The Dying Indian Ocean Ecosystem Pollution, Negligence, and the Struggle for Survival

The Indian Ocean, the world’s third-largest ocean, is a vital component of Earth’s climate system and supports a diverse range of marine life. However, this ecosystem is facing significant challenges due to various human activities. This article explores the primary causes of the Indian Ocean’s ecosystem decline, its impacts on local communities, and the broader consequences for the environment.

Causes of Ecosystem Decline

1. Pollution

Plastic Waste: Plastic debris is the most common and exponentially increasing human pollutant in the world’s oceans.

Plastic distribution and impact in the Indian Ocean are poorly known because this region is less sampled compared to other oceans.

Several of the Indian Ocean rim states have the world’s highest population densities and mismanaged plastic waste poses a significant problem in most of the rim states.

Some of the most plastic-polluted rivers flow into the Indian Ocean, and all this indicates that the Indian Ocean receives massive amounts of plastic debris in a year.

Oil Spills: The Indian Ocean region produces approximately 40% of the world’s offshore oil. Some of these dangerous events like oil spills are very destructive for oceans.

Oil spills can be caused due to several reasons including leakage and reckless spillage of oil and its derivatives into the water bodies. Illegal discharge during transportation is another major cause.

Oil spills have a lethal impact on aquatic life and birds as they carry highly poisonous residue.

Agricultural Runoff: The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nutrient pollution, causing harmful algal blooms that deplete the oxygen levels and create dead zones.

2. Uncontrolled Fishing

Unregulated fishing on the high seas of the Indian Ocean threatens marine life and seafood supplies. A report from WWF and Trygg Mat Tracking (TMT) now shows for the first time exactly when, where, and how unregulated fishing is happening in the region, its impacts on threatened species, and how far it is expanding.

3. Ship Scrapyards

Ship breaking is not always done with environmental precautions. It is a practice used in most countries bordering the Indian Ocean. In this process, dangerous material is released into the sea, which further deteriorates the marine ecosystem.

Impacts on Local Communities

1. Fishing Industry

Collapse of Fish Stocks: Excessive fishing and habitat loss have resulted in severe loss of fish stock, causing the livelihood of millions people who rely on fishing for their survival.

Economic Impacts: Over the last 25 years, algal bloom expansion was estimated to have cost $100 million annually in Indian Ocean Rim countries.

2. Tourism

Coral Bleaching: Pollution and global warming have led to coral bleaching, reducing the scenic and biological significance of coral reefs, which are a tourist attraction.

Beach Pollution: Waste accumulation on beaches scares away tourists and hurts the local economies that rely on tourism.

Broader Environmental Impacts

1. Loss of Biodiversity

The degradation of habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds has led to a decline in marine biodiversity, affecting species diversity and ecosystem health.

2. Acceleration of Climate Change

The Indian Ocean’s ability to mitigate global warming is declining as the ocean and the marine ecosystem continue to take a hit from dire climate emergency impacts

3. Ocean Acidification

This increased absorption of carbon dioxide has resulted in the acidification of the oceans and harmed the marine life, especially those with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The Government of India has implemented a number of laws and regulations on marine pollution:

1. Environment (Protection) Act of 1986: This Act provides a framework for the protection and improvement of the environment, including the prevention of marine pollution.

2. CRZ Notification, 2019: It notifies and regulates the activities carried on in the coastal area with the purpose of conserving the coastal environment.

3. NOSDCP National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan : In the year 1993 it was approved for specifying responsibilities of various agencies dealing with oil spill response in Maritime Zones of India.

Despite these measures, challenges persist:

1. Implementation and Enforcement: Effective implementation and enforcement of existing regulations are a cause for concern.

2. Coordination Among Agencies: Coordination among various governmental and non-governmental agencies will be necessary for dealing with the problem of marine pollution in a holistic manner.

The Indian Ocean’s ecosystem is seriously threatened by pollution, unregulated fishing, and industrial activities. These issues not only threaten marine biodiversity but also have deep socio-economic impacts on coastal communities. Immediate and concerted efforts are needed to address these issues, including stricter regulations, sustainable practices, and international cooperation to ensure the health and sustainability of the Indian Ocean ecosystem for future generations.