Oceanographic Importance of the Cochin Littoral

Abstract

Despite being an extremely interesting region from the point of view of oceanographic studies, the Indian Ocean in general, until very recently, has been one of the least scientifically known regions of our planet. Oceanography is a comparatively young science and un-fortunately, we in lndia, have not in the past, paid it much attention which it richly deserves. The reason for this is the fact that it is a very slow and arduous pursuit which involves use of costly research vessels, expensive equipment and experienced personnel. This vast watery world, besides being the abode of thou-sands of different species of plants and animals which can be economically exploited as a rich source of food and life-saving wonder drugs, is also a huge depository of valuable chemicals and costly minerals