Why in news?
On 22 June 2026 the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services began issuing specialised El Niño bulletins for the maritime sector. The first bulletin warned that an evolving El Niño could peak between November 2026 and January 2027, raising sea‑surface temperatures and causing coral bleaching, marine heat waves and reduced fish catches. It advised shipping operators to monitor updates, noting that the Bay of Bengal may experience rough seas while the Arabian Sea could be calmer.
Background
INCOIS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences established in 1999. Headquartered in Hyderabad, it is part of the Earth System Science Organisation and a permanent member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. INCOIS runs the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre, which can issue alerts within ten minutes for India and 28 Indian Ocean countries. The organisation also provides daily potential fishing zone advisories in regional languages, short‑term forecasts of waves, currents and tides, and storm surge warnings. It manages ocean observation networks and operates the International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean).
Recent initiatives and services
- El Niño bulletins: The new bulletins combine satellite data and models to predict how warming in the Pacific will affect the Indian Ocean. They alert fishermen, port authorities and naval planners about expected changes in sea state and fisheries.
- Search and Rescue Aided Tool (SARAT): This tool assists the Coast Guard and Navy in locating missing vessels or persons at sea by analysing winds, currents and drifts.
- SynOPS visualisation platform: SynOPS integrates real‑time observations and model outputs to support decision‑making during storms, cyclones and tsunamis.
- Capacity building: Through ITCOocean, INCOIS conducts training for scientists from India and other Indian Ocean rim countries in operational oceanography, fostering regional cooperation.
Conclusion
By issuing El Niño bulletins and maintaining early warning systems, INCOIS helps protect coastal communities and maritime industries from ocean‑related hazards. Its services exemplify how science can translate into timely advice that saves lives and supports the blue economy.