Abstract

Diving and deep-sea exploration have become essential activities globally, providing opportunities for scientific discovery, resource exploitation, and tourism. With its vast coastline and strategic maritime interests, India is poised to exploit its ocean potential. This research paper delves into the importance of regulating deep-sea diving and exploration in India emphasizing the balance, between progress and environmental preservation. Over the years deep sea activities in India have experienced significant growth. Firstly, these endeavors bring breakthroughs by uncovering unknown species, ecosystems, and geological formations. India's vast marine biodiversity, unexplored holds value for global scientific research and ecological conservation. Secondly, as India’s energy and resource demands increase, exploring and extracting minerals, hydrocarbons, and rare metals from the seabed provides opportunities for economic growth and energy security. Thirdly India’s coastal regions and underwater landscapes offer potential for tourism by attracting enthusiasts to explore marine ecosystems. However, these prospects are accompanied by challenges. Unregulated deep-sea activities can harm marine ecosystems, disturb habitats, and put species at risk. Security may be a concern due to the perils related to such exercises. Deficiently asset administration can lead to overexploitation and consumption of assets jeopardizing both the environment and jobs. Although India has endorsed agreements on conservation and resource management specific regulations are currently lacking. This research emphasizes the need for India to establish its framework that specifically addresses challenges unique, to deep sea activities while prioritizing safety concerns. By taking these actions India can support long-term exploration in a way that protects marine ecosystems and preserves its treasures. This approach allows for both growth and scientific progress while maintaining a relationship, with the ocean.

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