India, with a coastline of over 7,500 km and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), possesses rich marine biodiversity comprising coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, marine mammals, turtles, and deep-sea ecosystems. Recognising the ecological and economic importance of oceans, India has adopted a mission-mode approach toward marine conservation through legal safeguards, institutional mechanisms, and scientific initiatives such as the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
The framework reflects India’s commitment toward sustainable use of marine resources, biodiversity protection, and strengthening the blue economy.
Legal and Institutional Framework
Wildlife Protection Measures
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides legal protection to several marine species under Schedules I and II.
The 2022 amendment strengthened enforcement by granting the Indian Coast Guard powers of search, seizure, and arrest in marine wildlife crime cases.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
India has established 132 Coastal and Marine Protected Areas, including:
- 6 Marine National Parks
- Marine sanctuaries
- Protected mangrove and coral ecosystems These protected areas help conserve:
- Coral reefs
- Mangroves
- Seagrass beds
- Marine fauna and breeding habitats
Scientific Institutions
The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) plays a major role in marine biodiversity assessment.
It uses advanced tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to monitor deep-sea biodiversity and maintain a national marine fauna repository.
Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
Launched in 2021 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore ocean resources and develop technologies for sustainable deep-sea operations.
Samudrayaan Mission
A flagship component of DOM is the Samudrayaan project, which seeks to undertake India’s first human deep-sea mission to a depth of 6,000 metres.
The mission will use the Matsya 6000 submersible capable of carrying a three-member crew.
Technological Significance
Matsya-6000 uses a titanium-alloy spherical hull developed with support from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), enabling survival under extreme underwater pressure.
Resource Exploration
The mission focuses on exploring polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin containing:
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Copper
- Manganese
These minerals are strategically important for renewable energy technologies, batteries, and electronics manufacturing.
Strategic Importance
Successful implementation would place India among a select group of countries — including the United States, Russia, China, France, and Japan — possessing human deep-sea exploration capabilities.
Other Major Conservation Initiatives
Project Dolphin
Launched in 2020, the project focuses on habitat conservation and population monitoring of both marine and river dolphins.
National Marine Turtle Action Plan
Introduced in 2021, the plan seeks to conserve Olive Ridley turtles by reducing fishing-related threats and coastal poaching.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
ICZM promotes sustainable coastal development and resource management in states such as:
- Gujarat
- Odisha
- West Bengal
MISHTI Scheme
Launched in 2023, MISHTI promotes mangrove restoration across 13 states and Union Territories, covering over 22,000 hectares.
BBNJ Agreement
India joined the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ) in 2024 to support conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Challenges
Despite significant progress, several challenges persist:
- Marine pollution and plastic waste
- Coastal erosion and habitat degradation
- Overfishing and illegal fishing
- Climate change impacts on coral reefs and marine ecosystems
- Technological and financial limitations in deep-sea exploration
Way Forward
Strengthen Marine Governance
Improve coordination among environmental, fisheries, coastal, and maritime agencies.
Expand Scientific Research
Enhance oceanographic research, biodiversity mapping, and climate resilience studies.
Community Participation
Promote participation of coastal communities in conservation and sustainable resource management.
Sustainable Blue Economy
Balance resource extraction with ecological sustainability and biodiversity protection.
Conclusion
India’s marine biodiversity conservation framework reflects a comprehensive approach combining legal protection, scientific innovation, and sustainable ocean governance.
Initiatives such as the Deep Ocean Mission, marine protected areas, and mangrove restoration strengthen India’s role in global marine conservation while advancing the blue economy. Long-term success will depend on balancing economic interests with ecological sustainability and international cooperation.