New Delhi, Feb 10: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) had allocated Rs.84.00 Cr to its Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) for the implementation of a national R&D programme on Marine Living Resources (MLR) between 2017 and 2020.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh gave this information in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
CMLRE, which is an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has based on 24 years of survey studies, generated an extensive knowledge base on the biodiversity aspects within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including hotspots for conservation.
The involvement of local communities is often seen as an integral part of preserving the marine resources. CMLRE is implementing its national R&D programme on Marine Living Resources with an inbuilt component on societal services to support the fisher folks of Lakshadweep Islands. The initiative intends to enhance the ornamental and baitfish stocks in the wild. Under the programme, the Institute has organised a series of hands-on training on marine ornamental fish breeding and rearing at Lakshadweep Islands.
In addition, under the Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY) scheme of the Department of Fisheries, there are provisions for encouraging sustainable marine fisheries activities, development of fisheries management plans, development of integrated modern coastal fishing villages, installation of bio-toilets in fishing vessels, communication and tracking devices, livelihood support during fish ban period to fisher families, etc. for conservation of fisheries resources.
He also noted that the Government of India had taken several initiatives over the years focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine resources especially, wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs, and their management through the implementation of law and continuous monitoring. For example, the Wildlife Protection Act of India (1972) provides legal protection for many marine animals. There are 31 major Marine Protected Areas in India covering coastal areas that have been notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Likewise, a National Committee on mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs constituted in 1993 advise the Government on relevant policies and programmes regarding marine species; the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification prohibit developmental activities and disposal of wastes in the fragile coastal ecosystems; the Biological Diversity Act of India,2002 and the Biological Diversity Rules 2004, and the guidelines thereof advise the Government on matters related to the protection and conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use and equitable sharing of its components, Intellectual Property Rights, etc. (India Science Wire)
