Answer

The ocean, covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, is a global commons vital for climate regulation, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. India’s Vision 2030 emphasizes the blue economy as a key growth pillar, recognizing the ocean’s role in trade, energy, and environmental sustainability.​

Environmental Dimensions of Treating the Ocean as a Shared Resource

• Marine Pollution and Ecosystem Degradation: The ocean faces threats from plastic pollution, oil spills, and chemical runoff, leading to habitat destruction and loss of marine life.
  For example: India’s National Centre for Coastal Research reported high microplastic concentrations along the eastern coast, impacting marine biodiversity.​
• Overfishing and Biodiversity Loss: Unsustainable fishing practices have led to the depletion of fish stocks and disruption of marine food chains.
  For example: Over one-third of global fish stocks are overexploited, threatening food security for coastal communities.​
• Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ emissions result in ocean acidification, affecting coral reefs and shellfish populations.
  For example: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea recognized greenhouse gas emissions as marine pollution, urging nations to mitigate climate impacts on oceans.
• Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Erosion: Melting polar ice contributes to rising sea levels, leading to coastal erosion and habitat loss.
  For example: India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences reported significant shoreline changes along the eastern coast, affecting local ecosystems and communities.​
• Coral Bleaching and Habitat Loss: Elevated sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, diminishing biodiversity and fishery resources.
  For example: The surveys observed extensive coral bleaching in the Gulf of Mannar, impacting marine life and livelihoods.​

Geopolitical Dimensions of Treating the Ocean as a Shared Resource

• Maritime Boundary Disputes: Conflicting claims over maritime boundaries can lead to geopolitical tensions and hinder cooperative ocean management.
  For example: India and Bangladesh resolved their maritime boundary dispute through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2014, setting a precedent for peaceful resolution.​
• Freedom of Navigation and Security: Ensuring freedom of navigation is crucial for global trade and security, requiring collaborative international efforts.
  For example: India participates in Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) naval exercises to promote maritime security and uphold international law.​
• Resource Competition and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs): Nations compete for access to marine resources within EEZs, necessitating equitable sharing mechanisms.
  For example: India’s Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore and utilize ocean resources sustainably within its EEZ.​
• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: IUU fishing undermines conservation efforts and economic stability in coastal regions.
  For example: India collaborates with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) members to combat IUU fishing through surveillance and information sharing.​
• Strategic Military Presence: The deployment of naval forces in strategic maritime regions influences geopolitical dynamics and access to oceanic resources.
  For example: India’s Sagarmala Project enhances port infrastructure, strengthening its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.​

Global Governance Mechanisms for Equitable and Sustainable Use of Oceanic Resources

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): UNCLOS provides a legal framework for maritime activities, promoting peaceful use and conservation of ocean resources.
  For example: India ratified UNCLOS in 1995, aligning its maritime policies with international law.​
• Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement: The BBNJ Agreement aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction through conservation and sustainable use.
  For example: India signed the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, in September 2024.
• Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): SDG 14 focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
  For example: India’s National Policy on Marine Fisheries aligns with SDG 14, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
• Regional Cooperation Mechanisms: Regional bodies facilitate collaboration among neighboring countries for effective ocean governance.
  For example: India engages with Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to address marine environmental issues.​
• Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3): UNOC3 serves as a platform for global consensus on ocean conservation and sustainable use.
  For example: Scheduled in Nice, France, from June 9-13, 2025, UNOC3 aims to adopt the Nice Ocean Action Plan, focusing on multilateral processes, financing, and knowledge dissemination.

The ocean, as a global commons, necessitates collective stewardship to address environmental and geopolitical challenges. Strengthening global governance mechanisms, promoting regional cooperation, and aligning national policies with international frameworks are imperative for the equitable and sustainable use of oceanic resources.