Integrated coastal management of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi--a case study

A concerted effort is needed to achieve sustainable and equitable development of the coastal regions of India. In this direction government of India has initiated the processes of putting in place integrated coastal management through the Department of Ocean Development. The study area, an ecologically sensitive region is developing at a very fast rate, however, the development has neither been uniform nor spread over the entire region, rather it has been concentrated in Dakshina Kannada district alone. Innovative technologies have been introduced in the area of capture and culture fisheries and also there has been major industrial development. These two aspects have led to user-user conflict and concern for environmental degradation. The study reveals an urgent need to put in place processes leading to integrated coastal management. Cause and effects have been discussed and possible remedies suggested.