India’s Deep Ocean Mission Gains Momentum

Objectives of Deep Ocean Mission:

1. Development of Deep-Sea Mining Technologies: Create technologies for mining deep-sea resources, such as Polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean at a depth of 5500 meters.
2. Design of Manned Submersible: Develop a working prototype and a final manned submersible capable of reaching 6000 meters depth, along with technologies for underwater vehicles and robotics.
3. Climate Change Projections: Provide predictions on trends in sea level, cyclone intensity, storm surges, wind waves, and impacts on fishery ecosystems in the North Indian Ocean under climate change scenarios.
4. Deep-Sea Biodiversity and DNA Bank: Conduct systematic sampling using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to create a DNA bank and archive specimens of deep-sea fauna from the Northern Indian Ocean.
5. Microbial Research and Biomolecule Screening: Develop technologies to isolate piezotolerant and piezophilic microbes from the deep sea and screen for novel biomolecules through culture-based and metagenomic approaches.
6. Exploring Hydrothermal Sulphide Mineralization: Explore potential sites for multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides along the Indian Ocean’s mid-oceanic ridges for future resource exploitation.
7. Acquisition of Multidisciplinary Research Vessel: Acquire a new all-weather, multidisciplinary research vessel for operations in the Indian Ocean to support deep-ocean exploration and research.
8. Offshore OTEC Desalination and Marine Research Integration: Develop an engineering design for an offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant and integrate research in marine biology, ecology, and marine engineering through an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.

Components of Deep Ocean Mission:

1. Manned Submersible & Deep-Sea Mining: Development of a manned submersible for 6000m depth and an Integrated Mining System for extracting Polymetallic Nodules from the Central Indian Ocean.
2. Ocean Climate Change Advisory: Creation of models and observations to predict climate variables like sea level rise and cyclone intensity on seasonal to decadal timescales.
3. Public Awareness: Promote knowledge about Earth system science and the achievements of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) among the public and academic communities.
4. Deep-Sea Biodiversity Innovation: Focus on bio-prospecting deep-sea species and microbes for sustainable use and resource conservation.
5. Deep Ocean Survey: Identify sites for multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
6. Ocean Energy & Freshwater: Design an OTEC-powered desalination plant for offshore energy generation and freshwater production.
7. Marine Biology Station: Establish an advanced research station for ocean biology to foster industrial applications and start-up innovations.
8. Blue Economy Support: Drive initiatives in marine fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biology through mission components.

Significance of Deep Ocean Mission:

1. Advancing Science: Enhances understanding of deep-ocean ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Resource Exploration: Supports the exploration of deep-sea minerals like Polymetallic Nodules for future resource needs.
3. Blue Economy Growth: Boosts sustainable use of ocean resources in sectors like fisheries, biotechnology, and offshore energy.
4. Climate Change Research: Provides critical data for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, especially in coastal areas.
5. Technological Innovation: Develop advanced technologies such as manned submersibles and desalination plants.
6. Conservation: Promotes sustainable use and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity.
7. Global Leadership: Positions India as a leader in marine science and ocean governance.
8. Economic Growth: Generates jobs, fosters technological advancements, and supports India’s blue economy.

Concern Regarding Deep Ocean Mission:

1. Environmental Impact: Deep-sea mining and exploration could harm fragile ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Sustainability: Resource extraction, like mining Polymetallic Nodules, may not be sustainable long-term.
3. Technology and Safety: Operating submersibles and robots at 6000m depth present safety and equipment challenges.
4. Regulatory Oversight: Concerns about international regulations for managing deep-sea activities and preventing environmental harm.
5. Ethical Issues: Exploitation: Deep-sea species for commercial use raises ethical concerns.
6. Climate Change: Deep-sea operations could unintentionally disrupt oceanic carbon sinks.
7. Cost and Funding: High financial costs for technology development and environmental monitoring may strain resources.

Way to make Deep Ocean Mission sustainable:

1. Environmental Safeguards: Establish strict environmental monitoring and impact assessments to minimize damage to ocean ecosystems, including biodiversity protection and habitat conservation.
2. Regulation and Governance: Strengthen collaboration with international bodies like the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to ensure that deep-sea mining and exploration activities follow responsible and sustainable practices.
3. Technological Innovation: Focus on developing eco-friendly technologies for mining, exploration, and resource extraction that reduce environmental footprints, such as non-invasive mining methods and sustainable energy solutions.
4. Circular Economy: Promote a circular economy approach by ensuring that resources extracted are used efficiently and waste is minimized or recycled, reducing overall environmental impact.
5. Biodiversity Conservation: Prioritize bio-prospecting and research on deep-sea species in a way that ensures sustainable use of marine life and maintains ecosystem balance.
6. Scientific Collaboration: Foster partnerships with global scientific communities to share data, expertise, and resources, ensuring best practices are followed and minimizing risks to marine environments.
7. Sustainable Resource Management: Set up clear limits on the amount of minerals that can be extracted and ensure that resources are used for long-term benefits rather than short-term exploitation.
8. Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local coastal communities and other stakeholders to understand their concerns, share knowledge, and ensure the benefits of the mission are equitably distributed.

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Conclusions:

The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) represents a significant leap forward in India’s scientific and technological capabilities, aiming to tap into the vast resources of the ocean for sustainable economic growth. By developing cutting-edge technologies such as manned submersibles and deep-sea mining systems, India is positioning itself as a global leader in marine science and ocean governance. The mission aligns with broader national goals like the Blue Economy, supporting sectors like fisheries, offshore energy, and biotechnology. While the mission holds immense potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability, it also brings concerns regarding environmental impact, resource sustainability, and regulatory oversight.