Application of collected data
Presentations at the DBCP Technical Workshop
Buenos Aires, Argentina, 17-18 October 2005

Theme 2: Operational enhancements and practices

11. Intricacy in Sustaining the Moored Buoy Network in Indian Seas

Authors: Tata Sudhakar, D. Rajasekhar, G. Rajesh, K. Jossia Joseph and K. Premkumar, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai

Abstract: India with a 7500 km long coastline and about 2.02 million sq km area within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offers immense scope for exploration and sustainable utilisation of marine resources. With this as a prominent facet, Department of Ocean Development, Government of India established the National Data Buoy Programme (NDBP) in 1997 at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Chennai. A network of twelve data buoys was deployed both in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal during 1997 - 2002, this was subsequently increased to twenty and poised for further growth. The time series observations are widely used by various end users for weather forecast, operational activities, navigation, research and development etc.

Most of the applications require realtime data to improve predictive capability and for effective planning and management of various operations. To cater the end user demand, uninterrupted data collection is to be ensured and calls for increased buoy network. However the major constraints faced by NDBP are vandalism, bio-fouling, unavailability of ship time as and when required, prolonged high sea state associated with monsoon etc. Vandalism is the major constraint faced by NDBP, which causes serious damages resulting in partial or total loss of buoy system. Buoy drifting due to mooring cut to save the entangled fishing net, communication failure due to mast damage, loss of solar panel which causes low battery power resulting in buoy stoppage, removal of electronic components and sensors are common in Indian Seas. Tropical waters are highly productive especially the coastal waters cause serious bio fouling resulting in loss of performance and subsequent stoppage of underwater sensors. Lack of a dedicated vessel to handle deployment and maintenance operations, prolonged monsoon period with high sea state hampers immediate maintenance of buoy system. NDBP has incorporated various preventive measures to minimize vandalism and biofouling. A dedicated buoy tender vessel is in the advance stage of construction and is expected by the end of the year.