UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, GKVK, BENGALURU-560065

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

SEMINAR REPORT
ON

Blue Economy: An Overview

Submitted to:
SEMINAR TEACHERS
Dr. Y.N.Shivalingaiah
Professor and Head
Department of Agricultural
Extension
UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65

Dr. Ganesamoorthi .S
Associate professor
Department of Agricultural
Extension
UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65

Submitted by:
B.V.S.G.S.Deepika
PAMB0142
Sr. M.Sc
Department of Agricultural
Extension
UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65

1
 UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, BANGALORE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, GKVK, BENGULURU-560065

Seminar Report
on
Blue Economy: An Overview

Submitted to

Seminar Teachers
Department of Agricultural Extension
UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65 Submitted by
B.V.S.G.S.Deepika
PAMB0142
Sr.M.Sc
Department of Agricultural
Extension
UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-65

2
 CONTENTS

Sl. No Particulars Page

No
1. Introduction 6

2. Concept of blue economy 7-8

3. Components of Blue Economy 9-28

4. Government Initiatives 29-35

5. Challenges 35

6. Role of extension organization in blue economy 36-37

7 Research studies 38-39

8. Conclusion 40

9. Discussion 40-42

10. References 42-43

11 Synopsis 44-45

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table
Particulars Page
No.
No.
1. World’s largest fish producing countries in 2020 11

2. Fishery resources in India 12

3. Marine and Inland Fish Production in India 13

4. State wise fish production in India during 2020 16

5. Employment generation in brackish water aquaculture in India during 2020 18

6. Population dependent on fisheries in India 19

7. Details of Financial Estimates of PMMSY 33

8. Summary of projects undertaken in Sagarmala Project 35

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure
Particulars Page No.
No.

1. Global fish production from 2002 to 2021 10

2. Top fish consuming states in India (2019-20) 17

3. Value of fish exports from India 17

4. Cargo traffic at major ports in India 20

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 1. Introduction
Oceans are vital, not only to a wide array of biodiversity and ecosystems, but also to the food
chains, livelihoods and climate regulation for a human population heading towards nine billion people.
Oceans cover roughly two-thirds of our Earth’s surface and contribute to poverty reduction by creating
sustainable livelihoods and jobs, food, generating oxygen, absorbing greenhouse ga ses and mitigating
the impacts of climate change, determining weather patterns, and providing international trade routes
with an estimated 95 per cent of the volume of world trade carried by sea, international shipping and
ports provide crucial linkages in global supply chains and are essential for the ability of all countries to
gain access to global markets.

The European Commission estimates that the Blue Economy globally represents over 5 million
jobs and contributes 500 Billion per year – roughly equivalent to 4 per cent of the EUs total economic
output – to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Blue economy offers an innovative approach to conserving the oceans, while reaping their
benefits in a more equitable and sustainable way. It is increasingly obvious that without more
sustainable management of the oceans, they, in turn, will be unable to sustain the population that
depends on them. This is particularly true for the small island nations that are such a key part of the blue
economy.

Blue economy presents India with an unprecedented opportunity to meet its national
socioeconomic objectives as well as strengthen connectivity with neighbours. Blue Economy can help in
focusing on livelihood generation, achieving energy security, building ecological resilience, and
improving health and living standards of coastal communities. Blue economy would reinforce and
strengthen the efforts of the Indian government as it strives to achieve the sustainable development goals
(SDG) of hunger and poverty eradication along with sustainable use of marine resources by 2030.
Objectives
1. To understand the concept of blue economy
2. To know the government initiatives in promoting the blue economy.
3. To review the related research studies.

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 2. Concept of blue economy

What is a blue economy?

Although the Blue Economy has entered the arena of regular international debate and discourse for
the past several years, no commonly accepted definition has emerged so far. Diversity of views is,
therefore, noteworthy. The idea of Blue Economy gained prominence with the publication of Gunter
Pauli’s book in 2010. This was essentially his report to the Club of Rome.3 But the meaning of this
concept seems to have evolved considerably in the past six years.

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for
economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem

The National Maritime Foundation, an active Indian think tank, has adopted the following definition
of Blue Economy: “Marine-based economic development that leads to improved human well- being
and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.”

According to The Economist, the following working definition is worth considering: “A sustainable
ocean economy emerges when economic activity is in balance with the long-term capacity of ocean
ecosystems to support the activity and remain resilient and healthy.”8

The Blue Economy is viewed as an integral element of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From the business perspective, Blue Economy requires innovative and dynamic business models,
forming business connections
Brief history

The economic philosophy of the Blue Economy was first introduced in 1994 by Professor
Gunter Pauli at the United Nations University (UNU). And later he also published the book named
“The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs” in 2010. The idea of the “blue
economy” was conceived at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, held
in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.This conference Sustainable Development and the advancement of the
“green economy” concept. Many coastal countries questioned how the concept of green economy is
related to them and presented a strong point for a “blue economy” approach to be more prominent.

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Aim of blue economy
According to Gunter Pauli: “To allow ecosystems to maintain their evolutionary path so that all
can benefit from nature’s endless flow of creativity. adaption and abundance.

Principle of Blue economy

 Provide social and economic benefits for current and future generations.
 Ensure ecosystem integrity which improves biodiversity and productivity.
 Recognize marine ecosystems as natural capital and protect and maintain them.
 Aspire for social and economic stability through the use of clean technology and renewable
energy.

Need of blue economy

Oceans cover three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and contain 97 per cent of the Earth’s
water. Oceans protect biodiversity, keep the planet cool, and absorb about 30 per cent of global CO2
emissions. At least 3 to 5 per cent of global GDP is derived from oceans. Blue economy, through
sustainable use of oceans, has great potential for boosting the economic growth by providing
opportunities for income generation and jobs etc. It can support food security, and diversification to
address new resources for energy, new drugs valuable chemicals, protein food, deep sea minerals,
security etc. It is the next sunrise sector.
Significance
Ocean have a capacity to contribute more to the human kind. It can contribute to 15 per cent
of protein needs, 30 per cent of world oil and gas resources from ocean, a source for million jobs,
around 10 per cent of people depends on ocean for their livelihoods and 90 per cent of trading done
through marine. Absorb 30 per cent of CO2 emissions and also contributes to GDP.

8
 3. Components of blue economy

1. Fishery and Aquaculture

2. Maritime Transport
3. Marine Tourism
4. Seawater desalination
5. Deep Sea Mining
6. Marine Biotechnology
7. Renewable Energy
8. Maritime Construction

Fisheries and Aquaculture

 Fisheries and aquaculture are an important source of food, nutrition, employment and income in
India. The sector provides livelihood to about 16 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary
level and almost twice the number along the value chain. Fish being an affordable and rich source of
animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and malnutrition.
 The Gross Value Added (GVA) of fisheries sector in the national economy during 2019-20 stood at
Rs. 2,12,915 crores (current basic prices) which constituted 1.24 per cent of the total National GVA
and 7.28 per cent share of Agricultural GVA. The sector has immense

potential to double the fishers and fish farmer’s incomes as envisioned by government and usher in
economic prosperity.
 Fisheries sector in India has shown impressive growth with an average annual growth rate of
10.88 per cent during the period 2014-15 to 2019-20. The fish production in India has registered an
average annual growth of 7.53 per cent during last 5 years and stood at an all-time high of 141.6 lakh
metric tons during 2019-20. The export of marine products stood at 13.93 lakh metric tons and valued
at Rs.46, 662 crores during 2019-20.

9
Global scenario of fisheries and aquaculture

Note:- *Estimated
**Projection
Fish production includes fishing and aquaculture.
Fig. 1: Global fish production from 2002 to 2021
Source: www.statista.com

Global fish production has gradually increased over the years. During the year 2020, global fish
production was estimated to be 174.6 million metric tonnes with a slight dip in production compared to
previous.
Covid-19 had a negative impact on the fishing industry. Due to transportation restrictions, fish
seed, feed, and related aquaculture supplies such as vaccinations were in short supply. There was also
decreased demand for fish and fish products due to the misconception that non-vegetarian food is bad
for health, resulting in lower fish harvests.

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Table 1: World’s largest fish producing countries in 2020

Sl. Country Total Fish Production Percentage share

No (million metric tons) ofeach country
1 China 65.70 37.20
2 India 14.16 8.10
3 Indonesia 12.25 6.94
4 Peru 5.85 3.31
5 USA 5.36 3.04
6 Chile 5.02 2.84
7 Russia 4.70 2.66
8 Japan 4.20 2.38
9 Thailand 3.74 2.12
10 Vietnam 3.36 1.90

Source: www.statista.com

China produced 65.70 million metric tonnes of fish in 2020, making it the world's largest fish
producer. This is mostly due to government policies that encourage large-scale fish farming, which is
aided by advanced technology, in order to meet the growing demand for fish-based feed.

India is the second largest producer of fish in the world contributing 8.10 per cent to global fish
production. India is also a major producer of fish through aquaculture and ranks second in the world
after China.

Indian scenario of fisheries and aquaculture

India has a total water surface area of 3,14,400 sq. km. along with 8118 km coastline, 0.5
million km2 of continental shelf and 2.02 million km2 of exclusive Economic zone (EEZ, an exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) is a sea zone prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea over which a sovereign state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine

resources, including energy production from water and wind. It stretches from the baseline out to 200
nautical miles (nmi) from the coast of the state), with water resources in the form of numerous rivers,
11
 streams, wetlands, lakes, etc., and receives an average annual rainfall of 1,100 mm.

Table 2: - Fishery Resources in India

Sl. Particulars Unit Area

No
1 Length of coastline Km 8118
2 Exclusive economic million sq.km 2.02
zone
3 Continental shelf million sq. km 0.53
4 Rivers and cannels million km 0.19
5 Reservoirs/ million ha 2.90
6 Ponds and tanks million ha 2.14
7 Brackish water million ha 1.24
8 Estuaries million ha 0.29

Source:www.dahd.nic.in

Inland fish production in India

 The Blue Revolution in India demonstrated importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. In the
recent past, Indian fisheries has witnessed a paradigm shift from marine dominated fisheries to inland
fisheries, with the latter emerging as a major contributor of fish production from 36 per cent in the
mid-1980 to 70 per cent in the recent past. Within inland fisheries, a shift from capture to culture-
based fisheries has paved the way for sustained blue economy.
Till 2000, marine fish production dominated India’s total fish production. However due to practice of
science-based fisheries, Inland fisheries in India have seen a turnaround and presently contribute 70
per cent of total fish production
Marine fish production in India

 The marine fishery potential in the Indian waters have been estimated at 5.31 million MT constituting
about 43.3 per cent demersal, 49.5 per cent pelagic and 4.3 per cent oceanic groups. Marine
Fisheries contributes to food security and provides direct employment to over
1.5 million fisher people besides others indirectly dependent on the sector. There are 3,432 marine
fishing villages and 1,537 notified fish landing centers in 9 maritime states and 2 union territories.

12
 According to the CMFRI Census 2019, the total marine fisher folk population was about 4 million
comprising in 864,550 families. Nearly 61 per cent of the fishermen families were under BPL
category. The average family size was 4.63 and the overall sex ratio was 928 females per 1000 males.
The Indian coastline can be delineated into 22 zones, based on the ecosystem structure and functions.
The Indian boat type ranges from the traditional catamarans, masula boats, plank-built boats, dugout
canoes, machwas, and dhonis to the present day motorized fiber-glass boats, mechanized trawlers and
gillnetters.
 In the marine fisheries sector, there were 194,490 crafts in the fishery out of which 37 per cent
were mechanized, 37 per cent were motorized and 26 per cent were non-motorized. Out of a total of
167,957 crafts fully owned by fisher folk 53 per cent were non-motorized, 24 per cent were motorized
and 23 per cent were mechanized. Among the mechanized crafts fully owned by fishermen, 29 per cent
were trawlers, 43 per cent were gillnetters and 19 per cent were dol netters.

Table 3: Marine and Inland Fish Production in India

Annual average growth rate

Year Fish production (in lakh tones)
(percent)
All
Marin Mari Inla
Inland Total Indi
e ne nd
a
2009-10 31.04 48.94 79.98 - - -
2010-11 32.50 49.81 82.31 4.7 1.78 2.91
2011-12 33.72 52.94 86.66 3.75 6.28 5.28
2012-13 33.21 57.19 90.40 -1.51 8.03 4.32
2013-14 34.43 61.36 95.79 3.67 7.29 5.96
2014-15 35.69 66.91 102.6 3.66 9.04 7.11
2015-16 36.00 71.62 107.62 0.87 7.04 4.89
2016-17 36.25 78.06 114.31 1.14 8.63 6.12
14.6 11.1
2017-18 37.56 89.48 127.04 3.61
2 3
2018-19 38.53 97.20 135.73 2.58 8.62 6.84
2019-20 37.27 104.37 141.64 -3.2 7.37 4.35

Source: - www.mpeda.gov.in
Table 3 shows steady growth in inland and marine fish production in India over the years.

13
 There was a negative average annual growth rate during 2012-13 due to increase in freezer container
freight rates and anti- dumping duty of 10.17 per cent imposed on Indian companies by US. According
to scientists from CMFRI, ring seine nets led to overfishing where both mature species and juveniles
were caught leaving no scope for fresh production of young ones declining catch in years.

There was a negative average annual growth in 2019-20 mainly due to pandemic and reduction
in number of fishing days due to cyclone Amphan in May and Nivar in November.

Brackish and Saline Aquaculture

 Brackish and Saline water aquaculture has gained a great momentum in India. India’s export growth is
primarily due to the success of brackish water aquaculture of shrimp. The last few decades have
witnessed significant growth in brackish water shrimp aquaculture production of farmed shrimp from
20 metric tonnes in 1970 to 7.47 lakh metric tonnes in 2020, thereby contributing to major export
share of Rs. 46,662 crores fisheries export earnings.

 Brackish water aquaculture offers huge potential as the country has around 1.42 million ha of
brackish/saline area, of which only 13 per cent is utilized. With the aim to harness its potential, the
fisheries Department has focused on increasing current fish production of 0.7 million metric tonnes to
1.10 million metric tonnes by FY 2024-25. With a goal to achieve a production of 15 lakh metric
tonnes, total of 45 thousand ha of brackish water area will be incorporated by FY 2024-25 boosting
current productivity from 4 tonne/ha to 8 tonne/ha.

 Saline water aquaculture is being promoted to transform ‘Waste land to Wet-lands’ by increasing
aquaculture area from 58 thousand Ha to 13 thousand Ha by FY 2024-25. This is to boost the current
annual production of 4331 tonnes to 1.04 lakh tonnes while boosting current productivity from 6
tonne/ha to 8 tonne/ha.

 At present, shrimp farming has been promoted in 493 ha areas in Haryana with a production of
3,120 tonnes with an average productivity of 6.32 tonne/ha. Action plan for Haryana and other
states has been formulated to bring in more saline affected area under aquaculture for increasing
production and thus productivity. Through engagement with ICAR-CIBA, the Department along with
the States/UTs is also exploring sustainable ways for species diversification in brackish water
aquaculture by promoting shrimps, oysters, mussels, crabs, lobsters, sea bass, groupers, mullets, milk fish,
cobia, and silver pompano to be cultivated.
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 Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture: - It envisages its role as one of the world's
foremost scientific research institute in brackish water aquaculture through the pursuit of
excellence in research and innovation that contributes modernization and development of
sustainable brackish water aquaculture in the country.

Composite fish culture

 Composite fish culture is a most popular technique to obtain maximum yield of fish from a
pond/reservoir. The technology involves employment of compatible and non-competing fish culture
through utilisation of different feeding zones of the pond or reservoir, resulting maximum production
of fish per unit area of water.

 Depending on the compatibility and type of feeding habits of the fishes, Indian major carp fish
varieties such as Catla, Rohu, Mrigal and exotic carps such as Silver carp, Grass carp and Common
carp are recommended for culture in the composite fish culture technology.

 The area under tanks ponds available for warm fresh water aquaculture is estimated to be 2.41 million
ha. In addition, 1.31 million ha of swamps, beels, etc. and low lying water logged area not good for
agriculture as also any land where there is copious water supply can be converted for fish farming. Out
of the total inland fish production of 4.7 lakh tonnes, around 80% is contributed by the culture sector.

 The average productivity from ponds at present is to the tune of 2500 kg/ha/year. This shows the
tremendous scope for fish culture in the country. Only 15 per cent of the potential area of tanks and
ponds available is developed so far, showing immense possibilities for horizontal expansion of
composite fish culture.

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 Table 4: State wise fish production in India during 2020

Inland Marine Total

Sl. State
No. (in lakh (in lakh (in lakh
tonnes) tonnes) tonnes)
1 Andhra Pradesh 36.10 5.64 41.74
2 West Bengal 16.19 1.63 17.82
3 Gujarat 1.58 7.01 8.59
4 Odisha 2.29 4.03 8.18
5 Tamil Nadu 1.74 5.83 7.57
6 Kerala 2.05 4.75 6.80
7 Uttar Pradesh 6.99 0 6.99
8 Bihar 6.41 0 6.41
9 Karnataka 2.29 4.03 6.32

Source: www.mpeda.gov.in

Above given table depicts that Andhra Pradesh ranks first in inland and total fish production in
the country and Gujarat ranks first in marine fish production reason being it has the longest coastline in
the country of 1596 kms.

Fish consumption in India

 Fish and fish products are recognized not only as some of the healthiest foods on the planet, but also as
some of the least impactful on the natural environment. For these reasons, they are vital for national,
regional and global food security and nutrition strategies, and have a big part to play in transforming
food systems and eliminating hunger and malnutrition.

 Fish is a major source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids required for maintaining a healthy body.
Proteins and fats found in fishes are considered as best supplements for improving cardio vascular
health.

 Average per capita fish consumption in India is 9 kg per annum which is low against ICMR
recommendation of 12 kg per capita fish consumption per annum.

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 Fig. 2: Top fish consuming states in India (2019-20)
Source: Handbook on Fisheries Statistics, 2020

Export performance of fisheries in India

India exported 12,89,651 MT of seafood worth Rs 46,662.85 crores (US$ 6.68 billion) during
2019-20, marking a decline of 6.31 per cent in rupee terms and 10.81 per cent in dollar value in 2020-
21. Since 2002, China h a s been the world's largest exporter of fish and fish products.

Fig. 3: Value of fish exports from India

Source: Handbook on Fisheries Statistics, 2020
17
 India is the fourth largest fish exporting nation in the world after China, Canada, Vietnam and
Indonesia. Ribbonfish is the most popular fish species exported from India.

Livelihood opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture

 Blue economy for India means a number of economic opportunities related to ocean and marine
ecosystems, playing an important role in generating and sustaining livelihoods.

 One of the major fallouts of the Covid 19 pandemic has been the loss of livelihoods and depleting job
opportunities. India now faces the challenge of ensuring adequate livelihoods and jobs. Some of the
major sectors that provide millions of jobs and hold prospects for more are ocean-based sectors
including fisheries, shipping, tourism, deep sea mining, offshore energy resources, marine research,
ocean conservation, and ocean sciences.

 Engagement in new sectors such as offshore wind, marine biology, biotechnology, and other activities
like ship building and ship breaking is also rising extensively. Among these, the fisheries sector alone
provides livelihood to about 16 million fisher folk and fish farmers at the primary level and almost
twice that number along the value chain. The government envisions this sector to have immense
potential to more than double the fisher folk and fish farmers' incomes.

Table 5: Employment generation in brackish water aquaculture in India during

2020
Number of people engaged (in thousands)
Activity
Men Women Total
Fry collection 99,000 55,000 1,54,000
Fry trading and transportation 1,500 - 1,500
Farming 50,000 - 50,000
Shrimp depot workers 400 1,100 1,500
Shrimp van/boat operators 1,500 - 1,500
Processing factory workers 400 1,100 1,500
TOTAL 1,52,000 1,52,000 2,10,000

Source: www.ciba.res.in

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 Table 6: Population dependent on fisheries in India

State Fishing Fishing Fisher folk

Villages Families Population
Andhra 555 (16.2) 1,63,427 (18.7) 605,428 (14.9)
Pradesh
Gujarat 247 (7.2) 62,231 (7.1) 336,181 (8.3)
Tamil Nadu 573 (16.7) 1,92,697 (22.0) 8,02,912 (19.8)
Odisha 813 (23.7) 1,14,238 (13.1) 6,05,514 (14.9)
Karnataka 144 (4.2) 30,713 (3.5) 167,429 (4.1)
Kerala 222 (6.5) 1,18,937 (13.6) 6,10,165 (15.0)
Goa 39 (1.1) 2,189 (0.3) 10,545 (0.3)
Maharashtra 4,56 (13.3) 81,492 (9.3) 3,86,259 (9.5)
West Bengal 188 (5.5) 76,981 (8.8) 3,80,138 (9.4)

Note: Figures in bracket show the shares in percentage Source: Blue Economy Working Group Report,
2020

Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of fishing families and Tamil Nadu has the highest number of
fishing villages and fisher folk population in India among the major ports.

Status of fisheries in Karnataka as on 2020-21

Karnataka State has 320 Km long coast line along with 27000 Sq. km continental shelf area, 5.65
lakh hectares of various inland water resources and has vast scope for fisheries development. The
brackish water area of 8000 hectares also provides good scope for shrimp/fish culture. There are about
9.61 lakh fishermen in the state of which 3.28 lakh fishermen in marine and 6.33 lakh fishermen are in
inland who are involved in various fisheries activities.

• Total fish production - 5.99 lakh metric tonnes

• Inland fish production - 2.52 lakh metric tonnes (34%)

• Marine fish production - 3.47 lakh metric tonnes (66%)

• Contribution to India’s total fish production - 4.46%

• Per-capita fish availability - 8.08 kg/annum

• The contribution of Fisheries Sector to GSDP - Rs. 7827 Crore

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• Export of Marine products form Karnataka -1.05 lakh metric tonnes

Maritime Transport

Oceans provide the main transport arteries for global trade. As demand for global freight
increases, maritime trade volumes are set to triple to 2050.There are over 50,000 merchant ships
trading internationally, transporting every kind of cargo.International seaborne trade performed better
than the world economy, with volumes increasing at an estimated 4.3 percent in 2020.
About 9.2 billion tons of goods were loaded in ports worldwide, with tanker trade (crude oil,
petroleum products and gas)
According to the Ministry of Shipping, around 95 per cent of India's trading by volume and
70 per cent by value is done through maritime transport. Twenty-four hours a day all year round, ships
carry cargos to all corners of the globe. World trade and maritime transport are fundamental to
sustaining economic growth and spreading prosperity throughout the world, thereby fulfilling a critical
social as well as an economic function.
India has 12 major and 205 notified minor and intermediate ports. Under the National
Perspective Plan for Sagarmala, six new mega ports will be developed in the country. The Indian ports
and shipping industry play a vital role in sustaining growth in the country’s trade and commerce. India
is the sixteenth-largest maritime country in the world with a coastline of about 8,118 kms. The Indian
Government plays an important role in supporting the ports sector. It has allowed Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) of up to 100% under the automatic route for port and harbour construction and
maintenance projects. It has also facilitated a 10-year tax holiday to enterprises that develop, maintain
and operate ports, inland waterways and inland ports.

Fig. 4: Cargo traffic at major ports in India (million tonnes)

Source: Ports Industry Report, Feb 2022
20
 India’s key ports had a capacity of 1,561 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY21. In FY22
(until February) 2022, all key ports in India handled 650.52 million tonnes (MT) of cargo traffic.
India's merchandise exports in FY22 were at US$ 417.8 billion, up 40% from the previous year. In
October 2021, India’s merchandise exports grew 43.05% YoY to reach US$ 33.65 billion.

Paradip port in Odisha has the maximum cargo traffic in the country of 17.3 per cent and
Mormugoa port accounted for highest growth of traffic handled in January, 2021 of 62.6 per cent.

Way forward

 The capacity addition at ports is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5-6% till 2022, thereby adding 275-
325 MT of capacity.
 Domestic waterways have found to be a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mode of
freight transportation. The government aims to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.
 As part of the Sagarmala project, more than 574 projects worth Rs. 6 lakh crore (US$ 82 billion)
have been planned for implementation between 2015 and 2035.
 In Maritime India Summit 2021, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways identified a total of
400 projects worth Rs. 2.25 lakh crore (US$ 31 billion) investment potential.
 India’s cargo traffic handled by ports is expected to reach 1,695 million metric tonnes by 2021- 22
according to a report by the National Transport Development Policy Committee.

21
 Marine Tourism

Marine tourism industry has developed well along India’s west coast particularly around
Goa along the Konkan belt and in Kerala along the Malabar Coast. Goa referred to as ‘Pearl of the
Orient’ is a tourist paradise, and has received 895 international charter flights in 2015. Similarly,
Kerala, which is promoted as ‘God’s own country’, attracts international tourists for its beaches,
picturesque backwaters, canals, and lagoons, which are home to abundant marine life.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an excellent tourism destination, but have been
selectively opened for tourism due to environmental and security concerns. Likewise, the
Lakshadweep Islands offer the finest underwater marine life for scuba divers, but have remained
insulated to tourism primarily due to security and controlled development reasons.

Coastal, marine and leisure tourism, central to the blue economy, promises opportunities at
both offshore and onshore coastal areas. The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism
in India generates of 15 lakh crores rupees to or 9.4 per cent of India’s GDP (that’s more than two
hundred billion US dollars). It also states that nearly 42 million jobs are created in the tourism sector,
and predicts that tourism could grow at an annual rate to 32.05 lakh crores by 2028.

Future pathways for India’s marine tourism

 The Indian government is conscious of infrastructure inadequacies and has a vision and plan for
promotion of cruise tourism and increase sea arrivals to 1.2 million tourists by 2030-31. Cruise
terminals are under development at Goa, Cochin, Mumbai and Chennai and these can potentially boost
the domestic hospitality industry that is also developing infrastructure and services to support port city
excursions and domestic tourism.

 Another innovative marine tourism initiative by the government is lighthouse tourism. There are
nearly 190 lighthouses along the Indian coast and the surrounding areas offer opportunities for
development of hotels, resorts, viewing galleries, adventure sports, thematic restaurant and allied
tourism facilities. The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships has identified 78 lighthouses,
and adjacent areas around 8 lighthouses are being developed for tourism.

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 Livelihood opportunities from Marine tourism

Marine tourism is also a sector that has been one of the fastest growing sector globally and in
India. Particularly in coastal states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, coastal tourism has
contributed largely to both the state economies and livelihood creation. In Kerala, the total number
of jobs created directly and indirectly by the sector between 2015 and 2019 turned out to be
around 23 per cent of the total employment.

In 2018, the total share of tourism in Tamil Nadu's employment was more than 22 per cent and
23 per cent in Karnataka's. This sector has been among the worst hit because of the Covid 19 fallout,
but now coastal states are re-strategizing to attract local and domestic tourists. A campaign named
'Keralam Kanaam' was launched by the Tourism Department of Kerala that aimed to offer luxury
staycations at affordable rates to people from the state itself. Similar initiatives are being taken up in
other coastal states to increase tourism.

Seawater Desalination

Seawater desalination is the process of removing salt and other constituents from saline water to
produce fresh water.

 India is witnessing a dire water shortage, especially drinking water, as present sources (both surface

and groundwater) are becoming increasingly strained. The water consumption rate in the country is
continuously increasing every year.
 According to a report published by the Planning Commission of India in 2020, the average annual per

capita water availability in the country declined to 1,486 cubic meters in 2021. It may continue to
decline to 1,367 cubic meters in 2031.
 Thus, municipalities have taken up the responsibility to treat seawater and generate potable water so

that people can get access to clean drinking water.

 In February 2021, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, also known as Brihanmumbai Municipal

Corporation (BMC), announced its plans to set up a desalination plant with 200 MLD per day to
overcome the water shortage in the city. The plant is estimated to be operational by 2025.
 According to the Minister for Municipal Administration, in Chennai, there are two ongoing

desalination projects. The plan with a capacity to treat 150 MLD at Nemmeli will be completed by
2023 to benefit 9 lakh people. Another plant with a capacity of 400 MLD will be completed by 2025,

23
 which will provide water to 22 lakh people in the city.
 In India, the market share of reverse osmosis technology constituted about 30% of the water purifier

market in 2021.
 Nano filtration membranes are used significantly to reduce the odor, color, and hardness and separate

heavy metal ions from water systems.

 In India, all the major desalination plants, such as the Minjur plant, Nemmeli Seawater Desalination

Plant, and Mumbai desalination plant, are all based on membrane technology, indicating market
domination in the country.

 In the Union Budget 2022, the Government of India announced a package of INR 60 lakh crore to

provide drinkable water to every household, thus boosting the demand for desalination systems.

 In 2022, the bottled water segment’s revenue is expected to be USD 5,764 million, with the average
volume per person amounting to 17.4 L.
 The demand for drinking water in India is projected to be 73 billion cubic meters in 2025. It is
anticipated to reach 102 billion cubic meters by 2050, thus requiring membrane technology for
efficient results.
 Thus, rising demand for water from various industries, coupled with government support, is expected
to drive the Indian desalination systems market during the forecast period.

Deep Sea Mining

Deep sea mining is the retrieval of minerals and deposits from the ocean floor found at depths
of 200 meters or greater.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on "Deep Ocean
Mission", with a view to explore deep ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for
sustainable use of ocean resources.

The estimated cost of the Mission will be Rs. 4077 crore for a period of 5 years to be
implemented in a phase-wise manner. The estimated cost for the first phase for the 3 years (2021-
2024) would be Rs.2823.4 crore. Deep Ocean Mission with be a mission mode project to support the
Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the
nodal Ministry implementing this multi-institutional ambitious mission.

24
 The Deep Ocean Mission consists of the following six major components:

i. Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining, and Manned Submersible: A manned submersible
will be developed to carry three people to a depth of 6000 metres in the ocean with suite of scientific
sensors and tools. Only a very few countries have acquired this capability. An Integrated Mining
System will be also developed for mining Polymetallic Nodules from 6000 m depth in the central
Indian Ocean. The exploration studies of minerals will pave way for the

commercial exploitation in the near future, as and when commercial exploitation code is evolved by
the International Seabed Authority, an UN organization. This component will help the Blue Economy
priority area of exploring and harnessing of deep sea minerals and energy.

ii. Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: A suite of observations and models will be
developed to understand and provide future projections of important climate variables on seasonal to
decadal time scales under this proof of concept component. This component will support the Blue
Economy priority area of coastal tourism.

iii. Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity: Bio- prospecting
of deep sea flora and fauna including microbes and studies on sustainable utilization of deep sea bio-
resources will be the main focus. This component will support the Blue Economy priority area of
Marine Fisheries and allied services.

iv. Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: The primary objective of this component is to explore and
identify potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean
mid-oceanic ridges. This component will additionally support the Blue Economy priority area of deep
sea exploration of ocean resources.

v. Energy and freshwater from the Ocean: Studies and detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean
Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant are envisaged in this proof of concept
proposal. This component will support the Blue Economy priority area of off- shore energy
development.

25
vi. Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: This component is aimed as development of human
capacity and enterprise in ocean biology and engineering. This component will translate research into
industrial application and product development through on-site business incubator facilities. This
component will support the Blue Economy priority area of Marine Biology, Blue trade and Blue
manufacturing.

Oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the globe, remain a key part of our life. About 95 percent of
Deep Ocean remains unexplored. For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around
30 per cent of the country's population living in coastal areas, ocean is a major economic factor

supporting fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods and blue trade. Oceans are also storehouse of
food, energy, minerals, medicines, modulator of weather and climate and underpin life on Earth.
Considering importance of the oceans on sustainability, the United Nations (UN) has declared the
decade, 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. India has a unique
maritime position.
Ocean Energy

Ocean energy refers to all forms of renewable energy derived from the sea. There are three main types
of ocean technology: wave, tidal, and ocean thermal. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has
declared Ocean Energy as renewable energy.

Types of Ocean Energy

Wave energy is generated by converting the energy within ocean waves (swells) into electricity.
There are many different wave energy technologies being developed and trialled to convert wave
energy into electricity.The first wave energy, project with a capacity of 150 MW, has been set up
at Vizhinjam near Trivandrum.Wave energy development has not been carried out in any country
and the power in ocean waves has not been exploited to its full potential for human purposes except as
power supplies for buoys and navigational aid.Wave power is produced by the up and down motion of
floating devices placed on the surface of the ocean.As the waves travel across the ocean, high-tech
devices capture the natural movements of ocean currents and the flow of swells to generate power.

26
 Current Energy – It is very similar to the wind above the oceansUnderwater turbines, large
propellers tethered to the seabed, are moved with the marine currents to generate electricity. According
to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), given the scale of open ocean currents,
there is a promise of significant project scale growth when technologies harness lower -velocity
currents.

Tidal Energy- Like conventional hydroelectric dams, power plants are built on river estuaries and
hold back huge amounts of tidal water twice a day which generates electricity when released. India is
expected to have 9,000 MW of tidal energy potential.This periodic rise and fall, called a tide, can be
used to produce electric power which in this case is known as tidal power. Tidal power has great
potential in areas like the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, Gulf of Cambay and Sunder ban area of West
Bengal where the height of the tide is sufficient for construction and economical functioning of tidal
power plants..A major tidal wave power project costing of Rs.5000 crores, is proposed to be set up in
the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.

Ocean Thermal Energy- Oceans are huge heat reservoirs as they cover almost 70% of
Earth’s surface. The temperature difference between warm surface waters and the cold deeper layer s
can be used to generate steam and then power.Large amounts of solar energy are stored in the oceans
and seas. On an average, the 60 million square kilometres of the tropical seas absorb solar
radiation equivalent to the heat content of 245 billion barrels of oil.The process of harnessing this
energy is called OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion). It uses the temperature differences
between the surface of the ocean and the depths of about loom to operate a heat engine, which
produces electric power. Osmotic Energy- This technique produces energy from the movement of
water across a membrane between a saltwater reservoir and fresh water reservoir. It is also
called Salinity Gradient Energy.

Limitations

 Deployment is currently limited in our country and already deployed technologies are under utilised.
 Either there is not much research done on the technologies or most are currently at the initial stage of
R&D, demonstration and commercialization.

27
 Uncertainty of the marine environment and commercial scale risks like- corrosion of materials due
to the salinity of seawater, offshore maintenance difficulties, the environmental impact on landscapes
and the marine ecosystem and competition from other marine activities such as fishing.
Potential
 Total identified potential of Tidal Energy is about 12455 MW, with potential locations identified
at Khambat & Kutch regions, and large backwaters, where barrage technology could be used.
 The total theoretical potential of wave energy is estimated to be about 40,000 MW. This energy is
however less intensive than what is available in more northern and southern latitudes.
 OTEC has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW in India subject to suitable technological evolution.
 Ocean energy has the potential to grow fully, fuelling economic growth, reducing carbon
footprint and creating jobs not only along the coasts but also inland along its supply chains.

Suggestions

 India has a long coastline with the estuaries and gulfs which can be fully used to harness this energy.
 Tidal streams and ocean currents are huge and almost endless resources which can be used with
relatively small environmental interactions for large scale electricity generation.
 Basic R&D is being looked after by National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai under the
Ministry of Earth Sciences but more inputs by other prominent institutions will help us understand
and develop the technologies faster.

28
 4. Government Initiatives

Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Blue revolution

Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries at a total central outlay of Rs. 3000
crore has been implemented since 2015-16 for development of fisheries in the country. The CSS inter-
alia, provides financial assistance for development of fisheries and aquaculture sector including fish
production and post-harvest related activities like fish brood banks, hatcheries, construction of ponds,
rearing ponds, installation of cages in reservoirs and open sea cages fish culture, fish feed mills,
development of post-harvest infrastructure like ice plants, cold storages, ice plants-cum-cold storages
and development of fish landing centre in reservoirs and fishing harbours.

Salient features of Blue Revolution scheme

 Providing suitable linkages and convergence with the ‘Sagarmala Project’ of the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNAREGA), Ministry of Shipping,
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), etc.

 The Blue Revolution scheme concentrates mainly on enhancing the production and
productivity of aquaculture and fisheries both from the inland and marine sources.
 Promoting and encouraging the economically backward sections like the Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, Women, and their co-operatives to take up fishing.
 The Blue Revolution Scheme encouraged entrepreneurship development, private investment
and better leveraging of institutional finance.

Major outcomes of Blue Revolution

 Indian Fisheries Sector reached a production of 4.7 million tonnes of fish from a limit of
60,000 tonnes including 1.6 million tonnes of fish from freshwater aquaculture.
 India is recorded to achieve an average annual growth of 14.8% as compared to the global
average percentage of 7.5 in the production of fish and fish products.
 The fisheries sector has become India’s largest agricultural export item over the last five years
with a growth rate of 6% – 10%.
 India has become the world’s second-largest producer of fish with exports worth more Rs.
47,000 crore rupees.
29
  The fisheries and aquaculture production contributes 1% and 5% to India’s GDP and
Agricultural GDP respectively.
India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy
The India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development was inaugrated
jointly by both the countries. This task force was launched during Norwegian Prime Minister's visit
to India earlier in 2019.The bilateral collaboration intends to manage the resources in the oceans in
a sustainable manner.The India-Norway cooperation in the field of oceans is based on a shared
interest in the blue economy and the sustainable use of marine resources.Both countries also desire
to advance scientific knowledge about oceans.The purpose of the task force is to develop and follow
up joint initiatives between the two countries.It also intends to mobilise relevant stakeholders from
both Norway and India at the highest level, and ensure continued commitment and progress across
ministries and agencies
(O-SMART) Scheme
The Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2018 and is implemented by the Ministry of Earth
Sciences.

 The aims at stepping up ocean research and setting up early warning weather systems.

 It addresses ocean development activities such as services, technology, resources, observations and
science and provides necessary scientific and technological background required for implementation
of various aspects of Blue Economy.

 To generate and regularly update information on Marine Living Resources and their relationship
with the physical environment in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

 To periodically monitor levels of seawater pollutants for health assessment of coastal waters of
India, to develop shoreline change maps for assessment of coastal erosion due to natural and
anthropogenic activities.

 To develop a wide range of state-of-the-art ocean observation systems for the acquisition of real-
time data from the seas around India and to cater to the testing and sea trial activities of ocean
technology.

 To generate and disseminate a suite of user-oriented ocean information, advisories, warnings, data
and data products for the benefit of society.
30
  To develop high-resolution models for ocean forecast and reanalysis systems.

 To develop algorithms for validation of satellite data for coastal research and to monitor changes in
the coastal research.Acquisition of Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for coastal pollution
monitoring, testing of various underwater components and technology demonstration and to support
their operation and maintenance.

 To develop technologies to tap the marine bioresources, generate freshwater and ocean energy and
develop underwater vehicles and technologies.

 Establishment of Ballast water treatment facility.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDH)

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of
India has set up a dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund(FIDF). FIDF
envisages creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sectors and
augment the fish production to achieve the target of 15 million tonnes by 2020 set under the Blue
Revolution. Besides, the FIDF aims to achieve a sustainable growth of 8 -9 per cent, in a move to
augment the country’s fish production to the level of about 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.

 Up to 3 per cent interest subvention for development of identified fisheries based infrastructure
facilities.
 Lending rate of interest is not lower than 5 per cent per annum for all eligible entities for
development of identified fisheries based infrastructure facilities.

 Loan lending period under FIDH is 5 years (2018-19 to 2022-23)

 Repayment period is 12 years inclusive of moratorium of 2 years on repayment of principal.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

The Hon’ble Finance Minister announced Rs.2 lakh crore concessional credit boost to Rs.2.5 crore
farmers including fishers and fish farmers under Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme as a part of
Atmanirbhar Bharat Package. Thus, Department of Fisheries in collaboration with all the States/UTs
took up a special drive several times to saturate the issuance of KCC to fishers and fish farmers. Kisan
Credit Card (KCC) campaign was launched to cover fishers and fish farmers on 15th November, 2021.
31
The said campaign ran from 15.11.2021 to 15.02.2022 and seeked to bring majority of fishers and fish
farmers under coverage of institutional credit.

Aquaculture which required heavy capital investment was still nascent in the country and
traditional marine fishers did not require too much capital as per their current practices. Under this
scheme and under PMMSY, DoF was working with State Governments and fishers/fish farmers to
make them aware about the best practices and encouraging them to scale up their activities. This would
help farmers enhance their income and also lead to higher credit offtake.

As on date, a total of 6,08,820 of KCC applications received from fishers and fish farmers. Out
of that, 70,818 KCCs have been issued and about 4,80,965 lakh applications are with the Banks at
various stages for issuance of KCCs. And sum of Rs. 1038.60 Crore has also been disbursed to
various KCC card holder beneficiaries against the KCC issued.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Recognizing the importance and potential of the fisheries sector, the Government of India
approved the flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), in May 2020
under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat COVID-19 relief package with a vision to bring about Blue
Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector.

Targets of PMMSY

 Increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons by 2024-25 from 13.75 million metric tons in
2018-19.

 Enhancing aquaculture productivity to 5 tons per hectare from the current national average of 3
tons.
 Augmenting domestic fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg per capita.
 Increasing contribution of fisheries sector to the Agriculture GVA to about 9% by 2024-25
from 7.28% in 2018-19.
 Doubling export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crores by 2024-25 from Rs. 46,589 crores in 2018-19.
 Facilitating private investment and growth of entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
 Reduction of post-harvest losses from the reported 20-25% to about 10%.
 Generating 55 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities along the value chain.
 Doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers.
32
Investment
For implementation of the PMMSY over a period of five years from the financial year FY
2020-21 to FY 2024-25, a total investment of Rs. 20,050 crores comprising of (a) Central share of Rs.
9,407 crores, (b) State share of Rs 4,880 crores and (c) Beneficiaries share of Rs. 5,763 crores have
been estimated.

Table 7: - Details of Financial Estimates of PMMSY

Beneficiary
Total (Rs Central share State share
Sl. No Components contribution
Crores) (Rs crores) (Rs crores) (Rs crores)
A Central sector scheme 1720.00 1720.00 Nil Nil

B Centrally 18,330.00 7687.00 4880.00 5763.00

sponsored scheme

B1. Beneficiary oriented 11,990.00 3878.00 2349.00 5763.00

activities
B2. Non-beneficiary- 6340.00 3800.00 2532.00 Nil
oriented activities
Total (A+B) 20,050.00 9407.00 4880.00 5763.00

Source: www.pib.gov.in

Sagarmala Project

 Project aims at developing Inland waterways and coastal shipping which will revolutionize
maritime logistics, creating million new jobs, reduce logistics costs etc. It focuses on the
development of coastal communities and people in the sustainable use of ocean resources,
modern fishing techniques and coastal tourism.

 The prime objective of the Sagarmala project is to promote port-led direct and indirect
development and to provide infrastructure to transport goods to and from ports quickly,
efficiently and cost-effectively. Therefore, the Sagarmala Project shall, inter alia, aim to
develop access to new development regions with intermodal solutions and promotion of the

33
 optimum modal split, enhanced connectivity with main economic centers and beyond through
expansion of rail, inland water, coastal and road services.

 The Sagarmala Project therefore intends to achieve the broad objectives of enhancing the
capacity of major and non-major ports and modernizing them to make them efficient,
thereby enabling them to become drivers of port-led economic development, optimizing the use
of existing and future transport assets and developing new lines/linkages for transport
(including roads, rail, inland waterways and coastal routes), setting up of logistics hubs, and
establishment of industries and manufacturing centers to be served by ports in EXIM and
domestic trade.
Background:

 Presently, Indian ports handle more than 90 per cent of India’s total EXIM trade volume.
However, the current proportion of merchandize trade in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of
India is only 42 percent, whereas for some developed countries and regions in the world such
as Germany and European Union, it is 75 percent and 70 percent respectively. 

 Therefore, there is a great scope to increase the share of merchandising trade in India’s GDP.
With the Union Government’s “Make in India” initiative, the share of merchandise trade in
India’s GDP is expected to increase and approach levels achieved in developed countries. India
lags far behind in ports and logistics infrastructure. Against a share of 9 percent of railways and
6 percent of roads in the GDP the share of ports is only 1 percent. In addition, high logistics

 costs make Indian exports uncompetitive. Therefore, Sagarmala project has been envisioned to
provide ports and the shipping the rightful place in the Indian economy and to enable port-led
development.

 As part of Sagarmala Programme, more than 574 projects (Cost: Rs. 6.01 Lacs Crore) have
been identified for implementation, during 2015-2035, across the areas of port modernization
& new port development, port connectivity enhancement, port-linked industrialization and
coastal community development. As of 30-September-2019, a total of 121 projects (cost: Rs.
30,228 Crore) have been completed and 201 projects (cost: Rs.309, 048 Cr.) are under
implementation.

34
Table 8: Summary of projects undertaken in Sagarmala Project

Total Completed Under Implementation

Theme Number Project Number Project Number Project

of Cost (Rs. of Cost (Rs. of Cost (Rs.
Projects Crore) Projects Crore) Projects Crore)

Port Modernization & 237 250606 82 29575 56 37375

New Port Development

Port Connectivity 213 138514 57 20958 71 84140

Enhancement

Port Led 33 119845 9 45865 21 72705

Industrialization

Coastal Community 77 10135.7 18 1422.9 19 2351

Development

Coastal Shipping and 242 29382 28 1178 51 15953

IWT

Total 802 548484 194 99000 218 212526

Source: www.pib.gov.in

5. Challenges

• Threat of sea borne terror – piracy and armed robbery, maritime terrorism, illicit trade in
crude oil, arms, drug and human trafficking and smuggling of contraband etc.
• Natural Disasters – every year tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes typhoons etc. leave thousands
of people stranded and property worth millions destroyed.
• Man-Made problems – Oil spills, climate change continue to risk the stability of the
maritime domain.
• Impact of climate change – changes in sea temperature, acidity, threaten marine life,
habitats, and the communities that depend on them.
• Marine pollution – in form of excess nutrients from untreated sewerage, agricultural runoff,
35
 and marine debris such as plastics
• Overexploitation of marine resources – illegal, unreported, and unregulated extraction of
marine resources.
6. Role of extension organization in blue economy

Area of Work strategies

 Improved techniques of mariculture and aqua culture
 Introduction of modern craft and gear material for fishing
Technology  Scientific post- harvest practices
transfer  Diversified technology application in fisheries
 Introduction of innovative technology application methods

 Information support to fishermen about prices, types and

Information
availability of known and new fishing inputs
support service

 Provision of real time marketing information to fishermen.

Marketing and  Strengthening the position of the fishermen against middlemen by
distrubution organizational and financial support of marketing.

 Advising and educating fishermen in resource conservation

Sustainable
methods and responsible fishing practices
fisheries

 Facilitating direct contact between banks and fishermen

 Facilitating indirect institutional finance through self help groups,
co-operatives, credit societies etc.
Credit and
 Implementing welfare schemes for the development of poorer
finance
fishermen
 Promotion of institutional savings

Organizational  Facilitating the development of fishermen organization to promote

collective action.
and capacity
 Capacity development of various actors in the value chain.
development

36
  Identification and promotion of entrepreneurial possibities
 Development of entrepreneurial capacity of students, rural youth ,
Entrepreneurship fishermen and women
development  Incubation support to potential entrepreneurs
 Facilitating technology commercialisation

 Awareness generation about life saving equipments, risk

communication devises and survival strategies.
Safety measure  Skill development on use of communication devises and survival
techniques

37
 7. RESEARCH STUDIES

STUDY 1: Adoption of sustainable capture based aquaculture practices by

traditional fishermen of Karnataka
DINESHBABU et al (2017)

AREA: Study conducted in Uppunda village in Byndoor

METHOLOGY: The 42 traditional fishermen of this village were purposely selected as the target
group. A farmer sustainability index (FSI) was developed. The Cronbachs Coefficient Alpha worked out
to be 0.97, indicative of the high consistency of the instrument. The data on FSI was collected through a
well structured interview schedule

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

 The overall mean of Farmer Sustainability Index (FSI)for all the six practices from cage fabrication
to harvest was 77.95,indicating a relatively high value of Farmer Sustainability Index for adoption
of capture based aquaculture practices by traditional fishermen.

 hence they have concluded that the CBA technology has made a major headway in the sustainable
adoption of the fish farming practices.

 CBA has provided an alternative source of income generation for the traditional fishermen during the
lean fishing seasons.

38
 STUDY2: Relationship between Gender and Opinion Leadership among the Fish
Farmers of Chhattisgarh
Ratre et al . (2021)
AREA : Study was conducted in the Jashpure district of Chhattisgarh

METHOLOGY : A total of 120 fishers were selected randomly from 60male fishers and 60 were
fisherwomen. Total 28 opinion leaders were identified by fish farmers, of which 21 were male and 7 were
female opinion leaders by sociometric method.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

 78.33 per cent male and 66.66 per cent female fish farmers were contacting male opinion leaders
whereas, 33.33 per cent and 21.66 per cent female and male farmers were contacting female
opinion leaders
 Both male and female opinion seekers had contact with female opinion leaders, but less with
compare to male opinion leaders.
 The female farmer were following female opinion leaders, where the involvement of females is
more like in processing, fish marketing and distribution.
 The availability of opinion leaders was one of the major factors in the fish farmers’ community.
 Need to select opinion leaders that women prefer in order to empower women .

39
 8. Conclusion
The world is looking towards oceans for a number of new emerging sectors and opportunities, but the
success of these new sectors, in addition to traditional marine employment, would solely depend on oceans
health and long-term sustainability of their fragile ecosystems for which it is important to boost blue
economy and deduce the right plan of action to create the right balance between economy and
environment.

9. DISCUSSION

1) How the marine tourisms benefits farmers?

Ans: Marine - tourism can address the ‘hollowing out’ effect of rural decline and restore farmers’

Manifold Benefits to Farmers:

helps in supporting incomes of farmers.

It also acts as both a promoter and inhibitor to changing farmers’ attitudes or preferences to fisheries
and aquaculture.

Benefits for Communities: From a community perspective, marine tourism can be a vehicle for:

 generating additional revenue for local businesses and services from tourists;

 upgrading / revitalising community facilities for residents and visitors;

 increasing protection of rural landscapes and natural environments for tourists and residents;

 helping preserve and revitalise local traditions, art and craft;

 promoting inter-regional, inter-cultural communication and understanding.

Benefits for Tourism Operators: From a tourism industry view point, marine tourism can be a means of:

 diversifying the mix of tourism products and services available to visitors;

 increasing tourism flows into attractive rural regions;

 increasing season length during traditionally off-peak business periods;

 uniquely positioning rural regions in key tourism markets;

 Bringing more non-local currency to local businesses.

40
2) Per capita consumption of fish in India ?

Ans : The annual per capita consumption of fish for the entire Indian population is estimated at 5-6
kg whereas for the fish eating population it is found to be 8-9 kg. Average annual per capita fish
consumption is highest in Kerala state at 30 kg which is very high compared to that of other states of
India

3) Crucial breeding period of marine fisheries

Ans: It is usually based on area and species, a majority of teleost fishes are seasonal breeders, while a
few breed continuously. Among the seasonal breeders, there is wide variation in the time of the year
when breeding occurs. Fresh water temperate zone fishes spawn in spring and early summer, while
others such as the salmonids do so in autumn.

4) What is the difference between coastal and marine systems?

Ans: Marine systems :ocean areas where the depth is greater than 50 meters. Global fishery catches from
marine systems peaked in the late 1980s and are now declining despite increasing fishing effort.
Coastal systems : refer to the interface between ocean and land, extending seawards to about the middle of the
continental shelf and inland to include all areas strongly influenced by proximity to the ocean. The area between
50 meters below mean sea level and 50 meters above the high tide level or extending landward to a distance 100
kilometers from shore.
Coastal systems include coral reefs, intertidal zones, estuaries, coastal aquaculture and sea
grass communities .Nearly half of the world’s major cities (having more than 500,000 people) are located within
50 kilometers of the coast, and coastal population densities are 2.6 times larger than the density of inland areas. By
all commonly used measures, the human of coastal inhabitants is on average much higher than that of inland
communities.

5) Pearl culture in India?

Ans: In India the technological breakthrough in pearl culture was achieved in 1973 by the Central
Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at Tuticorin. A second, equally significant, breakthrough
was achieved in 1981, through the development of controlled production of pearl oysters in hatchery.
Pearl oysters are gregarious and they remain attached to rocks, live or dead corals, other mollu - scan
shells or to other hard substrate. They remain at a depth of 10-12 fathoms about 20 km off the shore. The
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pearl banks in the Gulf of Mannar are known as ‘paars’ and the intertidal beds in the Gulf of Kutch as
‘khaddas’.
 TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) inked an agreement with
the Jharkhand-based Purty Agrotech for the promotion of pearl farming in tribal areas
 As part of the agreement, Purty Agrotech pearls will be sold through 141 Tribes India outlets, apart
from various e-commerce platforms.
 Purty Agrotech’s centre will be developed into a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Cluster (VDVKC).
Besides, there is a plan to develop 25 such VDVKCs for pearl farming in Jharkhand.
 VDVKs provide skill upgradation and capacity building training to tribals and setting up of primary
processing and value addition facilities.
 The TRIFED has also signed an MoU with e-grocery platform Big Basket to promote and sell natural
‘Van Dhan’ products.
 The breeding of oysters and development of pearls is a sustainable mode of business and can be easily
practised by tribals who have access to nearby water bodies.
 It will prove to be game-changers for tribal livelihoods in the times to come.

10.References

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International Conference on Marine technology, 5-11.

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ANONYMOUS, 2018, MPEDA Financial Assistance Schemes. New Delhi: Marine Products Export
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