North Sea

Prelims-Places in news (GS I – Geography)

Context:

A collision between a cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker recently occurred in the North Sea.

Geographical The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by:

• • West: England and Scotland
  • South: The Netherlands, Belgium, and France
  • East: Norway, Denmark, and Germany
• Marginal Sea Characteristics:
  • A semi-enclosed body of water linked to the ocean.
  • Influenced by regional climate, ocean currents, and coastal geography.

Economic Importance of the North Sea

1. Oil & Gas Reserves:
   • A major hub for offshore drilling, particularly in the UK and Norway.
   • Plays a key role in global energy production.
2. Fisheries:
   • Among the richest fishing zones worldwide, supporting the economies of bordering nations.
3. Maritime Trade & Shipping:
   • A vital European trade route, linking major ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and London.
4. Renewable Energy Development:
   • Home to large-scale offshore wind farms, contributing to Europe’s shift towards clean energy.

Key Challenges & Environmental Concerns

• Oil & Gas Extraction:
  • Harms marine biodiversity, disrupts food chains, and alters ecosystems.
• Pollution & Oil Spills:
  • Industrial discharge and accidental spills degrade water quality and threaten marine species.
• Overfishing:
  • Excessive fishing reduces fish stocks, disturbing ecological balance.
• Shipping & Security Risks:
  • The presence of foreign vessels without AIS (Automatic Identification System) raises security concerns.
  • Potential threats include sabotage of infrastructure and unregulated maritime activities.
• Climate Change Impacts:
  • Rising sea levels and shifting temperatures endanger marine and coastal ecosystems.