During the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE, 1962-65) a Liaison Office was set up at Mumbai to provide logistics to tne participating organisations. After completion of the IIOE programme this was transformed into a Regional Centre of a newly formed National Institute of Oceanography.

Over the years the Centre, with  a multi-disciplinary group consisting of biologists, chemists and physical oceanographers has developed high level of expertise in addressing issues related to developments in the coastal zone and their impacts on marine ecology. This knowledgebase available at the Centre is utilised by a large number of agencies, mainly industries.