MEV 014: Unit 08 – Freshwater and Other Marine Resources
UNIT 8: FRESHWATER AND OTHER MARINE RESOURCES
8.0 Introduction
India is endowed with vast aquatic
resources comprising rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and a long coastline
with abundant marine biodiversity. These resources play a crucial role in supporting
livelihoods, food security, biodiversity, and ecological balance. The
increasing demand for fish and aquatic products, along with threats like
overfishing and pollution, necessitates sustainable management practices for
both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
8.1 Objectives
- To understand the types and
importance of inland aquatic and marine resources in India.
- To learn about aquaculture and
its contribution to food and economy.
- To examine challenges and
constraints in fisheries development.
- To explore the need for
sustainable strategies and regulations in conserving aquatic resources.
8.2 Inland Aquatic Resources of India
India possesses a wide range of inland
water bodies such as rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs that support
significant fisheries and aquaculture activities.
8.2.1 Aquatic Environment
Freshwater ecosystems include running waters (rivers and streams) and standing
waters (lakes and ponds). These provide habitat for diverse fish species,
planktons, and aquatic plants. The quality of water, oxygen level, pH, and
temperature significantly impact aquatic life.
8.2.2 Major Inland Open Water
Fisheries
Major fisheries include:
- Rivers and Canals: Ganga,
Brahmaputra, Krishna, Godavari support various carp and catfish species.
- Reservoirs: Provide
about 20% of the total inland fish production.
- Lakes and Wetlands: Dal Lake,
Chilika, Loktak contribute significantly to regional livelihoods.
8.2.3 Aquaculture in India
Aquaculture or fish farming is rapidly growing in India. It includes:
- Freshwater aquaculture: Farming of
Indian major carps (rohu, catla, mrigal) and exotic carps (common carp).
- Brackish water aquaculture: Mainly for
shrimp (Penaeus monodon and Litopenaeus vannamei).
- Integrated fish farming: Combines
fish with agriculture or livestock for improved efficiency.
8.2.4 Major Constraints and Their
Management
- Overfishing and
resource depletion.
- Pollution from
agricultural and industrial runoff.
- Invasive species disrupting
ecosystems.
- Inefficient technologies and lack of
training.
Management Strategies:
- Promoting community-based
fisheries management.
- Use of environment-friendly
technologies.
- Ensuring water quality
monitoring.
- Capacity building of local
fishers.
8.2.5 Strategies for Sustainable
Fisheries Development
- Implementing fish seed and feed
quality control.
- Encouraging scientific stocking
and harvesting methods.
- Expanding hatchery
infrastructure.
- Enhancing public-private
partnerships.
- Strengthening fishery
cooperatives.
8.3 Marine Resources
India has a coastline of over 7,500 km
and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq. km. Marine resources
include finfish, shellfish, seaweed, corals, and marine minerals.
8.3.1 Issues of Marine Aquatic
Resource
- Overexploitation due to
trawling and unregulated fishing.
- Pollution from oil
spills, plastic, and chemicals.
- Coral reef destruction due to
warming oceans and human interference.
- Bycatch and habitat loss affecting
marine biodiversity.
8.3.2 Existing Regulations to Protect
Marine Resource in Fisheries Context
- Marine Fishing Regulation Acts by coastal
states.
- Fishing bans during breeding
seasons.
- Use of fishing vessel tracking
systems.
- National Policy on Marine
Fisheries 2017
for sustainable marine development.
8.3.3 Other Measures for Conservation
- Promoting marine protected areas
(MPAs).
- Banning destructive fishing
practices.
- Encouraging eco-labeling and
certification.
- Creating awareness among fishers.
- Monitoring climate impacts on
marine ecosystems.
8.4 Let Us Sum Up
Freshwater and marine resources are
vital to India's food security, employment, and ecological stability.
Sustainable management of inland fisheries, aquaculture, and marine ecosystems
is essential to preserve biodiversity and ensure long-term benefits. While
various initiatives are underway, continued efforts in conservation,
regulation, and education are needed to safeguard these precious aquatic
resources.
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