100 years and to assess the impact and effects of trace metals on the coastal ecosystems of Tamil Nadu.

Sustainable Freshwater Supply for Madras (Chennai) City, India: Study on the distribution of major and trace elements in groundwater

Funded by : UNICEF, New Delhi
Period : 1996 to 1997
Cost : Rs. 1.50 Lakhs


This project was aimed to evaluate the spatial changes in the chemical quality of the ground water in Chennai city. The spatial changes in the chemical quality of groundwater in Chennai city were determined. The pathways of contamination of groundwater by major and trace elements were also identified. Human impact was many times greater than the natural input of trace elements as was evident from the results obtained in this project.

Drinking Water Quality Management with Concomitant Development of Agriculture and Prawn Culture in a Coastal Rural Habitat

Funded by : Ministry of Rural Areas & Employment, Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Mission, New Delhi
Period : 1996 to 1997
Cost : Rs. 2.50 Lakhs

Various water quality parameters were tested. Prawn farms have some impact on drinking water quality mostly at locations south of Uppanar River. It is inferred that intrusion of seawater is more in south of Uppanar when compared to the north. No major impact of agriculture on water quality was observed. However, from the survey, it was clear that the agricultural practice has come down (change in crop pattern and area) due to inadequate supply of water for irrigation from Cauvery River and due to salinization of groundwater.

Nature and Flux of Organic matter in Godavari Basin
Funded by : Department of Ocean Development-LOICZ, GOI
Period : 1997 to 2001
Cost : Rs. 5.94 lakhs

This study was focused on the accumulation and diagenesis of organic carbon and organic matter in estuarine region of the Godavari River basin. It also characterized carbon and nitrogen in the suspended, bed and core sediments samples at seasonal intervals. In addition, the nature and distribution pattern of organochlorine pesticides for Godavari river basin is being made to understand the distribution of harmful pesticides in this agriculture dominated river basin. The project identified the probable sources and sinks of nutrients and its interaction with other trace elements and the ultimate flux of nutrients and other trace elements from the river system to the Bay of Bengal.

Methane Cycling in Tropical Mangrove Ecosystems of India
Funded by : Volkswagen-Stiftung, Germany

Period : 1998-2000
Cost : Rs. 20.00 lakhs
The project addressed the key global change problems on coastal wetland ecosystem level emphasizing their interactions with nutrients, plants, water and the atmosphere. The main aim was to understand the basic processes of methane cycling (CH4 production, oxidation and transport) in the mangrove ecosystems. The plant influenced methane production and oxidation were quantified during this study. Correlations to evaluate the environmental characteristics that affect the flux of methane from the sediment-water interface to the atmosphere were made. Several competitive and non-competitive methanogenic substrates (precursors) were also identified and quantified during the course of this research project. The results obtained from this research work provided an insight into the production, oxidation and transport of methane and the other intermediary metabolites responsible for the high emission rates in mangrove ecosystems of South India.

Critical habitats Information System (CHIS) for selected parts of coastal India

Funded by : Dept of Ocean Development, GOI
Period : 1998 - 2001
Cost : Rs. 8.0 lakhs

GIS based database were developed for 11 critical coastal habitats in selected parts of India. Thematic maps were prepared from satellite data, non-spatial data, and a a database was organized using GIS. User training and capacity building activities were also carried out.

Biogeochemical cycle of methane in natural wetlands
Funded by : Indian Space Research
Organisation-Geosphere- Biosphere Programme
Period : 1998 - 2002 Cost : Rs.12.76 lakhs

This research project was aimed at understanding the basic processes of methane cycling in natural wetlands and assessing the impact of coastal eutrophication on methane emission. Comparisons were made with other polluted and unpolluted coastal wetlands in South India. The outcome of this project helped in strengthening our understanding of methane cycling in the wetland ecosystem. This study provided new insights into the methanogenic processes thus enabling refinement of the existing global methane budget.

DFID Training Project on Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Funded by : Department of International Development (DFID), United Kingdom Period : 1999 - 2003
Cost : Rs.550 lakhs

The Department of International Development (DFID), United Kingdom, has sanctioned the "Integrated Coastal Management Training" project to IOM in the year 1999. For this purpose, the DFID has allocated £ 810,850 (Rs.550 lakhs) from the bilateral TC funds for a four-year period (1999-2003). The main purpose of this project is to establish the capability to train key Indian personnel in Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and the capacity to provide relevant advice to GOI on ICM issues. The goal of this programme is to achieve habitat conservation and sustainable use of coastal resources in India during the past two years. Already IOM has trained more than 50 senior level government officers from various maritime states of India. The first phase of the training was conducted at the University of Newcastle, U.K and the second phase of training was conducted at IOM, Anna University. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is coordinating this programme.

Coastal Zone Management: Status and trends of pollutants in coastal ecosystems of Tamil Nadu

Funded by : AICTE-TAPTEC, GOI
Period : 1999 to 2001
Cost : Rs. 10.00 lakhs

Determination of pollutional levels (heavy metals, nutrients and pesticides), import and export from the coastal ecosystems and its significance on a regional scale and to assess the human impact to the coastal ecosystem were the primary foci of this research project. Human intervention in catchment basins, felling of mangroves and dam construction etc., are the different driving forces responsible for changes in the coastal ecosystems. This study provided the present status and management principles needed for the coastal zone of Tamil Nadu.

Water Quality Assessment and Characterisation in Pondicherry region

Funded by : INCOH, Ministry of Water Resources, GOI
Period : 1999 - 2001
Cost : Rs.11.00 lakhs


Assessing the spatial and temporal variations of major and trace elements and to evaluate the levels of organochlorine pesticides in the groundwater and surface water of Pondicherry region and to understand the processes controlling the seasonal variations of these elements were the main objectives of this project. Sources of pollutants affecting the groundwater in Pondicherry region were identified. Possible water management practices were suggested thereby controlling the seawater intrusion in Pondicherry coastal aquifer.

No Impact Zone studies on Pulicat lake
Funded by : Department of Ocean Development, GOI
Period : 1999 - 2003
Cost : Rs.49.00 lakhs

Major activities and Impacts in the Pulicat region were identified and studied. Land use / land cover changes were evaluated. Water quality parameters were estimated and environmental quality of the Pulicat lake region is assessed. Shoreline changes were estimated using shoreline survey and beach profile studies. Using Mike21 and LIT PACK software numerical modelling studies were carried out for estimating erosion, accretion and shoreline changes.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Determination of "Best Designated Use" of Coastal Water

Funded by : Department of Ocean Development, GOI
Period : 1999 - 2003
Cost : Rs.80.00 lakhs
The objective of the project was to find out the "Best Designated use of coastal water" at present and its probable future use. About 18 coastal sites along the west and east coast of India were evaluated based on their water quality parameters.

Identification of Ecologically Important Areas of Indian coast
Funded by : Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI
Period : 2001 - 2003
Cost : Rs.74.6 lakhs

The objective of this project is to asses the habitat types and identify the areas to be designated as Ecologically Important Areas along the Indian coast and to prepare a report on the EIAs including their importance and need for conservation. Remote sensing and GIS approaches are used.

Environmental Impact Assessment in North Chennai Area due to the Construction of Satellite Port at Ennore, Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System


Funded by : All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), GOI Period : 2000 - 2003
Cost : Rs.19.00 lakhs

To assess the environmental impact due to the construction of satellite port at Ennore, North of Chennai. The project will also focus on the shoreline changes due to the construction of the port. Land use changes on a time scale to help in the developing a decision support system will also be made.

CDG Training Programme on Integrated Coastal Management

Funded by : Carl Duisburg Gesellschaft (CDG), Bremen, Germany Period : Dec 2000
Cost : Rs.3.00 lakhs

The Institute for Ocean Management, in collaboration with the Carl Duisburg Gesellschaft (CDG), Bremen, Germany conducted training for the Tamil Nadu State government officials, in the preparation of coastal zone management decisions and policies during December 2000.

CDG Training Programme on Harbour Area Management
Funded by : Carl Duisburg Gesellschaft (CDG), Bremen, Germany Period : Dec 2001
Cost : Rs.3.00 lakhs
The Institute for Ocean Management, in collaboration with the Carl Duisburg Gesellschaft (CDG), Bremen, Germany conducted training for the Port officials from the various ports, in Harbour environment management during December 2001.

 

 


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