Indian Ocean Natural Resources: Energy, Minerals, Fisheries, Biodiversity

The Indian Ocean—third largest at 70.5M km²—harbors vast natural resources driving regional economies and global supply chains.

1. Oil and Gas

Persian Gulf/Arabian Sea: World's largest concentration—Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar. ~65% of proven global oil reserves.
East Africa: Mozambique (Area 1, 4 Rovuma Basin), Tanzania (Blocks 1,2,4) — massive offshore gas discoveries (100+ TCF combined).

2. Seabed Minerals

• Manganese nodules: Abyssal plains (4,000-6,000m). Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co. Clarion-Clipperton Zone analog in Central Indian Ocean Basin.
• Cobalt-rich crusts: Seamount flanks. High Co, Mn, Fe, Cu, REEs. Prime Crust Zone extends into Indian Ocean.
• Polymetallic sulfides: Hydrothermal vents (Central Indian Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge). Cu, Zn, Pb, Au, Ag.

3. Fisheries

Commercial: Tuna (skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye — 20% global catch), sardines, mackerel, anchovies, shrimp, cephalopods.
Small-scale: Millions of artisanal fishers across 30+ coastal nations. Critical food security and livelihoods.

4. Marine Biodiversity

Coral reefs: Maldives, Chagos, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion — high endemism.
Flagship species: Dugong, sea turtles (5 species), whale sharks, humphead wrasse, Napoleon wrasse.
Threatened: 37% of reef-building corals, many sharks/rays.

5. Coastal Tourism

Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Thailand (Andaman), Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa — reef diving, beaches, luxury resorts. Major GDP contributor for island nations.

6. Renewable Energy Potential

Offshore wind: Strong, consistent winds off South Africa, Somalia, Oman, Western Australia.
Solar: High insolation coastlines and islands.
OTEC: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion viable in tropical regions (ΔT >20°C).

Governance Challenge

UNCLOS, ISA (International Seabed Authority), IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission), regional bodies — overlapping jurisdictions complicate sustainable management.