Marine Protected Areas

News Highlight

India supports marine protected areas in Antarctica to conserve ocean life.

Key Takeaway

• India will continue to assist in establishing two Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Antarctica to conserve marine life and ecosystem services.
• A marine protected area (MPA) is a specified area managed for the long-term conservation of marine resources, ecosystem services, or cultural heritage.
• The Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, accounts for around 10% of the global ocean and is home to nearly 10,000 unique polar species.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• About
  • MPAs are ocean areas designated for long-term protection.
  • They aid in adapting and mitigating climate change while delivering other ecosystem services.
  • Individual marine protected areas (MPAs) might have different aims, legal authority, levels of protection, management systems, and use allowances.
  • Several MPAs allow individuals to use the area in environmentally friendly ways.
  • Several places prohibit fishing. 
  • Some do not permit anyone to enter the region at all.
  • MPAs now cover around 6.35% of the ocean.
  • Yet, slightly more than 1.89% of that land is protected by no-take MPAs.
  • It prohibits fishing, mining, drilling, and other extractive activities.

Importance of MPAs

• Biodiversity Conservation
  • MPAs provide critical habitats for threatened and endangered species such as fish, marine mammals, birds, and other aquatic animals.
• Ecosystem protection
  • MPAs protect vital maritime ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
• Sustainable resource use
  • MPAs can help ensure maritime resources are utilised sustainably for future generations.
  • It will be accessed if marine ecosystems and species are preserved.
• Climate change mitigation
  • MPAs can help mitigate climate change’s consequences by safeguarding marine habitats and the species that rely on them.
  • These habitats and animals are critical for managing the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns.
• Economic benefits
  • MPAs can provide commercial benefits such as increased fish stocks and improved water quality.
  • As well as economic benefits such as increased tourist and recreational opportunities.

Challenges of MPAs

• Lack of enforcement
  • Rules within MPAs can be difficult to apply, especially in remote areas with few patrols.
• Porous boundary
  • It is difficult to halt illegal fishing, poaching, and other behaviours threatening ecosystems and marine life.
• Conflicts with local communities
  • MPAs may occasionally impede the capacity of local fishing groups and other coastal users to retain their way of life.
• Limited financial and institutional support
  • MPAs require significant money to be efficiently administered, including funds for enforcement, monitoring, and research.
• Limited scientific understanding
  • From a scientific standpoint, the intricate marine ecosystems and their creatures are little known.
  • This makes it difficult to successfully manage MPAs and build conservation policies based on strong scientific knowledge.

Marine Protected Areas in India

• The MPAs in India comprise 33 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries recognised under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
• The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary are one entity, and Bhitarkanika National Park and Bhitarkanika Sanctuary are vital parts of one MPA.
• Hence, India has a total of 31 MPAs.
• MPAs account for less than 4.01% of India’s protected area.

Way Ahead

• MPAs are critical for preserving India’s coastal populations and unique marine heritage.
• MPAs, on the other hand, must function successfully to be successful.
• Despite various challenges, marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly vital for safeguarding and effectively managing India’s marine resources.

Conclusion

• India’s maritime protected areas are home to diverse species, attracting visitors worldwide.
• Since the Wildlife Protection Act was passed in 1972, the Wildlife Conservation Society has fought tirelessly to safeguard marine biodiversity.
• Vast areas of land remain susceptible.
• Animals that make our country proud and are part of our rich heritage must be safeguarded, and we Indians must decide to do so.
• Greater collaboration between governmental organisations, academic institutions, and local communities is essential to address these difficulties.

Pic Courtesy: IAN

Content Source: Down to Earth

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