dc.description.abstract | The coastal zone of the country with its wetlands, lagoons, mangroves, sea-grass beds, coral reefs and shallow bays, creeks and estuaries is rich in natural resources including fisheries, coastal forestry products and minerals, and offers tremendous potential for recreation, aquaculture, extraction of freshwater and harnessing of tidal and wave energies. Unfortunately, much of this wealth is often exploited in an indiscriminate or ill planned manner resulting in rapid resource depletion and irreversible environmental degradation. Major driving forces for coastal degradation include (1) high rate of growth in population leading to reclamation of coastal areas and release of wastes, (2) over-fishing due to lack of alternative livelihoods, (3) large commercial enterprises aiming at quick profit at the cost of sustainability and their insensitivity to the interests of local inhabitants, (4) ignorance about management of resource sustainability among stake holders and policy makers, (5) lack of understanding of environmental significance and importance of coastal habitats, and (6) inadequate enforcement of environmental rules and regulations. Present paper examines the trends that have emerged concerning the status of the nearshore ecology of India in the context of development activities and the Government policies aimed at minimizing the impacts of anthropogenic interventions on the marine environment. | |