Designation of Bhavasagara Referral Centre as National Repository

In January 2024, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) officially designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre as India’s National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna. Located in Chennai, Bhavasagara now serves as the central hub for collection, preservation, and scientific study of deep-sea species from India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The repository houses over 10,000 specimens collected from depths exceeding 2000 meters, representing the largely unexplored biodiversity of India’s deep oceanic regions (PIB, 2024). This institutional recognition aligns with the objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission launched in 2021, which aims to explore 75% of India’s deep ocean area by 2030 (MoES, 2021).

Legal and Constitutional Framework Governing Deep-Sea Fauna Conservation

Article 48A of the Constitution mandates the State to protect and improve the environment, providing a constitutional foundation for marine biodiversity conservation. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 empowers the government to regulate activities affecting the environment, including marine ecosystems. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2006) under Sections 2 and 38 extends protection to fauna, including marine species. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (Sections 2 and 36) governs conservation and sustainable use of biological resources, regulating access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing. The Indian Fisheries Act, 1897 controls fishing operations to prevent over-exploitation. The Deep Ocean Mission, under MoES, integrates these legal instruments to promote research, conservation, and sustainable use of deep-sea biodiversity.

• Article 48A: Directive principle for environmental protection
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Framework for environmental regulation
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Protection of fauna including marine species
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Regulation of genetic resources and benefit sharing
• Indian Fisheries Act, 1897: Regulation of fishing activities
• Deep Ocean Mission (2021): Supports deep-sea exploration and biodiversity research

Economic Significance of Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Blue Economy

India’s blue economy contributes an estimated $54 billion to the GDP (NITI Aayog, 2021), with marine fisheries alone contributing 1.24% to GDP and employing over 14 million people (MPEDA, 2023). The Deep Ocean Mission’s focus on deep-sea biodiversity research is projected to attract investments worth $500 million over the next five years. The marine biotechnology sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% until 2030 (FICCI, 2023), driven by bioprospecting and pharmaceutical R&D. The designation of Bhavasagara as the national repository is expected to catalyse export revenues by 10-15% in marine bio-products, leveraging the repository’s vast collection and research capabilities. The government’s allocation of Rs. 4000 crore for the Deep Ocean Mission (2021-26) underlines the strategic economic priority accorded to marine resource development.

• Blue economy GDP contribution: $54 billion (NITI Aayog, 2021)
• Fisheries sector employment: 14 million (MPEDA, 2023)
• Marine biotechnology CAGR: 7.5% till 2030 (FICCI, 2023)
• Projected investment in deep-sea research: $500 million (Deep Ocean Mission)
• Government funding: Rs. 4000 crore for Deep Ocean Mission (2021-26)

Key Institutions and Their Roles in Marine Biodiversity

The Bhavasagara Referral Centre functions as the primary repository and research hub for deep-sea fauna. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) oversees the Deep Ocean Mission and coordinates marine research initiatives. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) regulates access and benefit-sharing under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) conducts research on marine fisheries and biodiversity, contributing data on species and ecosystem health. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) promotes marine product exports, while the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) provides oceanographic data and advisory services critical for sustainable marine resource management.

• Bhavasagara Referral Centre: Repository and research hub for deep-sea fauna
• MoES: Policy and mission oversight
• NBA: Regulatory authority for biodiversity access and benefit-sharing
• CMFRI: Marine fisheries and biodiversity research
• MPEDA: Export promotion of marine products
• INCOIS: Ocean data and advisory services

Data on India’s Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Oceanic Resources

India’s EEZ spans 2.02 million sq km, rich in underexplored deep-sea biodiversity (MoES, 2023). Currently, only 5% of India’s deep-sea biodiversity has been scientifically documented (CMFRI, 2023). The Bhavasagara repository’s 10,000+ specimens represent a critical scientific asset for cataloguing and studying these species. India ranks fourth globally in marine capture fisheries with 4.5 million tonnes produced annually (FAO, 2022). Marine fisheries contribute 5.15% to agricultural GDP (Economic Survey, 2023). Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore and map 75% of India’s deep ocean area by 2030, filling critical knowledge gaps.

• India’s EEZ: 2.02 million sq km (MoES, 2023)
• Documented deep-sea biodiversity: 5% (CMFRI, 2023)
• Bhavasagara specimens: >10,000 (PIB, 2024)
• Marine capture fisheries: 4.5 million tonnes/year (FAO, 2022)
• Fisheries contribution to agri GDP: 5.15% (Economic Survey, 2023)
• Deep Ocean Mission target: 75% deep ocean exploration by 2030

Comparative Analysis: India’s Bhavasagara vs Japan’s JAMSTEC

Critical Gaps in India’s Deep-Sea Biodiversity Governance

India currently lacks an integrated legal framework specifically addressing deep-sea genetic resources and bioprospecting rights in international waters. This gap risks conflicts under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and hinders commercialization and conservation efforts. While the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 regulates genetic resources within national jurisdiction, deep-sea genetic resources beyond EEZ require clearer policies. The absence of a dedicated deep-sea genetic resource regime limits India’s ability to fully capitalize on bioprospecting and benefit-sharing opportunities.

• No integrated legal framework for deep-sea genetic resources beyond EEZ
• Potential conflicts with UNCLOS provisions on marine genetic resources
• Hinders commercialization and conservation of deep-sea bioproducts
• Need for harmonizing national laws with international maritime law

Significance and Way Forward

The designation of Bhavasagara as the National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna strengthens India’s institutional capacity to conserve marine biodiversity and advance scientific research. It supports sustainable blue economy development by enabling bioprospecting, pharmaceutical R&D, and export growth. Addressing legal gaps through a dedicated framework for deep-sea genetic resources aligned with UNCLOS will enhance India’s strategic autonomy in marine resource governance. Strengthening inter-agency coordination among MoES, NBA, CMFRI, and MPEDA is essential for integrated policy implementation. Increased investment in deep-sea exploration and data sharing will facilitate evidence-based conservation and sustainable exploitation of oceanic resources.

• Develop integrated legal framework for deep-sea genetic resources beyond EEZ
• Enhance inter-institutional coordination among marine research and regulatory bodies
• Increase funding and capacity building for deep-sea exploration and bioprospecting
• Leverage Bhavasagara repository for international collaboration and technology transfer
• Align national policies with UNCLOS and emerging international norms