The primary purpose of this division is to build up understanding and knowledge of the marine environment in the country.
The services of a multi disciplinary team is available to undertake research and consultancy work to both national and international marine organizations, offer advice to fishermen, farmers, industrial managers and, if required monitor maritime developments for coastal management. The principle activities of the division are as follows,
- Joint research expeditions are conducted in the Indian Ocean with International Oceanographic Institutions to study the monsoon circulation and other oceanographic parameters within our EEZ.
- Joint research expeditions are conducted in the Indian Ocean with International Oceanographic Institutions to study the monsoon circulation and other oceanographic parameters within our EE .
- A mineral exploration programme is conducted off Beruwela to identify and evaluate deposits of heavy mineral concentrations, principally Monazite, Ilmenite, Rutile and Zircon with the funding of the United Nations Revolving Fund.
- Monitoring sea level changes, measuring currents, temperatures, waves, tides and salinity and location areas of ocean energy potentials around the country are being conducted. The division also investigates on the distribution and transportation of nutrients, trace metals, organic matter and other biological assessment in oceanic and coastal waters.
- The division is planning to set up a National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC) for the benefit of the public and investors in the field of Oceanography.