India's Vanishing Marine Wealth: Ecosystems Under Threat from Development

Abstract

The Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most important oceans, covering about a fifth of the globe’s total ocean area. It is also home to some of the world’s most valuable fisheries, as well as a wealth of other marine life. However, this development is coming at the cost of the delicate marine environment. Numerous studies have shown that the increased shipping traffic, coastal construction, and pollution are harming the Ocean’s health. This is not only a concern for the environment, but also for the long-term sustainability of the Indian economy. Pollution is another significant hazard to the marine ecosystem. Industrial effluent, sewage, and plastic trash pollute the seas and endanger marine life. Mangrove forests, which act as nature's barrier against coastal erosion and support diverse marine life, are quickly vanishing because of land conversion for commercial purposes. Similarly, coral reefs, the brilliant undersea cities of the sea, are subjected to bleaching events exacerbated by climate change and human activity. Non-traditional challenges include maritime terrorism, natural catastrophes, climate change, illicit fishing, marine pollution, maritime safety, and drug, arms, and people smuggling. This progress comes at the expense of the delicate marine ecosystem. Numerous studies have found that rising shipping traffic, coastal building, and pollution are all negatively impacting the health of the ocean. In this article, it will explore the threats to India’s marine ecosystems, as well as the possible solutions to these problems. It is hoped that raising awareness of these issues can help to protect the vital ocean for future generations.