The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has launched a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for integrated coastal and marine management. This marks a major advancement in India’s approach to sustainable ocean governance. Odisha is the first state to implement MSP in Phase II of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative, reflecting a growing emphasis on the
Blue Economy and climate-resilient development.
National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR)
Established in 1998 in Chennai (formerly ICMAM-PD), NCCR is a premier institute for coastal and marine research in India.
Key Functions:
- Shoreline Management: Monitors coastal erosion, accretion, and shoreline shifts using satellite imagery and field surveys across India’s coastline.
- Pollution Monitoring: Tracks coastal water quality and studies emerging pollutants such as microplastics and heavy metals.
- Hazard Mitigation: Develops decision-support systems, including coastal flood warning tools and shoreline vulnerability assessments.
- Ecosystem Research: Studies mangroves, coral reefs, and other coastal ecosystems for conservation and sustainable use.
- Capacity Building: Conducts training, awareness programmes, and scientific outreach to
strengthen ocean literacy.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Concept and Features
Marine Spatial Planning is a data-driven and participatory framework that organizes the use of marine space to reduce conflicts and enhance sustainability.
Key Features:
- Zonation of Marine Areas: Allocates zones for fisheries, tourism, ports, renewable energy, conservation, and other activities.
- Ecosystem-Based Approach: Integrates ecological considerations with economic planning.
- Stakeholder Participation: Involves local communities, industries, and policymakers in
decision-making.
- Climate Adaptation Tool: Helps address risks like sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.
In India, MSP was initiated in 2019 under the Indo-Norway collaboration, initially covering Puducherry and Lakshadweep, before expanding to Odisha.
Marine Spatial Planning in Odisha: Key Aspects
Odisha’s coastline, extending over 550 km, includes ecologically rich features such as lagoons, mangroves, estuaries, and nesting grounds for marine species. These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, disaster protection, and livelihoods.
Major Components of MSP in Odisha:
- Scientific Mapping and Data Collection:
- Ocean parameters like salinity, temperature, and currents
- Benthic habitat mapping (seafloor vegetation and organisms)
- Identification of Suitable Zones:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Tourism and recreation
- Seaweed and seagrass cultivation
- Port-led and industrial development
- Policy Integration: Data generated will guide coastal regulation, zoning laws, and sustainable development strategies.
Significance of MSP for Odisha and India
- Economic Growth: Boosts sectors like fisheries, ports, shipping, tourism, and marine-based industries.
- Livelihood Security: Supports coastal communities, especially fishers and small-scale
entrepreneurs.
- Environmental Sustainability: Prevents overexploitation, protects biodiversity, and ensures ecosystem health.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Enhances preparedness against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
- Conflict Reduction: Minimizes conflicts among competing users of marine resources.
Supporting Initiative: OMBRIC
The Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), launched in 2025, complements MSP by integrating science and innovation.
Objectives:
- Promote marine biotechnology research and development
- Support startups and marine-based enterprises
- Enhance conservation through scientific solutions
- Develop eco-tourism and scientific tourism
- Improve livelihood opportunities for coastal communities
OMBRIC strengthens MSP by ensuring that economic development is aligned with technological advancement and ecological sustainability.
Conclusion
Marine Spatial Planning represents a transformative step in India’s ocean governance framework. Odisha’s initiative demonstrates how scientific data, institutional support, and
stakeholder participation can be combined to achieve sustainable coastal development. As India advances its Blue Economy vision, MSP can serve as a scalable model for other coastal states, ensuring that economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity progress together.