**Executive Summary**
During the Rajya Sabha Budget Session on April 2, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh detailed India’s first mission-mode approach to marine conservation under the Deep Ocean Mission. The initiative focuses on institutionalizing research through the CMLRE and the new 'BhavSagar' center to protect biodiversity and sustainably harness resources across India's 11,000-km coastline. Key upcoming milestones include a 6,000-meter deep-sea human exploration mission aimed at systematically tapping underexplored maritime wealth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Institutional Framework and Research**
* **CMLRE Mandate:** The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), headquartered in Kochi, serves as the national repository for marine fauna and is responsible for surveying, monitoring, and assessing deep-sea life.
* **‘BhavSagar’ Launch:** A new biodiversity referral center established to facilitate knowledge-sharing and advanced research in marine ecosystems.
* **Data Development:** Ongoing efforts include the creation of fisheries data systems, mapping of biodiversity hotspots, and the development of genetic databases for marine organisms.
**Species Protection and Conservation**
* **Targeted Conservation:** Focused initiatives to safeguard vulnerable species, specifically addressing threats to Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coast.
* **Threat Mitigation:** Programs designed to counter risks posed by fishing trawlers, shipping activities, and illegal poaching.
* **Systematic Management:** Adoption of a coordinated, "mission-mode" approach to replace previously unstructured conservation efforts.
**Technological Advancements**
* **Deep-Sea Exploration:** Preparation for a human-led exploration mission to a depth of 6,000 meters.
* **Synergy with Space Exploration:** The deep-sea mission is scheduled to coincide with the Gaganyaan mission, representing simultaneous progress in ocean and space frontiers.
**Impact Analysis**
**Coastal States (including Maharashtra and Odisha)**
**Impact**
All 12 coastal states will benefit from enhanced marine research, improved conservation of local biodiversity, and the sustainable development of fisheries.
**Action Required**
States must integrate local conservation efforts with the national mission-mode framework and utilize data from CMLRE to manage coastal resources.
**Research and Academic Institutions (CMLRE and BhavSagar)**
**Impact**
These entities are positioned as the primary drivers of India’s maritime research, tasked with closing long-standing gaps in structured conservation and data collection.
**Action Required**
CMLRE must continue advanced surveys and the development of genetic databases, while BhavSagar must establish effective knowledge-sharing protocols.
**Fishing and Shipping Industries**
**Impact**
Operations are under increased scrutiny due to their impact on marine life, such as the Olive Ridley turtles.
**Action Required**
Industry stakeholders must align their activities with new preservation strategies and regulations regarding biodiversity hotspots and protected species.
Key Entities Referenced
Deep Ocean Mission: India's mission-mode program for ocean conservation, sustainable resource harnessing, and deep-sea human exploration up to 6,000 metres.
Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE): A Kochi-based institutional mechanism under the Deep Ocean Mission mandated to survey, monitor, and maintain a national repository for marine fauna and biodiversity.
BhavSagar: A newly launched biodiversity referral centre designed to strengthen research and knowledge-sharing regarding marine ecosystems.
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The primary ministry responsible for implementing initiatives related to marine biodiversity protection and ocean conservation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, who leads the government's efforts in mission-mode ocean conservation.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Rajya Sabha discusses new initiatives to protect
'Marine Life' across India's sea shores
Responding in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Emphasises Mission-Mode Ocean Conservation
Government Strengthening Marine Biodiversity Protection
through Deep Ocean Mission: Dr. Jitendra Singh
CMLRE and ‘BhavSagar’ to Drive Research, Conservation
and Monitoring of Marine Life Across India’s Coastline
Posted On: 02 APR 2026 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today highlighted
the Government’s focused efforts to protect marine biodiversity and sustainably harness ocean resources,
stating that India has, for the first time, adopted an institutional and mission-mode approach towards ocean
conservation under the Deep Ocean Mission.
Replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Budget
Session, Dr. Jitendra Singh elaborated on the Government’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding marine life,
including species like Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coast.
The discussion was initiated by Shri Ashok Rao Shankarrao Chavan, with supplementary questions raised
by Dr. Sushmita Patra, Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, and Dr. Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde, who sought
details regarding protection of marine species, strengthening of marine ecosystems, and benefits for
coastal regions.
Responding to concerns about threats faced by Olive Ridley turtles due to fishing trawlers, shipping
activities and poaching, the Minister stated that the Government has established the Centre for Marine
Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) as a key institutional mechanism under the Deep Ocean
Mission. He noted that the Centre serves as a dedicated national repository for marine fauna and
biodiversity, addressing long-standing gaps in structured conservation efforts.
Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that CMLRE, headquartered in Kochi, is mandated to carry out survey,
assessment, and monitoring of marine life in deep seas, alongside conducting advanced research to
develop preservation strategies. The Centre is also working on fisheries data systems, biodiversity hotspot
mapping, and development of genetic databases for marine organisms.
Highlighting further advancements, the Minister said that the Government has also launched ‘BhavSagar’,
a biodiversity referral centre, to strengthen research and knowledge-sharing in marine ecosystems.Emphasizing the scale of India’s maritime potential, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the country has a
coastline of over 11,000 kilometres, yet ocean resources remained largely underexplored for decades.
“This is perhaps the first time that India has systematically begun to tap and conserve its vast ocean wealth
in a coordinated manner,” he said.
The Minister also announced that under the Deep Ocean Mission, India is preparing for a deep-sea human
exploration mission up to a depth of 6,000 metres, marking a major technological milestone. He added
that this development coincides with the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, reflecting India’s simultaneous
advancement in both space and ocean exploration.
Addressing queries on benefits to coastal states, including Maharashtra, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that all
12 coastal states of India will equally benefit from enhanced marine research, conservation efforts, and
sustainable fisheries development enabled through these initiatives.
The Minister appreciated the Members of Parliament for raising important issues related to marine
conservation, noting that such discussions contribute to greater awareness and policy focus on ocean
ecosystems.*****
NKR/AK
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