Government Initiatives for Marine Conservation across India’s Sea Shores

India’s Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, today highlighted the Government’s focused efforts to protect marine biodiversity and sustainably harness ocean resources.

The Minister stated that India has, for the first time, adopted an institutional and mission-mode approach towards ocean conservation under the Deep Ocean Mission.

Replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Budget Session, Dr Jitendra Singh elaborated on the Government’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding marine life, including species like Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coast.

The discussion was initiated by Ashok Rao Shankarrao Chavan, with supplementary questions raised by Dr Sushmita Patra, Dr Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, and Dr Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde, who sought details regarding the protection of marine species, the strengthening of marine ecosystems, and the benefits for coastal regions.

Responding to concerns about threats to Olive Ridley turtles from fishing trawlers, shipping activities, and poaching, the Minister stated that the Government has established the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) as a key institutional mechanism under the Deep Ocean Mission.

He noted that the Centre serves as a dedicated national repository for fauna and biodiversity, addressing long-standing gaps in structured marine conservation efforts.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that CMLRE, headquartered in Kochi, is mandated to carry out surveys, assessments, and monitoring of marine life in the deep seas, as well as to conduct advanced research to develop preservation strategies.

The Centre is also working on fisheries data systems, biodiversity hotspot mapping, and the development of genetic databases for marine organisms.

Highlighting further advancements, the Minister said that the Government has also launched ‘BhavSagar’, a biodiversity referral centre, to strengthen research and knowledge-sharing in marine ecosystems.

Emphasising the scale of India’s maritime potential, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the country has a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres, yet ocean resources remained largely underexplored for decades.

The Minister highlighted that “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 also announced that under the Deep Ocean Mission, India is preparing for a deep-sea human exploration mission up to a depth of 6,000 metres, marking a major technological milestone.

He added that this development coincides with the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, reflecting India’s simultaneous advancement in both space and ocean exploration.

Addressing queries on benefits to coastal states, including Maharashtra, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that all 12 coastal states of India will benefit equally from enhanced marine research, conservation efforts, and sustainable fisheries development enabled by these initiatives.

The Minister appreciated the Members of Parliament for raising important issues related to marine conservation, noting that such discussions contribute to greater awareness and policy focus on ocean ecosystems.