NRSC funds new marine lab at Andhra University for coastal climate and carbon research in Bay of Bengal

The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has funded a new marine laboratory at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam to study coastal climate, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and carbon cycling in the Bay of Bengal. The NICES-Coastal Observation Research Laboratory (CORAL) is equipped with advanced instruments including HPLC, spectrophotometers, a nutrient auto analyzer, and a pCO2 sensor. The lab will support research on dissolved inorganic carbon, plankton, water quality, and other indicators of marine ecosystem health. The facility is part of NRSC's National Information System for Climate and Environmental Studies program. Funding is around 1.6 crore rupees over three years, with equipment worth about 12 crore rupees installed. Researchers will conduct regular cruises across Bay of Bengal transects to collect oceanographic data. The lab aims to improve understanding of marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal processes by combining satellite observations with field measurements. Visakhapatnam was chosen for its strategic location along the western Bay of Bengal, an area influenced by major river systems, strong monsoon variability, and high cyclone risk. The region is also experiencing rapid changes in coastal ecosystems and carbon cycling. The university plans to develop the Centre for Studies on Bay of Bengal into a national research hub, creating interdisciplinary opportunities in ocean sciences, engineering, and data science.