Marine resources encompass valuable elements and materials found in the ocean, which may hold both intrinsic and monetary value.
- They comprise a wide array of assets: from biological diversity, fish and seafood supplies, oil, gas, minerals, sand, gravel, renewable energy sources, to potential for tourism and unique ecosystems like coral reefs.
- While these resources can hold significant monetary worth, their value also lies in their uniqueness and their potential for education and human enrichment, aspects that may not be easily quantifiable.
- Managing and utilising these marine resources is therefore of paramount importance, considering their significance and the need to balance their exploitation with conservation and sustainable usage for future generations.
FORMATION OF MARINE RESOURCES
- Fish and other marine life have evolved over millions and billions of years, adapting to various environmental changes and conditions within the ocean.
- Oil and gas originate from the remnants of deceased marine plants and animals, which settle on the ocean floor.
- Over time, these organic remains become buried under layers of sediments.
- With increased depth, heat, and pressure, the organic matter undergoes a transformation: it compresses and forms oil.
- Further compression and higher heat levels lead to the creation of natural gas.
- Sand and gravel are formed from eroded materials transported by fast-moving rivers and subsequently deposited into the sea.
- Minerals are produced through different processes, often involving the solidification of lava from volcanic eruptions.
- The rate of cooling lava determines the formation of minerals; slower cooling allows for the creation of larger crystals due to the crystallisation process.
- Coral reefs are formed when coral larvae attach to submerged rocks and gradually develop into reefs.
- Reefs commonly take the shape of three primary structures: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atoll reefs.
- Fringing reefs are typically found along coastlines, extending directly from the shore into the sea.
- Barrier reefs also align with the shore but are positioned further away with deeper water between the reef and the coastline.
- Atoll reefs initially start as fringing reefs encircling an underwater volcano. As the volcano subsides, a barrier reef is created.
- Once the reef reaches the water’s surface, it evolves into a circular atoll reef.
TYPES OF MARINE RESOURCES
The oceans are abundant reservoirs of diverse biotic resources.
Marine waters harbor a vast array of life, including approximately 40,000 species of mollusks and 25,000 species of fishes.
Alongside these life forms, marine environments contain various mineral resources, vitamins, and medicinal elements.
Marine resources are commonly categorised into three major types:
- biotic resources (living organisms)
- abiotic resources (minerals and energy)
- commercial resources for activities such as navigation, aviation, trade, and transportation.
Living resources within the marine environment can be further classified:
- Food
- non-food resources.
Food resources encompass both animal and plant resources, such as fishes, crabs, phytoplankton, and seagrass, among others.
Non-food resources include entities like corals.
Marine biological resources can be categorised based on the types of communities found in the ocean:
- Plankton
- Nekton
- benthos communities.
These groups consist of various organisms that inhabit different oceanic zones.
Marine mineral resources are distributed across different locations, including deposits on the continental shelf, continental slope, and deep-sea bottom.
They encompass metallic minerals, fuel minerals like petroleum and natural gas, and construction materials such as gravels and sand.
In terms of energy resources, marine environments offer both:
- conventional (such as petroleum and natural gas)
- non-conventional sources like tidal energy, wave energy, and biomass energy.
Another significant resource derived from marine settings is freshwater. Through processes like desalinization, saline seawater can be transformed into potable water, providing a crucial source of freshwater.
IMPORTANCE OF MARINE RESOURCES
Marine resources play a vital role in various aspects of human life, the environment, and the global economy. Their importance spans across multiple domains:
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Marine resources contribute significantly to global biodiversity, supporting a vast array of species and ecosystems. These diverse ecosystems help maintain ecological balance and provide habitat for numerous marine organisms.
- Economic Value: The oceans offer significant economic benefits through fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and transportation. Fisheries provide a major source of food and livelihood for millions of people worldwide. Additionally, marine-based tourism, including activities like diving and coastal travel, contributes to local and national economies.
- Nutritional Security: Marine resources, particularly fish and seafood, are important sources of protein and essential nutrients for millions of people globally. They play a significant role in providing nutritional security, especially in coastal regions.
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Uses: Marine organisms have been a source of various bioactive compounds used in pharmaceutical and medical research. Compounds derived from marine resources are being studied for potential treatments for diseases like cancer and other medical conditions.
- Energy Sources: Oceans also serve as a potential source of renewable energy, such as tidal and wave energy, which could contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Mineral and Material Resources: Marine environments hold mineral resources and construction materials like sand and gravel, supporting various industries and infrastructure development.
- Climate Regulation and Environmental Health: Marine resources, particularly ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves, play a critical role in climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges. They contribute to the overall health of the environment.
- Scientific Research and Innovation: The unique marine environment is a valuable source for scientific research and innovation. Studies of marine resources lead to discoveries of new species, medicines, and technologies, contributing to scientific advancements and understanding of Earth’s systems.
Preserving and sustainably managing marine resources is crucial for their continued availability and contribution to multiple facets of human life, environmental balance, and global well-being.
CONSERVATION OF MARINE RESOURCES
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO-5) reported that none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which aimed to curb biodiversity loss by managing fish stocks sustainably, reducing pollution, and eliminating harmful subsidies, were fully achieved.
However, India has made significant strides in meeting and exceeding its biodiversity goals, as outlined in its Sixth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
India’s efforts include the integration of gender, Indigenous peoples, and local communities in conservation initiatives.
For instance, India’s Wetland Conservation Rules of 2017 promote the “wise use” concept involving communities in conservation practices. Additionally, the nation has incorporated biodiversity into its national accounting systems.
In addressing environmental concerns, India has taken notable steps, such as banning microplastics under 5mm in diameter from personal care products using the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The government has also implemented programs specifically aimed at protecting coral reefs, such as the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) and the Coral Bleaching Alert System (CBAS).
Several regional initiatives have been put into action.
Kerala’s Suchitwa Mission engages fishermen in cleaning up plastic waste from the sea, recovering 25 tonnes of waste in just 10 months.
Andhra Pradesh has formed eco-development committees and Van Samrakshan Samithis for joint conservation efforts in mangrove areas.
Maharashtra has declared a state mangrove tree species as a symbol to enhance the conservation of salt-tolerant vegetation.
India also engages in international alliances and initiatives.
- The country participates in the International Blue Carbon Initiative, emphasising the conservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems.
- Efforts under the Blue Nature Alliance, including projects in Fiji, Antarctica, and the Tristan da Cunha island group, aim to collectively protect 4.8 million square kilometres of ocean.
- There is also participation in the GloLitter Partnerships Project to promote a low-plastics future in the maritime transport and fishing sectors.
On a global scale, India collaborates with initiatives such as the London Convention, the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA), and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), focusing on coral reef preservation and ecosystem conservation worldwide.
Other measures involve incorporating “blue infrastructure development” and “building with nature” approaches in Southeast Asia for coastal protection and habitat preservation. Technological advancements are enhancing scientific knowledge of the ocean, including the use of sensors and autonomous observation platforms.
The One Health model integrates various ecosystems and landscapes into a comprehensive approach to human and planetary health.
Additionally, India supports the vision for biodiversity by valuing, conserving, restoring, and sustainably utilising biodiversity.
The nation also aligns with the UN’s 30×30 target, aiming to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030.
FAQs about Marine Resources and Conservation
1. What are marine resources?
Marine resources encompass valuable elements and materials found in the ocean, including biological diversity, fish and seafood, oil, gas, minerals, sand, gravel, renewable energy sources, tourism potential, and unique ecosystems such as coral reefs.
2. Why are marine resources important?
Marine resources contribute significantly to biodiversity, economic development, nutritional security, and medicinal research. They play a crucial role in providing food, energy, minerals, climate regulation, and scientific innovation.
3. What types of marine resources exist?
Marine resources can be classified into three primary types: biotic resources (living organisms), abiotic resources (minerals and energy), and commercial resources, including activities like navigation, aviation, trade, and transport.
4. How are marine resources formed?
Fish and marine life evolved over millions of years. Oil and gas are formed from the remains of marine plants and animals, while sand and gravel are products of eroded materials. Minerals are created through volcanic processes, and coral reefs develop when coral larvae attach to rocks in the sea.
5. What are the living resources in marine environments?
Living resources include both food and non-food sources. Food resources consist of animals (like fish and crabs) and plants (such as phytoplankton and sea grass), while non-food resources include entities like corals.
6. What are the non-living resources found in the ocean?
Non-living resources mainly encompass mineral resources, energy sources (both conventional and non-conventional), and freshwater derived through desalinization of seawater.
Conservation of Marine Resources:
7. Why is it crucial to conserve marine resources?
Preserving marine resources ensures their continued availability, ecological balance, and contribution to human life and environmental health. It also helps sustain global biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
8. What are India’s contributions to marine resource conservation?
India has made significant efforts by incorporating biodiversity into national accounting, implementing regulations on microplastics, and spearheading initiatives to protect coral reefs and mangrove areas.
9. What international collaborations has India joined for marine resource conservation?
India participates in various alliances and initiatives such as the International Blue Carbon Initiative, Blue Nature Alliance, GloLitter Partnerships Project, London Convention, and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) to preserve marine ecosystems.
10. How does India support the global conservation vision for biodiversity?
India aligns with the UN’s 30×30 target to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030, and is committed to valuing, conserving, restoring, and wisely using biodiversity through comprehensive conservation efforts.
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