A team of ocean scientists will be feted with the National Geo-Science Award for their work which has demonstrated both economic and scientific benefits.

T M Balakrishnan Nair (Team Leader), R Harikumar, Francis P A, and Sandhya K G from the Hyderabad-headquartered INCOIS have developed the Ocean Forecast and Information System for India for maritime safety and boosting the blue economy.

The team developed a user-driven operational ocean prediction system for early warning on the ocean state for fishermen, oil industries, shipping, ports and harbours, maritime boards, coastal tourism departments, marine police, the Navy and Coast Guard for safe navigation and operation courtesy.

The institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences successfully forecast the sea state during Cyclone Phailin and Hudhud saving lives and property. Eight lakh people use this information on a daily basis for operational planning and safe navigation at sea, an official release said.

The system has also been extended to the neighbouring countries of Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The team has also developed products such as forecast along ship routes, web map services, forecasts for ports and harbours, Marine Interactive Safety Tool (MINT), Search And Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT), offshore wind energy maps for boosting the blue economy by serving industry and strategic forces.

They will receive the award from President Pranab Mukherji in New Delhi.

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