Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, with its extensive 7,516.6 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million sq km, possesses immense potential in marine resources. These resources encompass a wide spectrum, from fisheries and aquaculture to hydrocarbons, minerals, and renewable energy. The ‘Blue Economy’, a concept gaining prominence globally, emphasizes sustainable utilization of these marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation. Recognizing this potential, the Indian government has been actively promoting the development of its marine sector through various policies and initiatives.
Living Marine Resources
Living marine resources primarily consist of fisheries and aquaculture. India ranks among the top ten fish-producing countries globally.
- Fisheries: Marine fisheries contribute significantly to food security and livelihoods, particularly in coastal states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Key species include sardines, mackerel, tuna, and prawns. However, overfishing, destructive fishing practices (like bottom trawling), and climate change pose significant threats.
- Aquaculture: Aquaculture, including mariculture (seaweed and shellfish farming), is a rapidly growing sector. Shrimp farming is particularly dominant, contributing substantially to export earnings. There's increasing focus on diversifying into other species like seabass, cobia, and pearl farming.
- Seaweed Cultivation: India has a long coastline suitable for seaweed cultivation. Seaweed is used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as biofertilizers. Government initiatives like the Seaweed Mission aim to boost seaweed production.
Non-Living Marine Resources
India’s non-living marine resources include hydrocarbons, minerals, and renewable energy sources.
- Hydrocarbons: The Mumbai High offshore oilfield is a major contributor to India’s oil production. Exploration for hydrocarbons in the Krishna-Godavari basin and other areas is ongoing.
- Minerals: The seabed contains valuable minerals like monazite (containing thorium), ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and garnet. Beach sand mining for these minerals is prevalent along the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. Sustainable mining practices are crucial to minimize environmental damage.
- Renewable Energy: India has significant potential for harnessing ocean energy, including tidal energy, wave energy, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Pilot projects are underway to explore the feasibility of these technologies.
Prospects for Development
Several factors contribute to the promising prospects for developing India’s marine resources:
- Technological Advancements: Remote sensing, GIS, and advanced fishing technologies can improve resource assessment, fishing efficiency, and aquaculture practices.
- Policy Support: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to enhance fisheries and aquaculture production, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The National Fisheries Policy 2020 provides a roadmap for sustainable fisheries development.
- Blue Economy Vision: The government’s focus on the Blue Economy promotes integrated and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
- Coastal Tourism: Sustainable coastal tourism can generate revenue and employment opportunities while promoting conservation.
- Deep Sea Fishing: Allowing deep sea fishing with appropriate regulations can unlock significant potential, but requires careful consideration of ecological impacts.
Challenges to Development
Despite the potential, several challenges hinder the development of India’s marine resources:
- Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices: Depletion of fish stocks and damage to marine ecosystems.
- Pollution: Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution threaten marine life and water quality.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changing weather patterns impact marine ecosystems and fisheries.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate fishing harbors, cold storage facilities, and processing plants.
- Conflicts between Traditional and Industrial Fisheries: Competition for resources and displacement of traditional fishing communities.
- Limited Research and Development: Insufficient investment in marine research and technology.
| Resource Type | Potential | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Fisheries | High production, export potential, food security | Overfishing, pollution, climate change |
| Aquaculture | Rapid growth, diversification opportunities | Disease outbreaks, environmental impacts, feed costs |
| Hydrocarbons | Energy security, revenue generation | Environmental risks, exploration costs |
| Minerals | Industrial raw materials, export earnings | Environmental damage, unsustainable mining |
Conclusion
India’s marine resources hold immense potential for economic growth, food security, and livelihood generation. Realizing this potential requires a holistic and sustainable approach that addresses the challenges of overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Investing in research and development, promoting responsible fishing practices, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and local communities are crucial for unlocking the full potential of India’s Blue Economy. A balanced approach that prioritizes both economic development and environmental conservation is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these valuable resources.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.