Sunny Priyan
Oceans hold vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals, and rare earth elements crucial for modern technology.
Extraction of marine resources can lead to economic growth, especially in coastal regions, by creating jobs and infrastructure.
Offshore oil, gas, and even renewable energy sources like tidal and wave power can reduce dependence on land-based resources.
Drilling, mining and dredging can harm marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and disrupt biodiversity.
Deep ocean extraction is expensive and risky, with challenges like extreme weather, deep-sea pressure, and oil spills.
Over extraction and lack of regulatory and ethical concerns can lead to resource conflicts, habitat destruction, and long-term ecological harm.