The Ministry of Earth Sciences recently launched the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), a project aimed at supporting the Blue Economy initiatives of the Government of India. The concept of Blue Economy promotes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, jobs, and maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystem.
Major Components of DOM
The DOM involves several key components aimed at deep-sea exploration and conservation:
1.
Development of Manned Submersible Vehicle
The mission will develop a manned submersible vehicle capable of carrying three people to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean decked with scientific sensors and tools. This is a joint project between the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and ISRO.
2.
Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining
The mission also includes the development of an integrated mining system for extracting polymetallic nodules found in the Indian Ocean depths. These nodules contain essential minerals like iron, manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
3.
Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services
The project will enable the understanding of vital climate variables through observations and models providing future projections on seasonal to decadal time scales.
4.
Technological Innovations for Exploration and Conservation of Deep-sea Biodiversity
The primary focus here is bio-prospecting of deep-sea flora and fauna, including microbes. In addition, it aims at sustainable utilisation of deep-sea bio-resources.
5.
Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration
The mission will explore potential sites for multi-metal Hydrothermal Sulphides mineralization in the Indian Ocean ridges.
6.
Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
There will be detailed studies and engineering designs for offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), a technology that uses ocean temperature differences to extract energy.
7.
Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology
The mission aims to enhance human capacity in ocean biology and engineering and bridge the gap between research and industrial application through on-site business incubator facilities.
The Significance of DOM
Oceans cover 70% of our planet, yet 95% of deep oceans remain unexplored. With three sides surrounded by oceans, India has a unique maritime position. The coastal areas support approximately 30% of the country’s population, making the ocean a significant economic factor. This underscores the need for missions like DOM which not only promote exploration but also promise sustainable growth through the blue economy.
The Significance of Blue Economy in India’s Growth
The Blue Economy is one of the ten core dimensions of growth, emphasizing its importance in the Government of India’s Vision of New India by 2030. Only five countries have the technology and expertise for such missions – the US, Russia, France, Japan, and China. Through DOM, India aspires to be the sixth.
Other Blue Economy Initiatives
Apart from DOM, India has initiated several other projects:
1.
India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development
This task force, inaugurated in 2020, aims to develop joint initiatives between the two countries.
2.
Sagarmala Project
This strategic initiative focuses on port-led development through extensive use of IT-enabled services for port modernization.
3.
O-SMART
The O-SMART is an umbrella scheme that aims at regulated use of oceans and marine resources for sustainable development.
4.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
This focuses on conservation of coastal and marine resources and improving livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
5.
National Fisheries Policy
India’s National Fisheries policy promotes the ‘Blue Growth Initiative’ focusing on sustainable utilisation of fisheries wealth from marine and other aquatic resources.
