Ocean state condition and its information is very important for fishermen communities. Prediction of waves, current and direction of ocean waves are most important for fisheries, port activities and mariners. To predict ocean waves and its condition a Wave Rider Buoy has deployed by Fisheries Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, OKha.

     Under the research project of FRS, Okha, on “Ocean State Forecast and Validation Research” (funded by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a WRB has deployed off-Okha at the distance of 11 km. This WRB will give prior information on the state of the sea surrounding. Forecast like wave action, wave direction, wind speed, wind direction and tidal heights could be predicted with the help of it. “In Gujarat this is first WRB, which will be very helpful to not only for those who are venturing out into the sea but also for those at the sea shore. The users can take appropriate informed decisions based on the forecast sea state conditions, saving life and property. This information will be provided to fishermen, coast guard, Navy, Port and Fisheries dept.”, said Dr. N. H. Joshi, Research Scientist of Fisheries Research Station., Junagadh Agricultural University, Okha. The ocean wave related information will be received at an every hour and prediction of the ocean state for next 48 hours will be disseminated to fishermen by SMS or voice messages on their mobiles.

     The Vice-Chancellor of Junagadh Agricultural University Dr. A. R. Pathak and Director of Research, Dr. A.Y. Desai has encouraged and supported the entire staff of FRS, Okha for the successful execution of the project. Dr. Pathak said that this deployment and information dissemination has added one more chapter in success stories of Junagadh Agricultural University.