Fig. 66: Digital Coast – India (DCOIN) – a warehouse of spatial data and applications related to the coastal areas

y Remote Sensing and AI/ML techniques are being used to detect marine litter from space. y Coastal critical habitat information system developed for 11 critical habitats across the Indian coastline. y Shoreline change maps (1:25,000 scale) generated for the entire coastline for planning the developmental activities. Shoreline change (long-term and short-term) analysis for the Indian coast has been carried out using 9 different data sets for the period of 26 years (1990-2016); digital versions of shoreline change maps for the Indian coast in 1:25,000 scale have also been released. y All coastal structures along the Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry coasts are mapped; the process of mapping coastal structures along all the coastal states is underway. y Data collected, collated, and analysed from various NCCR projects are housed in the web-GIS dashboard called Digital Coast-India (D-COIN) y Data is stored under distinct themes: Coastal Processes and Hazards, Coastal Pollution, Coastal Ecosystems, and G2G for utilisation by the coastal community and other stakeholders.

Fig. 66: Digital Coast – India (DCOIN) – a warehouse of spatial data and applications related to the coastal areas

Outcomes Achieved and Linkage to SDGs

Monitoring and Mitigating Ocean Pollution and Water Health

Data collected on various parameters associated with seawater and sediments is helping detect periodical changes in seawater quality and predict pollutants in coastal waters. This data is then shared with Central and State Governments and their agencies, such as Central and State Pollution Control Boards and Planning bodies. Data-driven coastal water monitoring is being leveraged for developing the National Indicator Framework for the United United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-14 (SDG 14- Life Below Water).

Real-time monitoring and dissemination of coastal water health are helping detect problems and avoid risks. Research activities and awareness programs on beach litter and microplastic pollution being taken up across the Indian coastline are playing a significant role in tackling the problem of marine debris or litter.

Understanding and Preserving Coastal Habitats

The scientific tools and techniques deployed by NCCR are ably monitoring coastal critical habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs and turtle nesting grounds, thus aiding in the protection and preservation initiatives of the coastal ecosystem and understanding the health of the ecosystems in terms of productivity. Shoreline change assessments are being shared with all coastal states for better management since the dynamic environment of the coast keeps changing constantly.