Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) is a continuing programme since 1991 for monitoring the health of our seas. Data collected through this programme are essential to formulate remedial measures to protect health of our marine environment. Depending upon the level and source of pollutants, 77 sampling stations have been identified of which 32 have been classified as "Hot spot" stations. Data on 25 environmental parameters including heavy metals and pesticide residues are being monitored. The institutions involved in the programme include National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and its Regional Centres at Bombay, Cochin and Visakhapatnam; Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar; Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum; Central Electrochemical Research Institute units, Madras and Tuticorin; Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar; Central Pollution Control Board (Zonal Office), Calcutta; Andaman and Nicobar Centre for Ocean Development and Regional Research Laboratory, Trivandrum.

The details of state-wise locations where the levels of pollutants were monitored are given below with the intensively monitored areas as potential hotspot identified with an asterik mark (*):

Gujarat: Kandla,Navlakhi, Salaya,Okha*, Dwarka, Porbandar*,Veraval* and Hazira

Diu and Daman

Maharashtra: Trombay*, Bassein*, Mahim*,Thane*, Bombay Harbour*,Versova*, Ulhas creek*, Murud, Ratnagiri and Reddy

Goa: Mandovi, Zuari and Marmagao*

Karnataka: Karwar*, Hannowar and Mangalore*

Kerala: Kasargod, Cannanore, Calicut, Ponnani, Kochi*, Alleppey, Kayankulam, Quilon*, Veli and Thiruvananthapuram*

Tamil Nadu: Kanyakumari, Koodankulam*, Arumuganeri*, Tuticorin*, Vaiparu estuary, Gundaru estuary, Mandapam, Uchipulli, Thondi, Point Calimere*, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Cooum*, Madras Harbour*, Ennore* and Pulicat

Pondicherry*, Yanam

Andhra Pradesh: Krishnapatnam, Nizampatnam,Machilipatnam,Yanam, Kakinada*,Visakhapatnam*I, Visakhapatnam*II and Kalingapatnam

Orissa: Dhamra, Gopalpur*, Paradip*, Puri*, Konark and Balasore

West Bengal: Saptamukhi, Digha, Sandheads*, Diamond harbour*, Holiday island, Dalhousie Point,Sunderbans and Indo-Bangladesh Border*

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Port Blair

Lakshadweep Islands: Kavaratti

The results obtained have indicated localised pollution in hot spot areas and in other areas the pollution was minimal. In general sea off 1 km from the coast was found to be clean, except off Bombay where the sea off 2 Km. was found to be free from pollution.

Inter-Calibration Exercises

Two inter-calibration exercises were carried out during the financial year for assessing the data quality produced by the COMAPS laboratories. In these exercises, 80% of the laboratories showed reproducible reliable data. Corrective action were taken in other laboratories.

Interaction with the Pollution Control Boards

The status of health of each area is being brought to the notice of the respective State Pollution Control Boards. The Boards have reported that remedial actions are being taken to minimise pollution. The COMAPS programme is being monitored by a Steering Committee chaired by the Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board and represented by all the State Pollution Control Boards. The COMAPS laboratories using the experience gained under the COMAPS programme, undertake consultancy services for the industries to investigate the pollution problems in the industrial areas, for locating waste disposal points and also the Environmental Impact Assessment studies. Further, the National Marine Data Centre on Marine Pollution has been established at Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Bombay to disseminate the information on status of marine pollution in the country.

Pollutant Dispersion Studies

A mathematical model to predict diffusion and dispersion characteristics of pollutants in Thane creek, Mumbai is being developed. Using the available data on tide and current, a preliminary model was constructed. In March 1996, a programme to collect additional data on bathymetry, tide and current was launched. The data will be used for improvement of the model.