WAve Monitoring Along Nearshore (WAMAN) Buoy Network: Best Practices and Applications in Sea State monitoring and forecasting for the Indian Ocean

Accurate ocean state monitoring and forecasting are vital for safe navigation and coastal operations, especially in Indian Ocean countries with emerging blue economies. Ocean surface waves are vital for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations. However, the lack of long-term observations hindered wave forecasting for Indian coastal waters. To address this challenge, the Earth System Science Organisation - Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS) established a real-time, fit-for-purpose Wave Monitoring Along Nearshore (WAMAN) Buoy Network along the coastal waters of India and Seychelles. Establishing a real-time monitoring network in a culturally, socially, economically, and linguistically diverse coast presented significant challenges using traditional methods. Hence, INCOIS adopted a novel approach, translating scientific knowledge into customized ocean services for coastal communities through 'community-owned' sustained ocean observations. Since 2007, this approach has helped to successfully operate a network of 16 wave buoys along the Indian and Seychelles coasts for operational wave forecasting, early warning for high waves and storm/swell surges. Although the primary goal was to enhance monitoring and forecasting capabilities, the network has also significantly advanced wave research in India and contributed to many new insights in terms of scientific publications. The positive impact of this initiative highlights the critical role of localized and community-driven strategies in enhancing oceanographic observations and services, paving the way for more resilient, informed and replicable coastal observation management practices.