Biotic and Marine Resources – UPSC Geography Optional, GS Paper I & GS Paper III 2025–26

For UPSC Mains (GS I, GS III & Geography Optional)

Natural resources are the very basis of human sustainability, growth, and survival. Part of these include biotic and marine resources, which actively contribute to further supporting ecological stability and facilitating economic activity. Marine resources are the vast wealth in the oceans and seas such as fish, plankton, minerals, oil, and non-conventional energy, whereas biotic resources are derived from living organisms such as plants, animals, and forests.Sustainable use is required for achieving inclusive growth, food security, energy security, and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the vision of Indian development.

Biotic Resources: Definition and Classification

Biotic resources are resources obtained from the biosphere and have life. These are renewable resources, provided their extraction is managed sustainably.

Types of Biotic Resources

1. Forest Resources – Timber, medicinal plants, resins, fruits, fuelwood.
2. Wildlife – Animals for ecological balance, cultural value, and tourism.
3. Agricultural Crops – Cereals, pulses, horticulture.
4. Livestock – Cattle, poultry, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and wool.
5. Marine Biota – Fish, shellfish, seaweed, plankton, mollusks.

Characteristics

• They reproduce and regenerate naturally.
• Are vulnerable to overexploitation and habitat destruction.
• Support biodiversity, tribal livelihood, ecosystem services, and climate regulation.

Marine resources are resources found in or derived from oceans, seas, and coastal zones. Covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, oceans serve as the planet’s largest ecosystem.

Categories of Marine Resources

1. Biotic Marine Resources

• Derived from living marine organisms.
• Includes: Fish, crustaceans, corals, mollusks, seaweeds, plankton.
• India ranks among the top 10 fish-producing countries globally.

2. Abiotic Marine Resources

• Include minerals, oil and natural gas, manganese nodules, salt, sand, and phosphorites.
• Found on the continental shelf, slope, and deep seabed.

3. Energy Resources

• Tidal energy, wave energy, Offshore Wind Farms, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
• Gas hydrates in India's EEZ (Krishna-Godavari Basin) are promising future energy sources.

Distribution of Marine Resources in India

India has a coastline of 7,517 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq. km, which harbors rich marine biodiversity and mineral wealth.

Zonal Classification

• Littoral Zone – Intertidal region.
• Neritic Zone – Extends up to 200m depth, rich in nutrients.
• Oceanic Zone – Deep sea, less explored, but rich in minerals and hydrocarbons.

Major Areas

• Western Coast – Mumbai High (oil), Gujarat (salt), Goa (mollusks).
• Eastern Coast – Andhra & Tamil Nadu (fisheries, gas hydrates), Odisha (minerals).
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Coral reefs, biodiversity reserves.

Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems

India is home to:

• 13% of global fish biodiversity.
• Major marine ecosystems:
  • Mangroves (Sundarbans),
  • Coral Reefs (Gulf of Mannar),
  • Estuaries (Godavari, Mahanadi),
  • Seagrass Beds.

These ecosystems perform essential services like carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, shoreline protection, and breeding grounds for fish.

Blue Economy and Sustainable Development

The Blue Economy emphasizes economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. India’s draft National Marine Policy aligns with SDG-14: Life Below Water.

Key Marine Economy Sectors

• Fisheries and aquaculture.
• Maritime transport and coastal tourism.
• Marine biotechnology and bio-prospecting.
• Renewable energy (offshore wind, tidal).

Government Initiatives

• Deep Ocean Mission – Exploration of polymetallic nodules and deep-sea biodiversity.
• Sagarmala Project – Port-led development.
• ICZM Plan – Integrated Coastal Zone Management.
• COMAPS – Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System.

Challenges in Marine and Biotic Resource Management

• Overfishing and bycatch.
• Pollution from plastics, oil spills, and sewage.
• Mangrove and coral degradation due to development.
• Climate change: Ocean acidification, rising temperatures.
• Resource conflicts between conservation and commercial use.

Conservation and Sustainable Management

The sustainability of biotic and marine resources is threatened by overexploitation, industrialization, urban sprawl, and climate change. Therefore, a mix of policy frameworks, community participation, scientific innovation, and international cooperation is essential.

Biotic Resource Conservation Strategies

• Afforestation and Reforestation (CAMPA, National Mission for a Green India).
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Establishes protected areas.
• Joint Forest Management (JFM) – Encourages community forestry.
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) – Conserves species and ecosystems.
• Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture – Reduces deforestation.

Marine Resource Conservation Strategies

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Like Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
• Seasonal Fishing Bans – During breeding periods to avoid overfishing.
• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) – Allocates zones for fisheries, transport, conservation.
• National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017 – Promotes sustainable harvest.
• Plastic and solid waste control – Swachh Sagar Campaign.

India’s International Commitments

India is actively aligned with global treaties and initiatives to conserve marine biodiversity and promote oceanic sustainability.

• UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
• London Convention – Prohibits marine dumping.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Supports marine gene pool conservation.
• ICRI – International Coral Reef Initiative.
• GBO (Global Biodiversity Outlook) – India contributes biodiversity data.

Scientific and Technological Interventions

India’s marine research is spearheaded by organizations like:

• NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology).
• INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services).
• NIO (National Institute of Oceanography).

Key advancements:

• OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) systems.
• Gas hydrate mapping in Krishna-Godavari Basin.
• Satellite-based fishery forecasting.
• Bioprospecting of marine microorganisms for pharmaceuticals.

Way Forward

1. Integrated coastal management combining economic use and ecosystem protection.
2. Blue Flag certification for eco-friendly beaches.
3. Promotion of ecotourism in marine zones.
4. Participatory resource governance involving fishers and local communities.
5. Investment in marine biotechnology and oceanic clean energy.

By integrating these strategies, India can ensure long-term sustainability of its biotic and marine wealth while also strengthening its Blue Economy potential and fulfilling its global environmental obligations.

Important Points for Revision for UPSC Mains

Key UPSC-related information, definitions, plans, and initiatives pertaining to marine and biotic resources are included in this section. It is intended for factual reinforcement and last-minute revision in GS I, GS III, and Geography Optional.

Bullet Points for Rapid Revision (20+)

• Biotic resources are derived from living organisms in the biosphere (forests, wildlife, crops).
• Marine resources include both biotic (fish, corals) and abiotic (minerals, oil, gas) components.
• India has a 7,517 km coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million sq. km.
• Plankton, nekton, and benthos are key marine biota classifications.
• Neritic zone is the richest marine zone for biodiversity and fisheries.
• Marine energy resources include tidal, wave, OTEC, and gas hydrates.
• Krishna-Godavari basin is rich in gas hydrates.
• Mumbai High is a major offshore oil field.
• Blue Economy promotes sustainable ocean-based economic growth.
• Deep Ocean Mission focuses on mineral exploration and biodiversity.
• COMAPS monitors marine pollution and coastal processes.
• Gulf of Mannar is India’s first Marine Biosphere Reserve.
• MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) help in habitat protection and species conservation.
• Swachh Sagar Campaign targets marine plastic and waste pollution.
• JFM (Joint Forest Management) is key for community-led forest governance.
• CAMPA funds are used for compensatory afforestation.
• India is a party to UNCLOS, CBD, and London Convention.
• ICRI supports coral reef conservation worldwide.
• INCOIS provides real-time data on fishery zones and tides.
• NIOT develops marine energy and exploration technologies.
• National Marine Policy aligns with SDG-14: Life Below Water.
• ICZM promotes a balance between development and ecosystem preservation.
• MSP (Marine Spatial Planning) is essential for zoning ocean use.
• Overfishing, oil spills, and habitat loss are major marine threats.
• Blue Flag beaches encourage environmental standards in tourism.
• Marine biodiversity aids in carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and nutrient cycling.

Conclusion

India's economy and environment are highly reliant upon marine and biotic resources. They provide energy, food, biodiversity, and resilience to climate. Their sustainability, though, is premised on achieving a delicate balance between environmental limits and economic objectives. Familiarity with these resources is important for UPSC aspirants to formulate a vision of green governance along with excelling in the test.