| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2.2-0167 |
| Title of Abstract | Sustainable Blue Economy Strategies: Comparative Insights from Tropical and Polar Marine Systems Rajani. K. Mishra, A. Sreerag , V. Venkataramana, Melena A Soares , Anand Prakash & Rahul Mohan National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, India |
| Authors | Rajani Kanta Mishra*, Sreerag A, V. Venkataramana, Melena A. Soares, Anand Prakash, Rahul Mohan |
| Organisation | NCPOR, MoES |
| Address | Vasco-da-gama Vasco, Goa, India Pincode: 403804 E-mail: rajanimishra@ncpor.res.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The Blue Economy emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources to support economic growth, livelihoods, and ecological balance. Within this framework, marine algae, marine-derived drugs, and fisheries are key sectors, yet opportunities differ markedly between tropical and polar regions.In tropical Asia, including India, favourable year-round conditions enable large-scale seaweed farming, mariculture, and aquaculture, supporting food security, exports, and the nutraceutical industry. Marine algae serve as feed, biofuels, and fertilizers, while rich biodiversity fosters bioprospecting for marine-derived drugs. Fisheries in India contribute over 1% of GDP, with the broader Blue Economy accounting for ~4% of GDP, sustaining millions of livelihoods. Expansion prospects exist via integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and mariculture, following successful Asian models such as China and Japan. In contrast, the Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic) present unique dynamics. Algae are mainly ice-associated, with highly seasonal productivity, producing novel bioactive compounds like antifreeze proteins and cold-adapted enzymes with pharmaceutical potential. Fisheries are limited to a few regulated species (e.g., Antarctic krill, Arctic cod), and aquaculture is nearly absent. This comparative perspective highlights the need for region-specific strategies that balance economic potential, environmental sustainability, and global collaboration to advance the Blue Economy across diverse ecosystems. |
| Keywords | Marine Algae, Blue economy, Drugs, Fisheries, Ocean |