Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Oceans cover over 70% of Earth’s surface and host vast renewable and non-renewable resources. They offer critical solutions to global energy, food, and mineral crises.
Ocean Resources & Evaluation:
- Energy Resources:
- Tidal, wave, and OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion): Renewable, clean; high potential in coastal nations like India.
- Offshore oil & gas: Major global supply; risk of spills (e.g., Deepwater Horizon 2010).
- Methane hydrates: Abundant but risky; possible game changer, yet ecologically sensitive.
- Mineral Resources:
- Polymetallic nodules & sulphides: Rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese; deep-sea mining tech still evolving; environmental concerns remain.
- Salt & magnesium: Widely extracted, especially in arid coastal areas.
- Biological Resources:
- Fisheries & aquaculture: Major protein source for billions; facing overexploitation and habitat degradation.
- Marine biodiversity: Potential for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology; underexplored.
Conclusion:
Oceans present immense untapped potential, but harnessing them sustainably demands tech innovation, international cooperation, and robust environmental safeguards.
