Provisions for Conservation of Marine Species

Source: The post is based on the article “Provisions for Conservation of Marine Species” published in “PIB” on 18th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has informed Lok Sabha about the measures taken for the conservation of marine species.

What are the steps taken by the government for the conservation of marine species?

1) Protected Areas: India has designated 130 Marine Protected Areas and identified 106 Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) to safeguard marine species.

2) Many threatened marine species have been listed as Scheduled animals in Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. 

3) Under the scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (IDWH), threatened species like marine turtles, humpback whales and Dugongs are prioritized for assessment and monitoring of their populations.

4) Dugong Conservation Reserve has been established in Palk Bay for conservation of Dugongs and seagrass associated marine species.

5) National Marine Turtle Action Plan has been released with the aim to conserve marine turtles and their habitats in India.

6) Project Dolphin is the Government initiative to conserve both oceanic and riverine dolphin species launched in 2021.

7) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: It was promulgated under Environment (Protection) Act 1986. It has specific focus on conservation and management plans of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) like Mangroves, Seagrasses, Sand dunes, Corals and Coral reefs, Turtle nesting grounds among others.

8) Biological Diversity Act 2002 and associated rules ensure protection, conservation, and sustainable use of marine species.

9) Financial Assistance: MoEFCC is granting funds under the centrally sponsored schemes to maritime States for the conservation of Corals and Mangroves.For instance, CAMPA funds are being provided for Dugong conservation.

10) Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology(CMLRE): It is an attached office under the  Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It is mandated with the management strategies development for marine living resources through ecosystem monitoring and modelling activities. 

11) Marine Megafauna Stranding Management Guidelines,2021: It has been released for actions to be taken during stranding and entanglement events as well as to improve coordination between various stakeholders.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment