Ministries & Departments
National Institute of Oceanography CSIR-NIO was established on 1 January 1966 following the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) in the 1960s. The institute has since grown into a multi-disciplinary oceanographic research institute of international repute. The principal focus of research has been on observing and understanding special oceanographic characteristics of the Indian Ocean. The major research areas include the four traditional branches of oceanography - biological, chemical, geological/geophysical, and physical as well as ocean engineering, marine instrumentation and marine archaeology. In addition to basic research, the institute also carries out applied research sponsored by the industry. These studies include oceanographic data collection, environmental impact assessment, and modeling to predict environmental impact. The institute also provides consultancy on a number of issues including marine environmental protection and coastal zone regulations. CSIR-NIO serves as an advanced center of education in ocean sciences and has a School of Oceanography under the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR). In addition, it is a recognized center for doctoral research by a large number of universities.