DEEP-SEA HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION IN THE GULF OF MANNAR : GEOGRAPHY

DEEP-SEA HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION IN THE GULF OF MANNAR : GEOGRAPHY

NEWS: Hydrocarbon Exploration in the Gulf of Mannar and Associated Environmental Concerns

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has included a 9,990.96 sq km deep-sea region in the Gulf of Mannar in its latest hydrocarbon exploration tender.This inclusion is part of the 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), which is the largest such bid under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).

 

Key Highlights of the Hydrocarbon Exploration Tender

Largest Oil & Gas Bid Round in India

  • India has launched its largest oil and gas exploration bid round, covering 25 blocks spanning 1.91 lakh sq. km.
  • The bid round primarily focuses on offshore hydrocarbon exploration.

 

Geographical Distribution of Oil & Gas Blocks

  • The identified reserves are located off the Tamil Nadu coast, particularly in the Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts.
  • The 25 blocks are distributed across 13 sedimentary basins.
  • The offshore region dominates with 19 offshore blocks and 6 on-land blocks.
  • Offshore exploration covers 1.75 lakh sq. km, which is 91% of the total bid area.

 

Inclusion of Previously Restricted ‘No-Go’ Areas

  • 16 blocks, covering 97,919.6 sq. km (51% of the bid area), were previously designated as ‘No-Go’ areas due to environmental concerns.
  • The Gulf of Mannar region, known for its rich marine biodiversity, falls within this newly opened exploration zone.

 

New Legislative Reforms

  • The Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Act (December 2024) was passed to streamline regulations and improve the investment climate for hydrocarbon exploration.

 

Environmental Concerns in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

Seismic Surveys and Marine Life Disruptions

  • Hydrocarbon exploration involves seismic surveys that use high-intensity sound waves to detect underwater oil and gas reserves.
  • These sound waves can disturb marine mammals, particularly species like dolphins and whales, by disrupting their communication and navigation abilities.

 

Chemical Pollution Risks

  • Oil and gas extraction activities can lead to chemical discharges, potentially contaminating the marine ecosystem.
  • Spillage of drilling fluids and other waste materials can adversely affect fish populations, leading to long-term ecological damage.

 

Threats to Fishing Communities and Livelihoods

  • The decline in fish stocks and habitat destruction caused by hydrocarbon extraction could significantly impact local fishing communities.
  • Traditional fishing practices might become unsustainable due to ecosystem degradation, resulting in economic hardships for coastal populations.

 

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR)

Introduction and Significance

  • The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR) is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in South and South-East Asia.
  • It is a protected area located along the southeastern coast of India, in Tamil Nadu.
  • Established in 1989, the biosphere reserve is one of the most ecologically sensitive zones in India.

 

Key Features of the Biosphere Reserve

  • The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve consists of:
  • A marine national park
  • 21 islands
  • Extensive oral reefs and seagrass beds
  • The region is renowned for its high marine biodiversity, which includes several endangered and endemic species.

 

Biodiversity and Endangered Species

  • Dugong (Sea Cow): One of the most critically endangered marine mammals found in this reserve.
  • Sea Turtles: Various species of sea turtles, including the Olive Ridley and Green Turtle, inhabit these waters.
  • Coral Reefs: The reserve is home to diverse coral species, which are crucial for marine biodiversity and coastal protection.
  • Mangrove Ecosystem: The biosphere also supports terrestrial ecosystems such as mangroves, forests, and grasslands.
  • Endemic Flora: Includes mangrove palm and sea hibiscus, which contribute to coastal stability and biodiversity conservation.

 

Global Recognition and Conservation Status

  • The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has received multiple international recognitions:
  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
  • World Heritage Site designation for its ecological significance.
  • Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, highlighting its crucial role in marine and coastal ecosystem conservation.

 

Conclusion

The inclusion of the Gulf of Mannar region in hydrocarbon exploration raises serious environmental concerns despite India’s push for energy security. While the new bid round under OALP and HELP aims to boost hydrocarbon production, it poses a potential threat to marine biodiversity, local fishing livelihoods, and ecosystem sustainability. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure that economic development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation in ecologically fragile zones like the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

Source:  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/deep-sea-region-of-gulf-of-mannar-included-in-hydrocarbon-exploration-tender/article69271127.ece