Sustainable and Environment friendly exploration and exploitation of enormous living and non-living marine resources for the socio-economic benefit of the country is the underline philosophy of all programmes and activities undertaken by the Department of Ocean Development. Within the framework of Ocean Policy Statement of India and in harmony with the developments world over the programmes of the Department address national priorities.

Activities of the Department can be grouped in the following major heads:

Polar Sciences

Marine Living Resources

Marine Non-Living Resources

Marine Environment and Coastal Zone Management

Excellance to facilitate optimum utilisation of ocean and its resources.

Observing, understanding and modelling Ocean processes

International Programmes

Following describe the Departmental activities and projects implemented during 1996-97: