The sanctioned strength of the Department of Ocean Development decreased to 200 during the year 1998-99 as detailed below, since the Antarctic Study Centre, Goa was spun off as an autonomous society from the earlier attached office status while a new autonomous society was created at Hyderabad, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. During the year, 4 non-technical posts were filled and 3 scientific/technical posts were filled up. The appointment letters have already been issued in respect of two more scientific posts.