Marine Resources
Delhi Police & SSC Exams
1. Introduction
The oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and are a vast storehouse of resources — both living and non-living.
These resources play a major role in supporting human life, trade, energy, and economy.
Memory Trick:
"Blue World = Treasure World"
Key Concepts:
- Living and non-living marine resources
- Ocean energy sources
- Economic and environmental importance
- Conservation and sustainable use
2. Classification of Marine Resources
| Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Biotic (Living) | Fish, algae, plankton, whales | Derived from living organisms in oceans. |
| Abiotic (Non-living) | Minerals, oil, gas, salt | Derived from non-living materials like seabed deposits. |
| Energy Resources | Tidal energy, wave energy | Energy harnessed from oceanic movements. |
3. Biotic (Living) Resources
Major Categories:
Fish & Shellfish
- Major protein source for humans
- Example: Tuna, cod, sardines
- Important fishing grounds: North Sea, Japan Coast, Arabian Sea
Seaweeds & Algae
- Used in food, cosmetics, and fertilizers
- Source of iodine and agar
Plankton
- Base of the marine food chain
- Supports all marine life
Pearls & Coral
- Formed by oysters and coral polyps
- Used in ornaments and tourism
Memory Trick: "Fish, Weed, Pearl, Plankton — All Feed Our Function."
4. Abiotic (Non-Living) Resources
Major Categories:
Petroleum & Natural Gas
- Found in continental shelf areas
- Example: Mumbai High (India), North Sea, Gulf of Mexico
Minerals
- Manganese nodules, iron, copper, cobalt, and nickel found on deep ocean floors
- Salt obtained through seawater evaporation
Sand and Gravel
- Extracted from seabed for construction
Memory Trick: "Oil, Gas, Metal, Salt — Nature's Marine Vault."
5. Energy Resources from Ocean
| Energy Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tidal Energy | From rise and fall of tides | Gulf of Khambhat (India) |
| Wave Energy | From movement of surface waves | Tamil Nadu Coast (Pilot projects) |
| Ocean Thermal Energy (OTEC) | From temperature difference between surface and deep water | Lakshadweep, Andaman Pilot Plants |
Important Fact: India is developing tidal and wave power projects under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
6. Importance of Marine Resources
| Importance | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Economic Value | Source of food, minerals, and trade. |
| Energy Source | Renewable options like wave/tidal power. |
| Industrial Use | Salt, magnesium, iodine, fertilizers. |
| Climate Regulation | Oceans absorb CO₂ and influence global climate. |
| Employment | Millions work in fishing and shipping industries. |
7. Overexploitation and Conservation
Problems and Effects:
| Problem | Effect |
|---|---|
| Overfishing | Decline in fish population. |
| Oil Spills | Marine pollution. |
| Mining | Habitat destruction. |
| Climate Change | Coral bleaching, ocean acidification. |
Conservation Measures:
Regulate deep-sea fishing
Control oil spill pollution
Promote marine protected areas (MPAs)
Develop sustainable ocean economy (Blue Economy)
Memory Trick: "Save the Blue, Save the Future."
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC, & State Exams)
The main source of common salt is —
Options: A) Inland lakes B) Rocks C) Sea water D) Mines
Category: Marine Resources
Show Answer
C) Sea water
Mumbai High is famous for —
Options: A) Iron ore B) Coal mining C) Petroleum production D) Fishing
Category: Indian Resources
Show Answer
C) Petroleum production
Which of the following is a marine energy resource?
Options: A) Solar power B) Wind power C) Tidal power D) Nuclear power
Category: Energy Resources
Show Answer
C) Tidal power
Manganese nodules are found —
Options: A) On land surface B) In river basins C) On the ocean floor D) In glaciers
Category: Mineral Resources
Show Answer
C) On the ocean floor
Which of the following is a living marine resource?
Options: A) Natural gas B) Fish C) Salt D) Iron ore
Category: Resource Classification
Show Answer
B) Fish
Which of the following is not a marine energy resource?
Options: A) Wave energy B) Tidal energy C) Ocean thermal energy D) Biomass energy
Category: Energy Types
Show Answer
D) Biomass energy
9. Summary Table
| Category | Example | Key Use |
|---|---|---|
| Biotic | Fish, seaweed, coral | Food, industry |
| Abiotic | Petroleum, salt, manganese | Energy, minerals |
| Energy | Tidal, wave, OTEC | Renewable energy |
| Conservation Need | Prevent overfishing, pollution | Sustainable use |
Final Exam Tips
Oceans = 71% of Earth
Main resources → Fish, Oil, Minerals, Energy
Mumbai High → Petroleum
Gulf of Khambhat → Tidal Energy Project
Manganese nodules → Deep Ocean Floor
Use mnemonic: "Fish-Oil-Metal-Power = Marine Flower"
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