India is actively advancing marine life conservation strategies by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and robust policy frameworks. These efforts aim to preserve marine ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable fishing practices.

1. Advanced Technologies for Marine Conservation

• Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing: Used to monitor ocean parameters such as sea surface temperature, salinity, water quality, and coral health.

• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (C-bots): Facilitate ecosystem monitoring, supporting early warning systems for coral reef protection, climate resilience, and illegal fishing detection.

• Coral Bleaching Alert System (CBAS): Operated by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), CBAS uses satellite data to assess coral bleaching risks.It disseminates information every three days on hotspots, heating degree weeks, and time series data, enabling timely interventions.

2. Artificial Reefs and Coral Restoration Projects

• Artificial Reefs:

• Serve as engineered habitats to rehabilitate natural ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and support sustainable fisheries.

• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) plays a critical role in coral restoration and transplantation efforts.

• Major Initiatives:

• India's largest coral translocation project (Narara, Gujarat): Successfully relocated 16,522 corals and deployed 2,000 coral cement frames.

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Sanctioned 937 artificial reef units across 11 coastal states and Union Territories, with an investment of ₹176.81 crore for aquatic life restoration.

3. Tackling Marine Plastic Litter

• GloLitter Partnership Programme: India is a leading participant in the IMO-FAO programme to address marine plastic litter from shipping and fisheries sectors.

• Developed a National Action Plan and constituted a National Task Force to combat marine litter.

 

4. Role of Research Institutions

• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

• Studies coral bleaching impacts on hard coral species and provides climate modelling insights to design conservation strategies.

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):

• Provides early coral bleaching warnings using satellite data, supporting efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems.

• Fishery Survey of India (FSI):

• Monitors fish stock distribution and species composition to guide climate-resilient fishing practices.

• Conducts awareness campaigns for coastal communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods and fishing methods.

5. Conservation and Sustainable Practices

• Climate-Resilient Technologies:

• Developed by leading institutions like CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

• Focus on sustainable coastal management, marine biology, and oceanographic research.

• Sustainable Livelihoods:

• Coastal communities are educated about alternative income sources and climate-resilient fishing methods to reduce reliance on overfishing.

6. Policy and Ecosystem Monitoring

• Ecosystem Health Monitoring: Combines satellite-based systems, remote sensing, and underwater technologies to monitor marine protected areas (MPAs).

• Coral Health and Illegal Fishing Detection: Advanced tools are employed to track coral reef health and ensure compliance with conservation laws.

India’s integrated approach, combining state-of-the-art technology, policy innovation, and community involvement, is setting a benchmark for marine conservation. By leveraging tools like artificial reefs, coral translocation, and early warning systems, alongside sustainable livelihood initiatives, India is fostering a future where marine biodiversity thrives while supporting the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities. These efforts align with global commitments to preserving marine ecosystems and combating climate change.