Marine Spatial Planning: Odisha Leads Marine Spatial Planning India Initiative

Marine Spatial Planning Latest News

• The Odisha government has partnered with the National Centre for Coastal Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to launch a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for integrated coastal and marine management. 
• Sustainable ocean planning in India began in 2019 through a partnership with Norway. The initial phase focused on the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep. Building on this, Odisha has now become the first state to implement Marine Spatial Planning in the second phase.

National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR): Role and Functions

• The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), established in 1998 in Chennai under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is a key institution for scientific research and monitoring of coastal and marine environments. 
• Originally known as Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project Directorate (ICMAM-PD), it supports sustainable coastal management, hazard mitigation, and ecosystem protection.

Key Functions

• Shoreline Management: Tracks coastal erosion and changes using satellite and field data, generating maps for all Indian states and Union Territories. 
• Pollution and Water Quality Monitoring: Assesses coastal water health across multiple hotspots, studying pollutants such as microplastics and heavy metals. 
• Hazard Mitigation: Develops tools like coastal flood warning systems and shoreline assessment systems to manage risks from tsunamis and storm surges. 
• Ecosystem Research: Conducts studies on coastal habitats to support sustainable resource management. 
• Capacity Building: Promotes awareness and training through internships, lab visits, and educational initiatives in ocean and environmental sciences.

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Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): A Framework for Sustainable Ocean Management

• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a strategic tool for integrated and sustainable management of ocean resources, aimed at promoting the blue economy and enhancing climate resilience. 
• It enables the planned use of marine spaces for activities such as energy generation, ports and industries, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and environmental conservation.
• Under MSP, experts map coastal and marine areas to allocate specific zones for different human activities, balancing ecological protection with economic and social objectives. 
• In India, MSP is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative launched in 2019, aligning with the government’s focus on the blue economy as a key growth driver.

Marine Spatial Planning in Odisha: Context and Significance

• Odisha has a coastline of over 550 km, characterised by lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries. 
• These ecosystems support biodiversity, livelihoods, and economic activities, making coastal management crucial for the state.

Scientific Mapping and Data-Driven Planning

• Under the MoU with the National Centre for Coastal Research, detailed studies will be conducted on:
  • Water characteristics: salinity, temperature, and other parameters 
  • Benthic mapping: mapping vegetation beneath the sea 
• Identification of zones suitable for: 
  • Tourism 
  • Fisheries and aquaculture 
  • Seagrass and seaweed cultivation 
  • Other economic activities 
• This data will help the government formulate evidence-based policies.

Boost to Coastal Economy and Livelihoods

• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is expected to support multiple sectors, including fisheries, ports, tourism, and ocean-based industries. 
• It will also benefit various stakeholders dependent on coastal resources.
• With increasing developmental pressures and environmental concerns, there is a growing need for balanced ecosystem management. 
• MSP will help:
  • Meet sectoral demands 
  • Protect marine ecosystems 
  • Ensure long-term environmental sustainability

Supporting Initiative: Odisha Marine Biotechnology Corridor

• In August 2025, Odisha launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) to harness biotechnology for marine conservation and economic development.
• OMBRIC aims to:
  • Promote marine biotechnology research 
  • Support startups and enterprises in the marine sector 
  • Enhance ecological protection 
  • Develop scientific tourism 
  • Strengthen livelihood opportunities for coastal communities
• The initiative is designed to reinforce Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) by integrating scientific innovation with sustainable coastal management, ensuring a balanced approach to growth and environmental protection.

Source: IE | NCCR