19 July 2024 – The Hindu

Navigating India’s Blue Economy Opportunities and Challenges

Context/Why in News:

• India’s expansive oceanic domain presents immense untapped potential for economic and environmental advancement. As land-based resources become increasingly strained, India is strategically focusing on the ocean’s potential through the Deep Ocean Mission, also known as Samudrayaan. This mission aims to foster sustainable utilization of marine resources while balancing ecological conservation and geopolitical interests. The article in the Economics Times dated July 12, 2024, sheds light on India’s efforts in deep-sea exploration and the broader implications for the Blue Economy.

Introduction:

• With growing pressure on terrestrial resources, India is turning to its vast maritime territories for new opportunities. The Deep Ocean Mission represents a significant step towards exploiting the Blue Economy, encompassing both living and non-living marine resources in a sustainable manner. This mission includes advancements in climate prediction tools, renewable energy exploration, and underwater research labs for marine life studies. However, the journey into the deep blue also presents several challenges that need careful navigation to ensure both ecological and economic benefits.

Major Opportunities Related to the Blue Economy for India:

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture:

• India’s extensive coastline and inland water resources provide substantial prospects for developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a transformative initiative promoting technology-driven, sustainable practices in this sector.

Ocean Energy:

• Harnessing ocean energy, including tidal, wave, and offshore wind power, holds considerable promise.
• IIT Madras has successfully deployed a wave energy generator off the Tamil Nadu coast, marking progress in this field.
• The government’s goal of achieving 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 highlights the sector’s potential.

Marine Biotechnology:

• Exploring India’s marine biodiversity for biotechnological applications opens up opportunities for developing novel drugs, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and biofuels.
• Investment in marine biotechnology can position India as a global leader, fostering innovation and high-value product development.

Seabed Mining:

• India holds contracts for seabed exploration in the Indian Ocean for polymetallic nodules and sulfides, crucial for obtaining minerals like copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
• These minerals are essential for emerging technologies and renewable energy systems.

Coastal and Cruise Tourism:

• The development of coastal and cruise tourism can significantly benefit India’s coastal regions.
• The Sagarmala programme plans to develop cruise terminals at major ports like Mumbai and Cochin to capitalize on the global cruise market.
• This sector is expected to create diverse employment opportunities and promote cultural exchange.

Shipbuilding and Ship Recycling:

• India’s ₹4,000 crore subsidy scheme aims to boost shipbuilding, including the development of eco-friendly ship recycling practices.
• The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 positions India as a potential global leader in sustainable ship recycling, fostering employment and export opportunities.

DesalinationTechnologies:

• Addressing water scarcity through cost-effective desalination technologies is crucial.
• The Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant in Lakshadweep, developed by NIOT, showcases India’s expertise in this area.
• This sector can meet domestic water needs and position India as a desalination technology exporter.

Marine Spatial Planning:

• Implementing comprehensive marine spatial planning is essential for balancing economic activities with conservation efforts.
• The Blue Flag certification program for beaches like Shivrajpur and Ghoghla demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable coastal development.

Deep Sea Exploration and Research:

• The Deep Ocean Mission, launched in 2021, represents India’s ambitious deep-sea exploration goals.
• The development of the MATSYA 6000, a manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 6,000 meters, will enhance India’s research capabilities.

Major Challenges Related to the Blue Economy for India:

Environmental Degradation and Biodiversity Loss:

• Pollution and unsustainable practices are stressing India’s marine ecosystems.
• Over 65% of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and Middle East are under significant stress from local threats.
• The Sundarbans mangrove forest is losing about 16 sq km annually due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
• Events like the 2020 oil spill from MV Wakashio near Mauritius highlight the vulnerability of marine ecosystems.

Overfishing and Unsustainable Fishing Practices:

• Overfishing poses a threat to India’s fisheries sector, crucial for food security and employment.
• A 2022 study by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) revealed that 8.2% of assessed fish stocks were overfished, and 4.4% faced overfishing.
• Destructive practices like bottom trawling exacerbate the issue.

Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise:

• Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten India’s coastal regions.
• A 3 cm rise in sea level could lead to inland intrusion by approximately 17 meters.
• Cyclone Amphan in 2020, causing $13.5 billion in damages, illustrates the vulnerability of coastal areas.

Marine Debris:

• Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, is a significant challenge.
• India generates about 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a large portion ending up in oceans.
• Microplastics in marine food chains pose risks to marine life and human health.

Balancing Economic Development with Conservation:

• Finding a balance between economic exploitation and conservation of marine resources is challenging.
• The proposed Great Nicobar Island transshipment port project has faced criticism for its potential impact on rainforests and coral reefs.

Maritime Security and Piracy:

• Ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region is crucial for the blue economy.
• The IMB annual report recorded 120 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2023, highlighting ongoing security challenges.

Limited Research and Development:

• India’s investment in marine R&D is relatively low compared to other maritime nations.
• The expenditure on research is less than 1% of India’s total R&D budget, compared to higher investments by countries like China and the US.

Way Forward:

To capitalize on the Blue Economy while mitigating associated challenges, India can adopt the following strategies:

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management:

• Implement comprehensive management plans, enforce fishing quotas, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
• The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for Kerala’s Ashtamudi clam fishery demonstrates the potential for sustainable practices.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management:

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

Marine Pollution Control and Waste Management:

• Develop strategies for marine pollution control, including strict regulations on industrial discharges and improved wastewater treatment.
• Promote circular economy initiatives and extended producer responsibility for plastic waste.

Advanced Maritime Security and Surveillance:

• Enhance maritime security through upgraded surveillance systems and improved coordination among maritime agencies.
• The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is a step in the right direction for improving maritime domain awareness.

Skill Development and Capacity Building:

• Address the skill gap in maritime sectors through targeted development programs.
• Expand initiatives like the Sagarmala programme’s coastal community development component.

Research and Innovation in Marine Technology:

• Boost investment in marine research institutions and foster collaboration between academia and industry.
• Expand programs like Technology and Innovation in Exploration and Mining of Deep-sea Resources (TEM).

Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Building:

• Develop coastal hazard maps, implement nature-based solutions, and strengthen early warning systems.
• The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project can serve as a model for broader resilience initiatives.
• By addressing these areas, India can harness the full potential of its Blue Economy while ensuring sustainable and responsible development.