The objective of this programme is to provide data and decision support for the management of the resources and environment of the coastal ocean and islands. Research and development programmes initiated for this purpose are aimed at orchestrating available science and technology towards generating new outputs to spur the development process. The key operational elements of this programme are:

A satellite based operational real/ semireal time Marine Information Service

Systematic monitoring and modelling of the marine environment of 25 km wide coastal ocean, all along the country's coastline and islands

Design of an integrated breakwater wave power generating system

High technology demonstration to promote development of new resources, e.g. semi-intensive prawn aquaculture

Sea level measurements at selected sites along the coast and islands using modern tide gauges; and close contour level surveys of some vulnerable coastal areas towards assessing the impact of possible sea level rise as well as providing a refined approach to modelling the effect of storm surges.

A brief summary of these activities and achievements made in the implementation of this programme is outlined below: