NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian space Scientists are designing a new ocean observation satellite that will help the country boost its annual fish catch and also improve weather forecasts issued up to a week in advance

The satellite will monitor sea Surface temperatures and other Ocean data relevant to fish abundance in the seas off the Indian Cost a senior scientists with the Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) said.

Fish catch can rise three-fold if data from such satellites is used to identify potential fishing zones Dr. A Narendra Nath of the NRSA Oceanography division said at a scientific meeting

The proposed Rs 700 million oceans at will help fulfill a long felt need of dedicated Indian sat. Cllite for observing the oceans. At present India depends on two American satellites to Provide ocean-related data. Oceans at   second major task will be to hold Indian micorologists boost Accuracy of their weather forecasts Dr Nath said at the meeting organized by the National Center for Medium

Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWR) In its meteorological role Oceans at will feed data to the national weather forecasts center ‘on the outskirts of New Delhi where scientists will use it to increase accuracy of the Medium Range forecasts 3 to 10 days in advance vital for agricultural operations.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 11, 1994