UDA Digest > 2024
Marine Spatial Planinng (1) Science and Technology

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Implementation, based on Modelling & Simulation (M&S), driven by the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) framework

  • July 2, 2024
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Key Highlights The global community, under the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Ocean Commission (IOC), has prioritised the MSP as a critical tool for enhanced water body management. The Modelling and simulation (M&S)–based MSP, followed by field experimental validation, will revolutionize how we manage the challenges and opportunities of the new global order. The developed nations have developed significant expertise and hardware for the MSP initiative and now pushing the global south to align with the new regulations. The developed nations have developed significant expertise and hardware for the MSP initiative and now pushing the global south to align with the new regulations. The universe is going through a very critical phase in its entire evolution. On one end, the Science & Technology (S&T) and human understanding of the universe has reached a level where sustainability crisis and climate change risk are clearly visible. On the other hand, the population growth and the demands for a better life drive us towards an irreversible degradation of the surroundings. Often, the bogey of development and good life is becoming a cause for extreme weather events and massive scale pollution across air, water, and food. Serious efforts are required to manage this catastrophic situation. “Given that 75% (including the freshwater systems) of the earth is water, we need to prioritise the focus on these water bodies. Going further, it may be noted that 90% of the threats and resources reside below the surface, so Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) should be prioritised across the board.” Digital transformation has been recognised as the de-facto tool for effective governance, and the manifestation in the marine or freshwater systems has been referred to as the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The global community under the United Nations (UN) Inter-governmental Ocean Commission (IOC) has prioritised the MSP as the critical tool for enhanced management of water bodies. As per the IOC, MSP is defined as the public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives that have been specified through a political process. However, this initiative at the global scale has two fundamental concerns. The first is the North-South divide, and the second is the tropical challenges.  The Global South has been at the receiving end of the power play by the developed world, often referred to as the North. Many of these initiatives come as a surprise for the global south, and they pay a heavy price for coping with the changed global order. The MSP is an intense technological and data-driven initiative. The developed nations have developed significant expertise and hardware for the MSP initiative and now pushing the global south to align with the new regulations. The North gets accused of exploiting the global norms as a means of Return on Investment (RoI) for their proactive technology advancements. “The conventional MSP, being pushed by the developed world, is hardware-intensive and based on extensive sensor deployment across the entire marine space. The prohibitive cost of such hardware intensive MSP is limiting the Global South’s participation, which is facing significant socio-economic and socio-political stress.” The entire global community has recognised the Indo-Pacific strategic space as the theatre for geopolitical and geostrategic interactions. More and more global powers are deploying their strategic assets in the region and indulging in local politics. The Indo-Pacific strategic space, by definition, is the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The tropical waters present unique challenges and opportunities. On one end, they boast of rich bio-diversity and massive undersea mineral resources, whereas on the other end, they suffer severe degradation of the sonar performance deployed for any UDA. The degradation of sonar performance is of the order of 60%, compared to the temperate and polar regions, where these systems were originally designed and developed. The local site-specific underwater characteristics in the tropical waters require indigenous efforts to ensure effective UDA. The two fundamental concerns also have a cascading impact. The developed world is facing a serious demographic crisis and lacks the bandwidth to deploy human resources to customise their technologies & know-how to suit the tropical requirements. These tropical countries looking up to the temperate and the polar countries to build their MSP is a flawed idea. The developing nations in the tropical waters are densely populated with aspirational youth looking for meaningful engagement. These young people lack the skill & knowledge to participate in such critical global endeavours. Defining the opportunities and then connecting them to the skill & knowledge gaps will be the key. MSP for the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and beyond will require acoustic capacity & capability building in a structured manner. “The Modelling & Simulation (M&S) based MSP, followed by field experimental validation, will be a game changer to manage the challenges and opportunities of the new global order. The UDA modelling based on the available above-water data will provide us with the backbone to generate synthetic data for any variation in underwater space.” The tropical waters’ unique characteristics can be mapped using high-end signal processing algorithms. For example, we can use the varied databases to consider the low-frequency ambient noise (below 1 kHz) MSP mapping. The low-frequency ambient noise is known to be generated by shipping traffic. The following points present the entire process: – The entire space is divided into grids of 10 latitude & longitude. Each grid is treated as a unit of M&S. – The Automated Identification System (AIS) inputs are drawn for each grid to extract the static and dynamic inputs of the ships in the region. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based algorithms are used to clean the corrupted AIS data. – This real-time AIS input is then corroborated with the Classification Society database to derive the machinery details of the specific ships in the grid. – The AIS and the Classification Society data are used to compute the Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) in each grid. The computed URN is then brought to the centre of the

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Marine Spatial Planinng Blue Economy ESG and Climate Risk

Developing a Comprehensive Handbook for Marine Spatial Planning in Tropical Waters

  • June 26, 2024
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Key Highlights MSP faces distinct challenges in tropical regions due to sub-optimal sonar performance caused by higher temperatures and varying salinity levels. This hinders accurate mapping and monitoring, necessitating advanced, customised sonar systems. Coastal areas in tropical regions often experience high population densities, leading to intensified pressure on marine resources, including overfishing and pollution, which require robust conservation efforts. Tropical waters are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and severe weather events. MSP must incorporate adaptive strategies to enhance coastal resilience and protect vital habitats. Tropical waters are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and severe weather events. MSP must incorporate adaptive strategies to enhance coastal resilience and protect vital habitats. The urgent need for a specialised handbook on MSP for tropical conditions is emphasised. This handbook will provide tailored solutions and strategies for effectively governing these diverse and vulnerable marine ecosystems. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is essential for managing tropical marine environments. It emphasises acoustic capacity building and comprehensive monitoring through advanced technologies. Introduction Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as a critical tool for effectively managing marine and coastal resources. With 75% of the Earth’s surface covered by water, sustainable governance of these vast marine spaces is essential for ecological balance, economic prosperity, and societal well-being. However, the unique characteristics of tropical waters necessitate a specialised approach to MSP. This article highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive handbook on MSP that addresses tropical conditions’ specific challenges and opportunities. Challenges in Tropical MSP Effective Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in tropical conditions faces several challenges that are not as prevalent in other regions, necessitating a specialized approach to overcome these obstacles. One significant challenge is the sub-optimal performance of sonar systems, which are crucial for underwater domain awareness (UDA). In tropical waters, higher temperatures and varying salinity levels significantly degrade sonar accuracy, leading to unreliable mapping and monitoring of marine environments. This necessitates developing and deploying advanced, customised sonar systems designed to perform well under tropical conditions. Additionally, tropical coastal areas often support high population densities, which pressure marine resources tremendously. The dense populations lead to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution, exacerbating environmental degradation. Consequently, MSP initiatives in these regions must prioritise sustainable resource management and robust conservation efforts that engage local communities and stakeholders. Furthermore, climate change impacts are particularly pronounced in tropical waters. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and increased frequency of severe weather events such as hurricanes and typhoons pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. MSP must, therefore, integrate adaptive strategies to mitigate these impacts, such as enhancing coastal resilience, protecting vital habitats like mangroves and coral reefs, and developing comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. The unique combination of these challenges in tropical waters underscores the urgent need for a specialised handbook on MSP that caters specifically to these regions, providing tailored solutions The Role of Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is essential for managing the complexities of tropical marine environments. UDA involves comprehensive understanding, monitoring and simulation of underwater activities and conditions, enabling informed decision-making for resource management and security. The UDA framework, developed by the Maritime Research Center (MRC) and NirDhwani Technology Pvt Ltd (NDT), provides a structured approach to achieving these goals. It emphasises acoustic capacity and capability building, which is particularly crucial in tropical waters where conventional sonar systems are less effective. Components of the Handbook A comprehensive handbook on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) tailored to tropical conditions should include several important components. Firstly, a Policy Framework with clear guidelines and policies that address the unique challenges of tropical waters is essential, integrating Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) principles into MSP for comprehensive monitoring and management. Secondly, Technological Solutions must be recommended, including advanced technologies and methodologies specifically designed for tropical conditions. This involves utilising modelling and simulation (M&S) to complement field data, optimising resource deployment, and reducing costs. Thirdly, Acoustic Capacity Building is critical, involving strategies to develop acoustic capabilities essential for UDA in tropical waters, including training programs for stakeholders and investment in research and development of customised sonar systems. Additionally, Stakeholder Engagement mechanisms are necessary to involve local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the MSP process, ensuring inclusivity and consideration of the socio-economic realities of the region. Furthermore, Environmental Conservation strategies are vital for protecting the rich biodiversity of tropical waters, including habitat restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and pollution control measures. Lastly, Climate Adaptation requires adaptive management practices to address the impacts of climate change, involving the development of resilience strategies for coastal communities and ecosystems. Policy Interventions The handbook should provide detailed policy recommendations for policymakers to ensure comprehensive and effective management of marine resources. Firstly, it is essential to Integrate UDA with MSP, embedding Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) principles within the MSP framework to enhance monitoring and decision-making capabilities. “Secondly, policies must be Tailored to Tropical Characteristics, considering the specific physical, biological, and chemical properties of tropical waters to address their unique challenges.” Promoting Regional Cooperation is also vital, encouraging collaboration among tropical countries to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for MSP. Lastly, MSP initiatives should be aligned with Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance environmental protection, economic development, and social well-being, ensuring that efforts contribute to global sustainability objectives. Technological Interventions Technological advancements are critical for overcoming the challenges of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in tropical waters. The handbook should delineate key technological interventions to enhance MSP effectiveness. “Firstly, Modelling and Simulation (M&S) techniques should be employed to create precise representations of tropical marine environments. M&S can optimise resource allocation and enhance monitoring program efficiency by simulating various scenarios. ” Secondly, developing Customized Sonar Systems tailored to tropical conditions is essential. These systems must accommodate temperature, salinity, and other environmental variables that affect sonar performance, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis. Thirdly, integrating Data Analytics and AI capabilities can harness underwater data effectively. AI-driven analytics can process large volumes of data, improving predictive capabilities and

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Untitled Design (4) Commentaries

Enhancing Maritime Security and Economic Efficiency: Linking PM Gati Shakti with Underwater Domain Awareness

  • June 20, 2024
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Key Highlights The synergy between PM Gati Shakti and UDA could revolutionise India’s maritime infrastructure and security framework. Integrating PM Gati Shakti and UDA can create a formidable framework for enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Improved UDA can enhance early warning systems for underwater earthquakes and tsunamis, mitigating the effects of such disasters on coastal infrastructure and communities. Improved UDA can enhance early warning systems for underwater earthquakes and tsunamis, mitigating the effects of such disasters on coastal infrastructure and communities. India’s push toward a blue economy, which emphasises the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health, aligns perfectly with the goals of both PM Gati Shakti and UDA. In recent years, India’s ambitious infrastructure development initiatives have taken centre stage in the country’s growth narrative. Among these, the PM Gati Shakti Scheme stands out as a transformative effort aimed at bridging infrastructural gaps, enhancing logistics, and boosting economic efficiency. Simultaneously, as India fortifies its maritime capabilities, Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) emerges as a critical component of national security and blue economy enhancement. “The synergy between PM Gati Shakti and UDA could revolutionise India’s maritime infrastructure and security framework, making the nation a robust player on the global stage.” Significance of the PM Gati Shakti Scheme Launched in October 2021, the PM Gati Shakti Scheme is a comprehensive plan designed to integrate and synchronise the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects across various sectors. It aims to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and enhance supply chain efficiency. The scheme is underpinned by a digital platform that brings together 16 ministries, ensuring holistic project planning and execution through a GIS-based Enterprise Resource Planning system. Why is Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) important? Which main components of it are needed? Underwater Domain Awareness refers to the comprehensive understanding of the underwater environment, which includes monitoring and analysing submarine activities, underwater infrastructure, and maritime resources. UDA is critical for several reasons: National Security: As underwater threats become more sophisticated, maintaining surveillance and intelligence in the underwater domain is paramount for national defence. Maritime Economy: Sustainable exploitation of underwater resources, such as minerals, oil, and gas, can significantly boost the economy. Environmental Protection: Understanding the underwater environment is essential for conserving marine biodiversity and addressing climate change and pollution challenges. Disaster Management: Accurate UDA can help predict and mitigate the impact of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and underwater earthquakes. Integrating PM Gati Shakti and UDA Integrating PM Gati Shakti and UDA can create a formidable framework for enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Here are several ways this integration can be achieved: Infrastructure Development and Maritime Security: The development of ports, coastal infrastructure, and maritime logistics hubs under PM Gati Shakti can be aligned with UDA initiatives. Enhanced underwater surveillance systems can be integrated into port infrastructure to monitor and secure underwater activities, thus safeguarding against potential threats. Digital and Technological Integration: PM Gati Shakti’s GIS-based planning and coordination platform can be expanded to include UDA data. Data-driven policy interventions through Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) will go a long way in nuancedly managing the challenges and opportunities. This integration can provide real-time insights into underwater activities, facilitating proactive maritime security and disaster management measures. Advanced technologies such as underwater drones and sensor networks can gather data, which can then be analysed and utilised through the Gati Shakti digital platform. Economic Synergy: Efficient logistics and transportation systems developed under PM Gati Shakti can enhance the economic viability of underwater resource exploitation. For instance, streamlined supply chains can support extracting and transporting underwater minerals, oil, and gas, contributing to economic growth. Additionally, the development of coastal economic zones can be aligned with UDA initiatives to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. Environmental and Disaster Management: The integration of UDA with PM Gati Shakti can play a crucial role in environmental protection and disaster management. By incorporating underwater environmental data into the planning process, infrastructure projects can be designed to minimise ecological impact. Furthermore, improved UDA can enhance early warning systems for underwater earthquakes and tsunamis, mitigating the effects of such disasters on coastal infrastructure and communities.   Current Scenario and Future Prospects As of 2024, India is at a critical juncture in its journey toward becoming a global maritime power. The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, coupled with increasing maritime challenges, underscores the need for robust maritime infrastructure and security frameworks. The PM Gati Shakti scheme, focusing on holistic infrastructure development, provides an excellent foundation for integrating UDA. Several recent developments highlight the importance of this integration: Geopolitical Tensions: The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with major powers vying for influence. Enhanced UDA and efficient maritime infrastructure can bolster India’s regional strategic capabilities. Blue Economy Initiatives: India’s push toward a blue economy, which emphasises the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health, aligns perfectly with the goals of both PM Gati Shakti and UDA. The integration of these initiatives can drive sustainable economic development while ensuring maritime security. Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in maritime and underwater technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for enhancing UDA. Integrating these technologies with PM Gati Shakti’s digital infrastructure can lead to innovative solutions for maritime challenges. Concluding remarks! “The integration of PM Gati Shakti with Underwater Domain Awareness represents a strategic convergence of infrastructure development and maritime security. By leveraging the strengths of both initiatives, India can enhance its maritime capabilities, secure its underwater domains, and drive sustainable economic growth. ” This holistic approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century and positioning India as a leading maritime power on the global stage. As the nation continues to invest in and develop its maritime infrastructure, the synergistic potential of PM Gati Shakti and UDA will play a pivotal role in shaping a secure and prosperous future. Policy intervention: The regional forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative

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esg img ESG and Climate Risk

Why is UDA crucial for ESG? How can MSP enhance the transparency and trust in ESG?

  • June 13, 2024
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Key Highlights ESG is a framework for evaluating environmental, social, and corporate governance aspects of organisations, originating from the UN’s “Who Cares Wins” initiative in 2004 and growing to a $30 trillion phenomenon by 2021. Criticism of ESG includes issues like data quality, lack of transparency, and greenwashing, which can lead to a trust deficit and low compliance. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process for allocating marine activities to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. It was initially focused on sustainability and climate change risk management. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process for allocating marine activities to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. It was initially focused on sustainability and climate change risk management. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is crucial for ESG due to significant challenges and opportunities below the water’s surface. It requires tools suited for tropical conditions rather than outdated Western-designed sensors. A proposed MSP-based approach using Modelling & Simulations (M&S) with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms can build accurate underwater scenarios, enhancing transparency and trust in ESG. The MSP maps can support various applications, including strategic security, and can be categorised into people, economy, and nature, aligning with the ESG framework. This approach ensures efficient resource deployment and fosters institutional mechanisms that enhance effectiveness across sectors and stakeholders. Introduction Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) is a framework to evaluate compliance of environmental aspects, social aspects and corporate governance aspects of an organisation. ESG became a responsible investing or impact investing benchmark for investors. It first came into prominence in a 2004 report titled “Who Cares Wins”, which was a United Nations (UN) triggered joint initiative of financial institutions. However, by 2021, it has become a global phenomenon worth US $ 30 trillion from its initial UN-driven Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.  Criticism of ESG has also been significant, as all such mega global initiatives. The criticism ranges from data quality, reporting standardisation, evolving regulation, politics, greenwashing and even definition & assessment of social good. Lack of transparency is the biggest challenge that directly impinges on the trust deficit. We all know, trust deficit is the biggest culprit for low compliance. Another way of looking at the ESG framework is the balance between people, economy and nature. In more clear terms, the three entities can be described as follows: People  Corporate entities need to ensure their activities enhance local communities’ livelihood. Their actions should positively impact the socio-cultural well-being of the local communities. It is often seen that mega projects result in large-scale migration of the local communities from their native location. Such migrations cause disruption in their traditional practices, leading to serious loss of livelihood. The traditional socio-economic & socio-cultural practices are always in sync with the site-specific local realities to make them sustainable.   Economy Corporates must ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resources (both human and material), technology, and strategy to achieve the best economic output. The supply chain must be effectively networked to get the best value for the output. The corporate governance must be strong to bring effectiveness and efficiency in the operations and supply chain. Alignment with the geopolitical and geostrategic factors will also play a role. Navigating the local, regional and global political factors will be a key to economic growth. Nature The environmental sustainability and climate change risk management will be extremely critical. One needs to appreciate that extreme weather events can hamper our own survival and business continuity. Large societal well-being is certainly critical in the long term, however in the short and medium term our own business losses could be an important consideration. Greenwashing has become fashionable. However, one needs to consider that 75% of the earth is water, so blue needs to be prioritised. Climate change monitoring and prediction can be best done with ocean or freshwater analysis. A more nuanced approach is important, and a review of the conventional means will be required. “Out of the 75% surface of the earth, more than 95% of the challenges and opportunities exist below the surface. Thus, Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) will be the most critical tool for ESG. As always, the global community tries to take the easier route. Instead of spending time building the right kind of tools to enhance our UDA, we continued to push the above-water tool to even look at underwater challenges and opportunities.” Typical Western modus operandi of pushing their products across the developing world has been a serious concern. Too much security boogey has ensured massive military build-up, even at the cost of socio-economic priorities. Irrespective of their relevance, they build narratives to push their products and services at a very high cost. Objective reasoning is thrown out of the window. The west is in the temperate and polar regions. However, the Indo-Pacific region is the ongoing geopolitical and geostrategic centre of gravity. The Indo-Pacific strategic space is the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The West developed massive UDA capabilities during the Cold War, largely for security requirements. Thus, the military industry complex is now on an overdrive to monetise its products across the globe. It is important to note that the underwater sonar designed and developed in the Greenland Iceland United Kingdom (GIUK) gap, suffers 60% performance degradation in the tropical waters. In the 21st century, security has a very different connotation. Food security, water security, energy security, economic security, cyber security, and many more dimensions are added to the strategic security framework. Thus, the role of corporates has become significant even in the strategic security matrix. Challenges and Pitfalls in Global Marine Spatial Planning Implementation: A Critical Analysis Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has now become a popular tool for marine governance. As defined by the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Ocean Commission (IOC), “Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives that have been specified through a political process.” The IOC organised the

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catalysing img Blue Economy ESG and Climate Risk

Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate through Underwater Domain Awareness

  • May 30, 2024
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Key Highlights India has an extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, making World Oceans Day significant for conservation efforts to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity. Oceans play a crucial role in India’s economy through fisheries, shipping, tourism, and offshore industries, necessitating sustainable resource management to support livelihoods and economic growth. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is essential for effective ocean management. It involves marine research, surveillance, and data analysis to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is essential for effective ocean management. It involves marine research, surveillance, and data analysis to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. Comprehensive strategies are needed to tackle ocean and climate challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting marine ecosystems, adapting to climate impacts, and promoting sustainable practices in ocean-based industries. World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, highlights the critical role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth. This day holds profound significance for India with an extensive coastline, rich marine biodiversity, and a significant dependence on ocean resources. The theme for World Oceans Day 2024, “Awaken New Depths,” alludes to the growing need to understand our underwater systems and look deep into the nuances of ocean functions. India’s geographical, ecological, economic, and cultural connections to the ocean are diverse. With a coastline touching the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, India is inherently a maritime nation. The country’s marine ecosystems are home to diverse species, making their conservation crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Furthermore, the oceans are integral to India’s economy, supporting industries such as fisheries, shipping, tourism, and offshore oil and gas exploration. “The role of oceans in regulating the Earth’s climate and weather patterns is undeniable in the context of climate change. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events pose significant threats to coastal communities and infrastructure. Therefore, World Oceans Day is a crucial reminder of the need to address these global challenges and catalyse action for our oceans’ protection and sustainable management.” What are the major environmental impacts? India’s extensive coastline is home to diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries. These habitats support many marine species, from corals and fish to marine mammals like dolphins and whales. The health of these ecosystems is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. However, these ecosystems face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Pollution from land-based sources, such as plastic waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges, harms marine life and water quality. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, deplete fish stocks and damage marine habitats. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by causing ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level rise. Coral reefs, for instance, are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and even slight increases can lead to coral bleaching and mortality. Rising sea levels threaten coastal ecosystems and human settlements, while ocean acidification affects the health of shell-forming organisms, including many plankton species, mollusks, and corals. To address these environmental challenges, it is essential to implement comprehensive conservation and management strategies. This includes establishing marine protected areas (MPAs), promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing pollution, and restoring degraded habitats. MPAs, in particular, play a crucial role in preserving marine biodiversity and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems to climate change. How do oceans contribute to the economic value of a nation? The oceans contribute significantly to India’s economy through various sectors, including fisheries, shipping, tourism, and offshore industries. The fishing industry, in particular, is a major source of livelihood for millions of people living along the coast. Sustainable fisheries management is essential to ensure this sector’s long-term viability and prevent overexploitation of marine resources. Shipping is another vital industry, with India being a key player in global maritime trade. The country’s strategic location along major shipping routes makes its ports and shipping infrastructure crucial for economic development. Sustainable shipping practices, including adopting cleaner fuels and technologies, are necessary to minimise the environmental impact of maritime transport. Tourism, particularly coastal and marine tourism, is a growing sector in India, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors annually. Popular destinations like Goa, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep offer opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and other water-based activities. Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices and conserving natural attractions are essential to ensure the sustainability of this industry. Offshore industries, such as oil and gas exploration, also contribute to India’s economy. However, these activities pose significant environmental risks, including oil spills and habitat destruction. Implementing stringent environmental regulations and adopting best practices can help mitigate these risks and promote sustainable development. India’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history India has a deep-rooted maritime history and a rich cultural heritage connected to the oceans. Coastal communities have long relied on the sea for their livelihoods, and the ocean has played a central role in shaping their traditions, customs, and beliefs. From ancient maritime trade routes to traditional fishing practices, the cultural significance of the ocean is woven into the fabric of Indian society. “World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to celebrate this cultural connection and to promote awareness of the need to protect and preserve marine heritage. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, promoting traditional knowledge and practices, and fostering a sense of stewardship for the ocean is crucial for sustainable marine management.” The role played by oceans in climate regulation Oceans play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They act as a buffer against the impacts of climate change, but this comes at a cost. The absorption of excess carbon dioxide leads to ocean acidification, which affects marine organisms and ecosystems. Additionally, rising ocean temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of seawater, resulting in sea-level rise. India’s long coastline and densely populated coastal areas make it particularly vulnerable to climate change’s impacts. Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure, agriculture, freshwater resources, and the livelihoods of

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Battleground Waters: Unravelling the Environmental Quandary Amid the Red Sea Crisis

  • May 12, 2024
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Key Highlights Red Sea crisis has now transcended its immediate impact on global trade, intertwining with a broader environmental quandary The ongoing clashes, initiated by Houthis, have targeted several vessels, including commercial ships and U.S. Navy warships. Rising greenhouse gas emissions from shipping threaten to contravene the international Paris Agreement’s efforts to reduce carbon footprints. The lack of maritime safety capabilities in the region amplifies the challenges associated with cleanup efforts. The Red Sea crisis and the war in Ukraine both underscore the devastating impact of armed conflict on the marine environment. The Red Sea crisis has evolved into a pressing global concern, driven not only by disruption of international trade but also by its far-reaching environmental impacts, as the once tranquil waters have transformed into a battleground. The ongoing clashes, initiated by the Houthis—an Iran-backed Shi’ite rebel group in Yemen—have targeted several vessels, including commercial ships and U.S. Navy warships. The group claims attacks against ships in the Red Sea are in response to Israel’s conflict against Gaza-based militant group Hamas—which is also aligned with Iran—and says it will attack any Israel-linked vessels. This has led to an increasing armed exchange in the Red Sea, raising the stakes for global security. “The Red Sea crisis has now transcended its immediate impact on global trade, intertwining with a broader environmental quandary that demands attention and action on a global scale.” Shipping routes, often referred to as the arteries of international commerce, are indispensable for the functioning of the global economy. Historical trade routes, such as the Panama and Suez Canals, have played pivotal roles in shaping shipping trades to Europe and the United States. The Red Sea, particularly via the Suez Canal, stands out as one of the most traversed commerce routes globally. This route not only holds strategic importance but is also the quickest and shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. “With 12 percent of the world’s global trade traversing the Red Sea, encompassing 30 percent of global container traffic and contributing to a staggering one trillion dollars in annual trade, any delays or diversions in this critical waterway would result in substantial disruptions to the global trade network. ” However, the consequences of the Red Sea crisis extend beyond immediate risks, impacting shipping routes and redirecting traffic around the Cape of Good Hope. This substantial shift in maritime routes, exacerbated by climate-induced weather patterns, raises the spectre of environmental disasters and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Marine data reveals a noticeable change in behaviours as ships, forced to reroute, now sail an average of 10% faster around the Cape compared to the Red Sea route. This accelerated pace translates into a rise in fuel consumption and additional CO2 emissions. For a 100,000-dwt gas tanker, this increase results in 291 tonnes more fuel consumed and an additional 920 tonnes of CO2 emitted. Additionally, analysis by the Zero North shipping traffic platform indicates that for every container ship diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, an extra 2,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide are released, amounting to 8.8 million metric tonnes over a year. “Rising greenhouse gas emissions from shipping not only exacerbate the global climate crisis but also threaten to contravene the international Paris Agreement’s efforts to reduce carbon footprints. ” The recent sinking of a bulk carrier near Yemen following a Houthi missile attack has raised serious concerns among officials and experts regarding potential environmental hazards. The vessel, named Rubymar and operated by Lebanon under the flag of Belize, went down with 21,000 metric tonnes of ammonium phosphate sulphate fertilizer on board after sustaining hull damage from the missile strike on February 18. This incident marks a significant threat to the marine environment in the Red Sea, as leaking fuel and chemicals from the ship could endanger marine life, including coral reefs, and impact the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing. The environmental risks associated with the Rubymar’s cargo are substantial, with fears of a major ecological crisis looming. The potential release of such a large quantity of fertilizer into the Red Sea poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems, as the soluble nature of the fertilizer could disrupt the delicate balance of marine life, leading to detrimental effects on various organisms. The presence of over 200 tonnes of fuel oil on board further compounds the pollution threat, emphasizing the urgent need to address the situation to prevent widespread environmental damage. The sinking of the Rubymar not only poses a direct risk to marine life and habitats but also raises concerns about potential impacts on shipping routes in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for global trade. “As the conflict unfolds, the Red Sea’s reef ecosystem, serving as a lifeline for 28 million coastal inhabitants, faces imminent peril. Attacks on oil tankers since December 2023 and recently attack on the Marlin Luanda oil tanker, has not only exacerbated tensions in an already pressured region but also pose severe threats to ocean health. ” The compound existing environmental stressors, with potential oil spills posing a catastrophic threat to marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and already strained fish populations. The lack of maritime safety capabilities in the region amplifies the challenges associated with cleanup efforts, drawing parallels to the 1991 Gulf War’s largest oil spill in history, which released over 200 million gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf, causing widespread damage to marine ecosystems, killing fish and other marine species, and contaminating habitats. Beyond immediate risks to the Red Sea, the conflict creates long-term concerns for the African countries and countries in the western Indian Ocean. An event of this nature would spell a humanitarian crisis, potentially causing mass displacements. Additionally, a maritime catastrophe such as oil spills has the potential to trigger widespread displacement in East Africa and the Horn region. Further, more vessels calling at African ports, could result accidents leading to such as oil spills during bunkering, and even wrecks. For example, a United Nations (UN) mission in August 2023, involving a ship-to-ship transfer of

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sediment img ESG and Climate Risk Science and Technology

Urban Flooding and Sediment Management – A Critical Perspective for Urban Planning in Tropical Regions

  • May 12, 2024
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Key Highlights Urban flooding has become a serious menace across multiple urban centers in the country.  Global climate change alters weather patterns, leading to more frequent high-intensity rainfall events within shorter durations. Due to the unique characteristics of tropical regions, specialised strategies are necessary for managing urban flooding and related issues.  A significant factor contributing to urban flooding in Indian cities is the insufficient drainage infrastructure. While large-scale dams limit nutrient deposition through seasonal flooding, they protect riverside settlements from severe floods. Election times are here now and the silent citizens have a chance to voice their concerns. Urbanization is a sign of prosperity in the conventional sense and more and more aspirational middle class are moving towards the urban centers to be counted with their fellow dwellers. This socio-economic trend is very hard to regulate, but this will lead to serious socio-cultural and socio-political catastrophe. Every trend must be understood and managed in all its dimensions. India saw a massive urbanization trend post the liberalization in 1991. The doors were opened, not just to the western Multi-National Companies (MNCs), but also to the western ideas across multiple dimensions. The traditional wisdom of over 10,000 years of civilizational legacy, was replaced with western centric concepts. Urban planning also went the western ways. One serious aspect is the tropical conditions, that we live in. However, the unique tropical characteristics, get completely overlooked in our policy making and strategic discourse. As climate change triggered extreme events, this is only going to get worse. The government is also looking at massive investments in creating urban centers with so-called modern infrastructure, however the recurring natural disasters are becoming a serious threat to such big-ticket investments. “Urban flooding has become a serious menace across multiple urban centers in the country, and the losses to life and property has been unprecedented and counting. Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Surat and many more cities have been suffering repeated such urban flooding events with complete collapse of the governance system for relief and rehabilitation. Urban flooding is caused due to a multitude of factors directly and indirectly related to urbanization.” The climatic conditions in the tropical region are a major factor. The primary rainy season occurs during the southwest monsoon from June to September in the North and the northeast monsoon from October onwards, in the South, contributing to 70-75% annual rainfall. Within the monsoon system, additional synoptic systems like vortices (low-pressure areas, depressions, and cyclones), troughs, and east-west wind shear zones in the lower troposphere significantly amplify the monsoon rainfall. The significant temperature variation between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, characterised by varying salinity and temperature due to river runoff, contributes to cyclones. Additionally, cloudbursts along with rapid and heavy localised rainfall events occur during the monsoon season in orographically dominant regions like India’s Himalayas, North-eastern states, and Western Ghats “The freshwater systems transport approximately 2500 million tonnes of suspended sediments annually. This accounts for 15-20% of the global sediment flux, with around 70% originating from the Ganga-Brahmaputra and Indus rivers. The remaining sediment comes from rivers in the peninsula, mainly influenced by rocks like those in the Deccan Traps.” Socio-Economic Characteristics Presently, approximately 40% of the global population resides in tropical regions. Beyond rapid population growth, the region is witnessing an increase in affluence as more people escape poverty. This growth, coupled with expansive agriculture, occurs in an area rich in biodiversity and endemism. In tropical regions, the absence of frost and continuous heat enables life and reproduction year-round, as the usual limiting factor of winter is non-existent. The constant conditions facilitate diverse life forms, including plants, insects, birds, microbes, animals, and crops. However, fierce competition ensues, leading to only a select few individuals of each species surviving in any given location. Due to the unique characteristics of tropical regions, specialised strategies are necessary for managing urban flooding and related issues. However, as noted by Celso Furtado in 1963, existing technology is predominantly designed for temperate climates, making it challenging to adapt readily to the tropics with their distinct set of resources. Kenneth Boulding also emphasised that development, like economics, has primarily been tailored to Temperate Zone environments. Imposing techniques developed for temperate zones in the tropics, whether in engineering, agriculture, or economics, can lead to disastrous outcomes. Sediment-Related Reasons for Urban Flooding In recent years, India has witnessed a growing incidence of urban flood disasters, particularly affecting significant cities. Encroachment on Floodplains Government agencies and experts attribute the rising frequency and damages from floods in India to encroachments in the floodplains of rivers. A 2018 Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report pointed to encroachments in Tamil Nadu’s river floodplains as a critical factor in the 2015 Chennai floods. Large settlements are emerging in low-lying zones in urban areas, often encroaching on drainage channels, with houses constructed over nullahs and drains. “Rajendra Singh, known as the “waterman of India,” linked the unprecedented flooding of the Yamuna in July 2023 to widespread construction and encroachments altering the river’s natural path. Singh emphasised that addressing the high silt levels required dredging, and while short-term solutions involve desilting, the long-term solution necessitates the removal of significant encroachments.” Increase in Sediment and Solid Material Urban development significantly amplifies sediment production within the watershed due to construction activities, land clearing for housing, and the creation of streets, avenues, and highways. Surface erosion results in the degradation of areas, forming substantial ravines, particularly in fragile soils, with depths of up to 30 m and widths of 50 m. Urbanisation often increases impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings, hindering water infiltration into the soil and causing more runoff. Sediment erosion from construction sites or denuded landscapes further contributes to sedimentation in water bodies, exacerbating the risk of flooding. During a flood, the accumulation of waste and debris from floodwaters can lead to heightened property damage. After the flood, deposited waste obstructs access, posing toxin threats and creating a breeding ground for diseases. Intense rainfall overwhelms sewer and

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acoustic Uncategorized

Unravelling Acoustic Challenges in India Ocean Region

  • April 24, 2024
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Key Highlights The Indian Ocean has vast economic potential owing to its mineral resources. The acoustic sensors aid in understanding the oceanic processes using underwater wave propagation systems. The topography, marine ecosystem and chemical characteristics of the Indian Ocean lead to distinct underwater wave propagation Most acoustic systems are based on Western conditions and do not cater to local conditions, thus reducing their efficiency in tropical waters. R&D investments are needed to develop regional-specific systems to understand the unique conditions better. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a key global focal point due to its strategic, economic, and environmental significance. With immense potential in both economic and ecological aspects, a comprehensive understanding of its oceanic resources is vital. Ongoing oceanographic research aims to provide valuable insights into seafloor topography and landmass distribution, essential for geological mapping and seafloor exploration. Monitoring systems are crucial in environmental observation, enabling scientists to track sediment composition and distribution changes over time. This information is pivotal for understanding environmental impacts and facilitating informed management decisions. Additionally, the central Indian Ocean Basin holds polymetallic nodules, concentrations of metals like manganese, cobalt, and nickel, crucial for high-tech industries. Advancements in acoustic technology have transformed our comprehension of ocean basins. Sonar systems, initially developed during World War I for submarine detection, now play a pivotal role in oceanic studies. These systems reveal crucial information about the ocean floor’s topography by transmitting sound waves into the water and capturing returning echoes. The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 highlighted the insufficient bathymetric data in vast sea areas globally. The distinctive tropical conditions in the IOR pose challenges for effective acoustic sensor operation. These systems are indispensable for diverse applications, including habitat mapping, resource exploration, marine engineering, and coastal zone management. They offer insights into benthic ecology, potential mineral and fuel resources, and the impact of sediment processes on coastal ecosystems. The Indian Ocean’s depth can be understood in two ways: the literal depth, i.e. hypsometrically, and the acoustic depth, influenced by the chemical composition of water. With an average depth of 3,890 metres, the Indian Ocean is in the middle of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The acoustic depth is affected by water characteristics, creating instances where areas that seem shallow in literal depth may appear deep acoustically and vice versa. “The Indian Ocean boasts diverse seafloor features like seamounts, troughs, ridges, and active and dormant underwater volcanoes. These landforms interact with sound waves, causing reflections, refractions, and scattering that can complicate distinguishing between seabed echoes, signals, and actual objects. ” This interference makes it challenging for tools like sonars and profilers to operate efficiently in the ocean’s depths. In the Indian Ocean, the speed of sound is influenced by temperature, salinity, and pressure. The sound speed in warmer northern regions is faster than in colder and less salty oceans. In the deep Indian Ocean at mid-latitudes, where temperatures decrease with depth and salinity varies, the sound speed reaches its maximum due to high sea surface temperature. Generally, as you go deeper, temperature drops, salinity can change, and pressure always increases. Research indicates that temperature changes more near the surface in mid-latitudes than at the ocean bottom, while salinity changes only slightly. The speed of sound in water increases with rising water temperature, salinity, and pressure. “Just beneath the ocean surface is the sonic layer, where changes like heating, cooling, and wind impact the speed of sound. The depth linked to the near-surface maximum in sound speed is called the sonic layer depth (SLD). The SLD is lower in the Arabian Sea than in the Bay of Bengal due to the intrusion of Persian Gulf and Red Sea waters. ” The sound channel axis, corresponding to the sound-speed minimum, forms a channel in the ocean known as the Sound Fixing and Ranging or SOFAR channel. “This channel allows low-frequency sounds to travel long distances. In tropical waters, the SOFAR channel is deeper. In the Arabian Sea, the depth of the channel axis increases towards the northern latitudes, while in the Bay of Bengal, it decreases. This is due to low-saline cold water in the northern Bay of Bengal, reducing sound velocity. ” The SOFAR channel is shallower in the Bay of Bengal. Consequently, the effective sound channel lies much deeper beneath the sea surface. In the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the sound speed profile is depth-limited, meaning the top part of the water is faster than the bottom. This has a significant impact on how sound travels in these regions. Sound waves in a depth-limited ocean will be surface-refracted and bottom-reflected. Typically, the Arabian Sea has a faster sound speed than the Bay of Bengal under normal conditions. Strong winds, running almost parallel to the coasts of Somalia and Arabia, cause the water to rise, decreasing temperature and sound speed. Following this temperature trend, the sound speed increases from west to east in this area. The Indian Ocean is a bustling hub for various human activities like fishing, shipping, offshore drilling, and international trade. These activities generate noise from engines, propellers, and seismic surveys. This human-made noise can disrupt important sonar signals and mix with other underwater sounds. Additionally, there are underwater data cables in the Indian Ocean, facilitating large data transfers between countries. The collective noise from these cables might pose challenges for sonar devices in the region. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess the impact on acoustic habitats along the warm coastal areas of the Indian Ocean. The unique features of the Indian Ocean’s underwater landscape, such as deep-sea trenches and ridges, provide diverse habitats for marine life. Various species like whales, dolphins, and other marine animals inhabit the open ocean areas. These living creatures impact how sounds travel underwater by producing noise, which can distort and scatter signals. Coastal animals, especially those near continental shelves, contribute background noise. Active sonars may mistake whales or groups of fish for actual targets. Additionally, barnacles and other organisms can indirectly affect sonar performance by accumulating on

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hark Experts' Articles Underwater Heritage

Hark! Do you hear the sea?

  • February 20, 2024
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The 2018 film A Quiet Place2 scares the bejesus out of you! The blind creatures having seized planet Earth attack and kill their human preys by even the slightest sound they make. These creatures make humans acutely aware of sound, persuading them to move awfully stealthily to be able to survive on planet Earth.

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