Marine resources play a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth, providing a myriad of ecological, economic, and social benefits. These resources encompass a vast array of living organisms and minerals found in oceans, seas, and other bodies of saltwater. The economic significance of marine resources cannot be overstated, as they contribute substantially to global fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and pharmaceutical industries. The oceans act as a vast reservoir of biodiversity, offering a wealth of potential for scientific research and medical discoveries. However, the escalating issue of marine pollution poses a grave threat to these invaluable resources. Anthropogenic activities, ranging from industrial discharges to plastic waste, have resulted in severe environmental degradation, compromising the health of marine ecosystems and adversely impacting the economic potential of these resources. Understanding the intricate relationship between marine resources and the consequences of pollution is essential for developing sustainable practices that can ensure the long-term well-being of our oceans and the global economy.
Answer
The biotic and abiotic resources found in the oceanic water and bottoms are called marine resources.
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF MARINE RESOURCES:
- Fishing -The FAO estimates that around 58.5 million people are employed worldwide in primary fish production alone – of which approximately 21 percent are women. The estimated total farm gate value was USD 281.5 billion in 2020. Finfish farming remained steady with minimal fluctuation around 66 percent accounting for the largest share of the world.
- Marine farming – feeding marine animals additional nutrients and selling them in the market – for example – oyster farming, mussels, scallops, shrimp, carp, trout, and Asian milkfish.
- Ocean ranching -Norway is a significant player in salmon ranching. In 2020, the country produced approximately 1.4 million metric tons of farmed salmon, making it one of the largest producers globally.
- Dissolved salts – nearly 85% of dissolved salts are composed of sodium and chlorine. In India
Gujarat alone produces 50% of total production in India. - Manufactured water -Desalination is critical to growth and sustainability in countries in the
Middle East and much of the technology was developed here. Today, Saudi Arabia is the largest producer of desalinated water, followed by the United States. In the US, desalination plants are focused in California and Florida. - Minerals –
● monazite -INDIA is the largest producer of monazite in the world. Monazite ore contains uranium, and thorium – which are very important for space, nuclear weapons, and nuclear power plant technology.
● Cobalt – used in military aircraft. - Hydrocarbons –
● According to market research by IBISWorld, total revenues for the oil and gas drilling sector came to approximately $4.3 trillion in 2023. The USA is the largest producer of petroleum followed by Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Canada. The USA produces 18.60 Million barrels per day with a share of the world total of 20%. - Tidal energy – It is more efficient than wind or solar energy due to its relative density and produces no greenhouse gasses or other waste, making it an attractive renewable energy source to pursue. The total identified potential of Tidal Energy is about 12455 MW, with potential locations identified at Khambhat & Kutch regions
- Pharmacology – Marine pharmacologists investigate the physiology, physical, and chemical properties of marine organisms. example – shark oil, and cod liver oil – used as energy tonics.
| Pollution | Impact |
| Oil spill, natural seepage from ocean floor | Very harmful to marine birds, sea turtles, and mammals, and also can harm fish and shellfish.. Commercially important species such as oysters, shrimp, mahi-mahi, grouper, swordfish, and tuna also could suffer population declines or become too contaminated to be safely caught and eaten. |
| Sewage pollution | It degrades the quality of water, excess nutrients may result in eutrophication -causing algal bloom, mass destruction of corals, toxins can accumulate in fish & shellfish – pose a risk to human health if consumed, makes coastal water unsafe for swimming, tourism gets impacted. |
| Metal pollution | Benthic organisms are vulnerable to metal pollution, accumulation in their tissues , harm to populations example – mercury pollution lead to minamata diseade in humans , japan. |
| Synthetic chemicals | synthetic chemicals, particularly endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), can interfere with the hormonal systems of marine organisms. This disruption can have wide-ranging effects on reproduction, development, and overall health, potentially leading to population declines. |
India’s Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 million square kilometers has a bounty of living and nonliving resources with significant recoverable resources such as crude oil and natural gas. Also, the coastal economy sustains over 4 million fisherfolk and coastal communities. With these vast maritime interests, the blue economy occupies a vital potential position in India’s economic growth.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
