Deep Ocean Mission

Published: 18th May, 2023

Context

India has identified 11 potential sites for exploration of hydrogen sulfide and a dedicated multi-purpose vessel was being acquired to carry out detailed surveys as part of the Deep Ocean Mission

What is Deep Ocean Mission?

Launched in: June 2021
The Deep Ocean Mission is a high-level multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary programme for better understanding of the deep sea living and non-living resources of the Indian Ocean.
It aims to aid in India's efforts to attain the Blue Economy status.
Nodal ministry: Ministry of Earth Science
The Mission Steering Committee (MSC) is the highest Policy making body constituted under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
Themes: The Deep Ocean Mission consists of 6 themes:
- Development of Technology for deep sea mining, manned submersible and underwater robotics
- Development of Ocean and climate change Advisory services
- Technology innovations for exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity
- Deep Ocean survey and exploration
- Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
- Advanced marine station for Ocean Biology

Government initiatives to maintain Blue Economy Status

The Indian government has been taking several steps to maintain its Blue Economy status, including:

National Maritime Development Programme: The programme aims to promote sustainable development of India's maritime sector. The programme aims to enhance port infrastructure, modernize the shipping sector, and promote coastal shipping and inland water transport.
Sagarmala Programme: It aims to promote port-led development in the country. The programme aims to develop new ports and modernize existing ones, improve connectivity between ports and the hinterland, and promote coastal shipping.
Blue Economy Vision Document: In November 2021, the government released the Blue Economy Vision Document, which outlines a roadmap for sustainable development of India's Blue Economy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

Deep Ocean Mission