Coast Guard joins hands with environmental bodies to combat marine pollution

In a significant step toward preserving India’s coastal ecosystems, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Habitats Trust and HCL Foundation in New Delhi.
This strategic partnership is aimed at intensifying efforts to tackle marine pollution and protect marine biodiversity, with a special focus on removing ghost nets, mapping affected areas, and involving coastal communities.
TACKLING MARINE POLLUTION HEAD-ON
Marine pollution has long been a critical issue affecting not only marine life but also the livelihoods of coastal communities. A key focus of the ICG-environmental foundations partnership will be the removal of ghost nets (discarded fishing nets) that continue to drift through the ocean, trapping marine creatures and damaging coral reefs. These “ghost nets” can remain in the water for years, making their removal crucial to restoring the health of marine ecosystems.
In addition to ghost net removal, the partnership will prioritise the mapping and classification of ghost gear aggregation areas. By identifying the regions most affected by ghost gear, clean-up efforts can be more effectively targeted, ensuring that resources are deployed where they are needed most.
PROTECTING SENSITIVE MARINE HABITATS
Another critical aspect the partnership is focused on is to conduct surveys in ecologically sensitive regions to monitor and protect biodiversity. These regions are home to vulnerable species and habitats that require careful management and protection to prevent further degradation.
The surveys will help gather essential data on the health of these ecosystems, informing conservation efforts and ensuring that they are based on scientific evidence.
A senior Coast Guard official emphasised the importance of these efforts, saying “Protecting our coastal ecosystems is not just about preserving biodiversity but also safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the sea. This partnership is a pivotal step in that direction”.’
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: KEY TO SUCCESS
A unique feature of this partnership is its focus on involving local coastal communities in conservation efforts. By engaging communities in activities such as ghost net removal and biodiversity monitoring, the initiative aims to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among those who live closest to the ocean.
A CRUCIAL PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE
As marine ecosystems continue to face growing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change, partnerships like this one between the ICG, The Habitats Trust, and HCL Foundation are essential for ensuring the future of our oceans, officials said.
By focusing on practical, targeted solutions such as ghost net removal, habitat protection, and community involvement, this initiative is paving the way for a brighter future for India’s marine environments, they added.