Give legal cover for marine wealth: Green Peace

Chennai, July 19 (UNI) Green Peace, an international NGO working on Ocean conservation, appealed the Union Government to come up with a clear pathway to bring a larger percentage of coastal and marine habitats under legal protection in consultation with local fishing communities.

In its report on ''Indian Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Planning for the Future'' released at a press conference on board the Esperanza docked here yesterday, the NGO's Oceans campaigner Sanjiv Gopal called for an increased protection of India's marine diversity.

In an ironic coincidence, the report was released a day after a tsunami caused death and destruction along Indonesia coastline, hammering home the importance of coastal and marine eco system, he added.

According to the report, India's marine protected areas cover less than 0.3 per cent of the Indian Economic Zone. The report represented case studies on several rich coastal biodiversity spots, including Sunderbans, Bhitarkanika, Pichavaram, Coringa and Gulf of Mannar, and specified the threats the coastal spots face.

Pointing out that India's marine diversity was spectacular and diverse with thousands of species, he said several marine habitats and coastal sanctuaries were facing threat due to over fishing and loss of habitat by reckless industrial growth.

Project leader of the 'Defending our Oceans', Ms Rose Young, said ''Globally two thirds of all fish stocks have been either over fished or at critical levels, while the situation in Imdai is not yet crucial, it is essential that preventive measures are taken now, before a total extinction.

''Any positive action at this time in the Indian waters will ensure the livelihood of Indian fishermen'', she added.

UNI RV JJ VA RAI0929