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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