From Ocean Science to Sustainable Blue Economy

Blue economy is defined as the ocean dependent econo­mic development to improve the quality of life of people while ensuring inclusive social development as well as environmental and ecological security. India has committed to advancing the blue economy. The knowledge about fishery resources, sea bed, marine minerals and energy resources and vulnerability to natural hazards is a pre-requisite for the growth and development of the blue economy. The marine fish catch has been a major source of income for one million fishers in India. The technological development for product development to be addressed for commercialization of deep-sea fishery. Geophysical surveys have provided information about coastal placer minerals, gas hydrates on continental shelf and manganese nodules, hydrothermal systems and cobalt crusts in high seas. The investment in developing technologies and human resources for harnessing these resources is being made. The coastal and marine area spatial planning to be employed to understand risks involved and accordingly, developmental activities to be planned. The economic growth prospects beyond 2030 will be limited without large investments in ocean environments. An accounting system to be developed to bring together disparate data sources, both economic and environmental. An institutional framework for implementing activities related to blue economy to be set up. Investments in sustainable development of oceans will pay rich dividends for future generations and benefit humanity.