Antarctic researches: Pakistani scientists collect useful environmental data

Pakistani scientists have achieved a unique distinction of launching two successful Antarctic research expeditions resulting in Pakistan gaining experience, capability and basic logistics for conducting research in that harsh environment.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Director General Dr M. M. Rabbani told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the achievements had strengthened Pakistan's capabilities in collecting useful environmental and oceanographic data from Antarctic region.
Antarctica has been the focus of attraction for the world because of its global significance for influencing global weather, its unique position at the south pole, its potential for huge non-living and living resources, and its pristine environment to be used as a natural laboratory for scientific research.
Pakistan's interest in Antarctic is purely scientific. Pakistan is keenly interested in Antarctic research and their research activity is in conformity with the United Nations supported Scientific Committee on Antarctic Region (SCAR) programme. Pakistan has acquired the associate membership of SCAR and is pursuing an active Pakistan Antarctic Research Programme.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF PAKISTAN ANTARCTIC PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
-- To undertake multi-disciplinary research and survey in Antarctic region particularly in the field of geology and geophysics. Environmental research and oceanography.
-- To participate in the international scientific programme in the Antarctic region, and;
-- To provide relevant technical information to the Government of Pakistan on Antarctic affairs at national and international level.
Dr Rabbai said the main area of the NIO research is the north Arabia Sea and beyond. The oceanic and atmospheric processes of the north Arabia sea regulate our climate, offers numerous living and non-living resources.
Oceanographic research brings together all the scientific disciplines needed to study the ocean: physics, chemistry, biology, geology and geo-physics, ocean technology, coastal hydraulics and coastal zone management. The ambit of oceanography extends from the atmosphere to the ocean floor and below it, and from the coastal region to the great mass of the deep oceans.
The Pakistan coast is about 1,046 kilometres long, extending from the Indian border in the east to the Iranian border in the west. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan is about 240,000 sq. km, with additional continental shelf area of about 50,000 sq. km. As such, the total maritime zone of Pakistan is over 30 percent of the land area. This region is characterised by distinctive oceanic phenomenon that produces rich fisheries, mineral, and hydrocarbon resource.
The marine resources of Pakistan have so far remained un-exploited. NIO has initiated, conducted and completed a number of projects related to ocean research and has effectively responded to a wide variety of user's requirements, of the marine industry and national institutions.
NIO is actively involved in the international programme in oceanography such as the North Arabian Sea Environment and Ecosystem Research (NASEER), the Pak-Dutch programme examined the geology and geophysical aspects of Pakistan's coastal and offshore areas, the Pak-German (PAKOMIN) programme evaluated the characteristic oxygen minimum zones during pre and post monsoon periods.
NIO is presently involved in research activities in: physical oceanography, biological oceanography, chemical oceanography and marine environment, geological oceanography and geophysics, ocean technology, coastal hydraulics and coastal zone management, data centre and ocean services, besides Antarctic research.