India Adopts Mission-Mode Approach to Ocean Conservation: Deep Ocean Mission Drives Marine Biodiversity Protection

India has, for the first time, adopted a structured, mission-mode approach to marine conservation and sustainable ocean resource utilisation under the Deep Ocean Mission, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.

Highlighting a major shift in policy and institutional focus, the Minister stated that India is now systematically working to protect marine biodiversity while unlocking the economic potential of its vast ocean resources.

Institutional Push for Marine Conservation

Responding to concerns regarding threats to marine species such as Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coast, Dr Jitendra Singh outlined the government's multi-pronged strategy to safeguard marine ecosystems.

He emphasized that pressures from:

• Fishing trawlers

• Shipping activities

• Poaching

have necessitated stronger institutional mechanisms and scientific interventions.

At the centre of this effort is the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), headquartered in Kochi, which has been positioned as a key national institution under the Deep Ocean Mission.

CMLRE: Building India's Marine Knowledge Base

The CMLRE is mandated to:

• Conduct survey, assessment, and monitoring of marine biodiversity

• Develop scientific conservation strategies

• Build genetic databases of marine organisms

• Map biodiversity hotspots in deep-sea ecosystems

• Strengthen fisheries data systems

The Centre also serves as a national repository for marine fauna, addressing long-standing gaps in structured marine biodiversity documentation and research.

'BhavSagar' to Strengthen Research Collaboration

Further strengthening the ecosystem, the government has launched 'BhavSagar', a biodiversity referral centre aimed at:

• Facilitating research collaboration

• Enhancing knowledge-sharing in marine sciences

• Supporting evidence-based policy formulation

This initiative is expected to bridge scientific research with practical conservation strategies.

Unlocking India's Vast Ocean Potential

India has a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres, yet much of its oceanic wealth has remained underexplored.

"This is perhaps the first time that India has systematically begun to tap and conserve its vast ocean wealth in a coordinated manner," the Minister said.

The Deep Ocean Mission represents a strategic shift towards integrated ocean governance, combining conservation with sustainable resource utilisation.

Deep-Sea Exploration: India's Next Frontier

In a major technological advancement, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India is preparing for a deep-sea human exploration mission up to 6,000 metres, a milestone that places the country among a select group of nations with such capabilities.

This initiative runs parallel to India's ambitious Gaganyaan space mission, highlighting the country's simultaneous push in space and ocean exploration.

Benefits for Coastal States and Communities

The Minister assured that all 12 coastal states, including Maharashtra, will benefit from:

• Enhanced marine research capabilities

• Sustainable fisheries development

• Improved conservation of marine ecosystems

• Strengthened livelihood opportunities for coastal communities

These initiatives are expected to support blue economy growth, balancing ecological sustainability with economic development.

A Strategic Shift Towards the Blue Economy

The Deep Ocean Mission is aligned with India's broader vision of harnessing the blue economy, which includes:

• Sustainable fisheries

• Marine biotechnology

• Ocean energy

• Deep-sea mining

By integrating science, policy, and technology, the government aims to ensure that ocean resources are utilised responsibly while preserving biodiversity.

Parliamentary Focus on Marine Ecosystems

The discussion, initiated by Shri Ashok Rao Shankarrao Chavan and supported by other Members of Parliament, reflects growing legislative attention towards marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Jitendra Singh welcomed the engagement, noting that such discussions are critical in shaping policy priorities and raising awareness about ocean ecosystems.

Towards Sustainable Ocean Governance

As climate change, pollution, and overexploitation continue to threaten marine ecosystems globally, India's mission-mode approach signals a proactive and science-driven response.

With institutional frameworks like CMLRE, initiatives like BhavSagar, and ambitious exploration goals, India is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable ocean governance and marine research.