18-July-2024-Special-Article

BLUE ECONOMY

India is increasingly turning towards the ocean to alleviate pressure on land-based resources. The Deep Ocean Mission, also referred to as Samudrayaan, embodies a comprehensive approach to tapping into the Blue Economy.

This mission aims to explore and utilize both living (biodiversity) and non-living (minerals) ocean resources sustainably. It focuses on developing tools for climate change prediction, renewable energy generation, and establishing underwater research labs to responsibly understand and utilize marine life.

However, exploring the ocean presents unique challenges. The fragile ocean ecosystem, much of which remains unexplored, requires a careful approach.

Resource extraction could impact communities reliant on the sea for their livelihoods. India must address these challenges by emphasizing sustainable practices and ensuring the responsible advancement of the Blue Economy.

Major Opportunities Related to the Blue Economy for India

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

• India’s coastline and extensive inland water bodies offer significant potential for developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is transforming the sector through the promotion of technology-based, sustainable practices.

Ocean Energy

• India’s coastline holds immense potential for harnessing ocean energy, including tidal, wave, and offshore wind power.
• IIT Madras has deployed a wave energy generator off the Tamil Nadu coast.
• The government’s target to install 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 highlights the sector’s potential.

Marine Biotechnology

• Exploring India’s marine biodiversity for biotechnological applications presents significant potential.
• This sector offers opportunities for developing novel drugs, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and biofuels.
• By investing in marine biotechnology, India can lead in innovation and create high-value products.

Seabed Mining

• India holds two contracts for exploration in the Indian Ocean: polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and polymetallic sulfides in the Indian Ocean Ridge.
• This presents an opportunity to secure critical minerals like copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese essential for emerging technologies and renewable energy systems.

Coastal and Cruise Tourism

• Developing coastal and cruise tourism can provide substantial economic benefits.
• The Sagarmala program plans to develop cruise terminals at major ports like Mumbai and Cochin.
• This sector can create diverse employment opportunities and promote cultural exchange.

Shipbuilding and Ship Recycling

• India’s ₹4,000 crore subsidy scheme to promote shipbuilding offers opportunities in new ship construction and environmentally friendly ship recycling.
• The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, sets India on the path to becoming a world leader in sustainable ship recycling.
• This sector can generate employment, boost exports, and develop ancillary industries.

Desalination Technologies

• With growing water scarcity, India’s focus on developing cost-effective desalination technologies is timely.
• The Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant in Lakshadweep showcases India’s capability in indigenous desalination technology.
• This sector can address domestic water needs and position India as an exporter of desalination technology.

Marine Spatial Planning

• Implementing thorough marine spatial planning is essential for balancing economic activities with conservation efforts.
• The Blue Flag certification program exemplifies efforts towards sustainable coastal development.

Deep Sea Exploration and Research

• Initiated in 2021, the Deep Ocean Mission signifies India’s bold venture into deep-sea exploration.
• Developing a manned submersible vehicle MATSYA 6000, capable of reaching 6,000 meters depth, will enhance India’s deep-sea research capabilities.

Major Challenges Related to the Blue Economy for India

Environmental Degradation and Biodiversity Loss

• India’s marine ecosystems face severe stress due to pollution and unsustainable development.
• Over 65% of the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East are under threat from local stressors.
• The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is losing about 16 sq km annually due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

Overfishing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices

• India’s fisheries sector faces overfishing challenges.
• A 2022 study by ICAR-CMFRI reported that 8.2% of India’s 135 assessed fish stocks were overfished.

Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise

• Rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events threaten India’s coastal regions.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences predicts a 3 cm sea-level rise could cause the sea to intrude inland by about 17 meters.

Marine Debris

• Marine pollution, especially plastic waste, is a significant challenge.
• India generates about 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a significant portion ending up in oceans.

Balancing Economic Development with Conservation

• Striking a balance between exploiting marine resources and conserving marine ecosystems is challenging.
• The proposed Great Nicobar Island transshipment port project has faced criticism for its potential environmental impact.

Maritime Security and Piracy

• Ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is crucial.
• Piracy and transnational crimes pose significant challenges.

Limited Research and Development

• Despite having several oceanographic research institutions, India’s investment in marine R&D is limited compared to other maritime nations.
• India’s expenditure on research is less than 1% of its total R&D budget.

Actions India Can Take to Foster a Sustainable Blue Economy

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

• Implement a comprehensive fisheries management plan to address overfishing and promote sustainable practices.
• Enforce fishing quotas and seasonal bans, promote sustainable aquaculture techniques, and introduce traceability systems for fish products.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

• Adopt a holistic approach to coastal management, balancing development needs with environmental conservation.
• Implement strict regulations on coastal construction and pollution, promote nature-based solutions for coastal protection, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.

Marine Pollution Control and Waste Management

• Combat marine pollution with a multi-pronged strategy focusing on prevention and cleanup.
• Enforce strict regulations on industrial effluent discharge, improve urban wastewater treatment infrastructure, and implement extended producer responsibility for plastic packaging.

Advanced Maritime Security and Surveillance

• Enhance maritime security by upgrading coastal surveillance systems with AI-powered drones and satellite monitoring.
• Strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and Navy and improve coordination among maritime agencies.

Skill Development and Capacity Building in Maritime Sectors

• Launch a comprehensive skill development program targeting various blue economy sectors.
• Expand the Sagarmala program’s component on coastal community development for nationwide skill development initiatives.

Research and Innovation in Marine Technology

• Increase investment in oceanographic research institutions, promote collaboration between academia and industry, and establish innovation hubs in coastal cities.

Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Building

• Enhance coastal resilience to natural disasters and climate change impacts.
• Develop comprehensive coastal hazard maps, implement nature-based solutions for coastal protection, and strengthen early warning systems for extreme weather events.

By focusing on these actions, India can foster a sustainable Blue Economy, ensuring the responsible use of ocean resources while protecting marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the major opportunities and challenges for India in harnessing the Blue Economy and suggest actions to ensure sustainable development in this sector.” (150 WORDS)