Key Initiatives To Protect Marine And Coastal Environments

1. Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS)

• Being implemented from 1991. Assesses the health of coastal waters and facilitates management of pollution-related issues
• Programme was restructured and modified in 2000 2001 to include pollution monitoring; liaison, regulation and legislation; and consultancy services.

2.Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ)

• Launched in 1995. Investigates the effects of global change on the coastal zone
• Aims to develop, on a scientific basis, the integrated management of coastal environments

3. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM)

• Launched in 1998
• Aims at integrated management of coastal and marine areas.
• Model plans for Chennai, Goa and Gulf of Kutch being prepared

4. Society of  Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)

• Launched in 2010
• Major national initiative to protect coastal ecosystems
• A professional body with experts in various aspects of coastal science and management

5. Institutions for Coastal Management

• The Notification on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), 1991 (as amended from time to time) aims at protecting coastal stretches in India.
• India has created institutional mechanisms such as National Coastal Zone Management
• Authority (NCZMA) and State Coastal Zone Management Authority (SCZMA) for enforcement and monitoring of the CRZ Notification.
• These authorities have been delegated powers under Section 5 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 to take various measures for protecting and improving the quality-of the coastal environment and preventing, abating  and controlling environmental pollution in coastal areas.