The oceanic resources are classified into the following parts:
1. Mineral Resources: Many types of mineral resources are present at the bottom of the oceans and in their water but their excavation is very limited. According to an estimation, in one cubic km. of sea water, 50 tonnes of silver, 25 tonnes of gold, 11 to 35 tonnes of copper, manganese, zinc and lead, 8 tonnes of uranium, 42 tonnes of potassium sulphate, 185 tonnes of magnesium chloride and many minerals and chemical elements are present. In addition to these, mineral oil, phosphate, salt, sand, gravel, platinum, tin, magnetite, iron, tungsten, and thorium, etc. minerals are also found in the oceans.
2. Food Resources: About 10 % of the total food materials in the world are obtained from the oceans. Fish is a good protein-rich diet which is an oceanic resource. Fishery . production is a major occupation in the world. Many coastal countries of the world are connected primarily with this business. The main source of their livelihood is the fish resource.
Besides the fish, various types of algae, plants, planktons, molluscs and many sea creatures are also obtained from the sea. Oceans provide shelter and food to the corals found in them. The existence of coral reserves is in danger due to increasing pollution. Their natural colour is changing due to chemical pollution.
3. Energy Resources: Oceans absorb almost three – fourth part of the insolation received by the earth. Winds and ocean currents flow due to this energy and the temperature of oceanic water increases. Energy is obtained by this. In the energy obtained from the oceans, the tidal energy, oceanic thermal energy and geothermal energy are the major ones.
Electricity is generated by harnessing the tidal energy from tides. In India, tidal electricity is generated from the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gulf of Kutch. Energy is also being obtained from the waves rising in the sea in many countries of the world. Geothermal energy can be obtained from the volcanic eruptions.
4. Drinking Water Resource: Water of the oceans is not meant for drinking purpose, but in the future it will be used for drinking and domestic works as well as in the industries, etc. For this, almost 500 plants have been installed in the world. These types of plants are installed in large number in the Gulf countries.
5. Transport and Trade: In ancient times, the oceans were considered obstacles in the mid of two terrains but now they provide the simplest and the most economical transportation facility. These are nature – made highways. The surface of water is flat. Thus, less propelling force is required to travel on it. The oceans present such routes which can be freely used because no country has specific right on them. The North Atlantic waterway is the most prominent among the major international waterways of the world.
This waterway connects North America to the Western European countries. One – fourth trade of the world’s total maritime trade is conducted only through this waterway. The highest importance of this maritime trade is also because it connects two industry – oriented areas. The major international waterway of the world is Suez waterway which connects London to Tokyo. This waterway greatly shortens the sea route passing through the Cape of Good Hope.
6. Strategic Importance: The oceans were considered obstacles in contact between different continents, but with the development of navigation, their trade and strategic importance has increased.
This is due to many reasons: Different countries want to increase their dominance to exploit minerals in the oceans. In today’s era, the importance of navy has increased significantly due to increasing economic activities and competition. India is trying to keep the Indian Ocean independent of naval competition at international forums. Currently, the increasing international conflicts lead to a considerable expansion of naval activities.
Making Pakistan a pawn, many big countries specially America, China and Russia are engaged in enhancing their dominance in the Indian Ocean. The unnecessary increasing dominance of these external and distant countries in the Indian Ocean can be dangerous and challenging for our country and this can cause instability in this area, and as a result, the progress of our country can be obstructed. Our country should be cautious about this kind of ill – will.
