Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park UPSC

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is located in the Gulf of Mannar, which is situated between the southeastern coast of India and the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka.

The Gulf of Mannar is known for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. The national park encompasses a range of habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches, which support a rich variety of marine life.

The park is home to endangered and threatened species such as dugongs (sea cow), sea turtles, dolphins, and various species of corals and fish. It is also a vital breeding ground and feeding area for several migratory birds.

It is a designated Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance) and has been recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It is considered first marine biosphere reserve in South Asia.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
Dugong (Sea Cow)
UPSC Questions

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Location

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected marine area located in the Gulf of Mannar, off the coast of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is situated between the southeastern coast of India and the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka.

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is situated in Coromandel coast covering coasts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. It includes a cluster of islands, coral reefs, and coastal areas.

Nearest Airport:

Madurai International Airport, about 150 km away.

Nearest Railway Station:

Rameswaram Railway Station, about 7 km away.
Mandapam Railway Station, about 50 km away.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park History

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has a rich history that spans centuries. Here are some key historical points related to the park:

1. Cultural Significance: The Gulf of Mannar region has been a center of cultural and economic exchange between India and other civilizations since ancient times. The coastal towns and ports along the Gulf of Mannar played a vital role in maritime trade and interactions with various civilizations, including the Roman Empire, ancient Greeks, Arab traders, and Chinese merchants.

2. Marine Trade and Pearling Industry: The Gulf of Mannar was renowned for its valuable marine resources, including pearl oysters. The region had a thriving pearling industry during ancient and medieval times. Pearls from the Gulf of Mannar were highly prized and traded across the Indian Ocean.

3. Colonial Era: During the colonial period, the Gulf of Mannar region came under the control of various European powers. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British had a significant presence along the coast and established trading posts and settlements.

4. Marine Conservation Efforts: In the early 20th century, concerns about the degradation of marine resources in the Gulf of Mannar began to surface. Efforts were initiated to conserve the region's biodiversity and protect its fragile ecosystems.

5. Establishment of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: In 1986, the Government of India declared a portion of the Gulf of Mannar as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, recognizing its ecological significance and the need for its conservation. The establishment of the national park aimed to protect the diverse marine life and habitats within the region.

6. Biosphere Reserves: In 1989, it was declared as a Marine Biosphere Reserve of India by the Government of India. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park formed core area of Biosphere Reserve.

7. Recognition as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2001, the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has received further recognition for its ecological importance. It was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and included in World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.

8. Recognition as Ramsar Site: In 2022, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve was listed as a Ramsar site, emphasizing its importance as a wetland of international importance.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Area

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park encompasses an area of approximately 560 square kilometers (216 square miles). It Comprising 21 islands including estuaries, beaches and mudflats.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve which includes a 10 km buffer zone around the park, including the populated coastal area.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park River

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is fed by several rivers including the Vaigai, Pambar, Chittar, Vaippar, Manimuthar, and Thamirabarani. These rivers are important sources of water for the park and are sources of nutrients and sediment for the marine life.

(1) Vaigai River:

The Vaigai River is a major river in Tamil Nadu, originating in the Western Ghats and flowing through Madurai and Theni districts. It eventually reaches the Gulf of Mannar, providing freshwater inflow to the marine park.

(2) Pambar River:

The Pambar River, also known as the Pamba River, originates in the Anaimudi Hills of the Western Ghats and flows through the Theni and Virudhunagar districts. It joins the Vaigai River before reaching the Gulf of Mannar, contributing to the water flow and nutrient supply.

(3) Chittar River:

The Chittar River is a small river that flows through the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It merges with the Tamirabarani River and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mannar, providing freshwater and sediment to the marine park.

(4) Vaippar River:

As mentioned earlier, the Vaippar River also contributes to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park's water flow and nutrient supply.

(5) Manimuthar River:

The Manimuthar River originates in the Agasthyamalai Hills of the Western Ghats and flows through the Tirunelveli district. It joins the Gulf of Mannar near Manimuthar estuary, bringing freshwater and sediment to the marine ecosystem.

(6) Thamirabarani River:

The Thamirabarani River is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts before reaching the Gulf of Mannar. It is an important source of freshwater, nutrients, and sediment for the marine park.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Flora

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, which includes a variety of coastal and marine plant species. Here are some of the notable flora found in the park:

(1) Mangroves:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is home to several species of mangroves, which are specialized plants that grow in saline coastal environments. Some of the mangrove species found in the Gulf of Mannar include Rhizophora apiculata, Avicennia marina, Ceriops decandra, and Excoecaria agallocha. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by stabilizing shorelines, providing habitat for various organisms, and acting as nurseries for many marine species.

(2) Coral Reefs:

While coral reefs are primarily composed of coral animals, they form a unique and vibrant ecosystem that also includes various types of marine plants. These plants, such as coralline algae, contribute to the structural complexity and overall health of the coral reef ecosystem in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.

(3) Seagrasses:

Seagrass beds are another important component of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow underwater in coastal areas. They include species such as Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, and Cymodocea serrulata. Seagrass beds provide food and shelter for numerous marine organisms, including sea turtles, dugongs, and various fish species.

(4) Algae and Seaweeds:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park supports a diverse range of algae and seaweeds. These photosynthetic organisms are essential for the marine ecosystem, providing food, oxygen, and habitat for many marine species. They come in various forms, including filamentous algae, red algae, brown algae, and green algae.

(5) Other Coastal Flora:

The coastal areas surrounding the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park are adorned with a variety of plant species adapted to the brackish and sandy environments. These include beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae), sea holly (Acanthus ilicifolius), beach hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus), and various grasses and shrubs.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Fauna (Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Animals)

Which animals are found in Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park?

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including a wide range of marine species. Here are some notable fauna found in the park:

(1) Marine Mammals:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park provides habitat for several species of marine mammals, including the Dugong (Sea Cow), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin and occasionally, the humpback dolphin. These mammals inhabit the coastal and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mannar and contribute to the park's ecological richness.

(2) Sea Turtles:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is an important nesting and foraging ground for sea turtles. Species such as the Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and occasionally, the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) can be found in the area. These turtles rely on the park's beaches for nesting and the seagrass beds and coral reefs for foraging.

(3) Fishes:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park supports a diverse range of fish species. The coral reefs and seagrass beds serve as important habitats and breeding grounds for numerous reef fish, including Sea Horses, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and groupers. Other commercially important fish species found in the Gulf of Mannar include barracudas, snappers, and mackerels.

(4) Invertebrates:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is home to a wide variety of invertebrates, including corals, sponges, sea anemones, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and various mollusks such as gastropods and bivalves. These invertebrates play essential roles in the marine ecosystem, providing food sources and habitat for other organisms.

(5) Crustaceans:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is known for its rich crustacean fauna, including various species of crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and prawns. These crustaceans inhabit the coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy areas of the marine park.

(6) Birds:

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is also frequented by a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory. The coastal and island habitats of the park attract birds such as egrets, herons, terns, gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and various seabirds. The islands within the park, such as Kurusadai Island, are important nesting sites for birds.

Dugong (Sea Cow) in Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is known to be a habitat for the dugong (Dugong dugon), also known as the sea cow. Dugongs are large marine mammals that belong to the same order as manatees. They are herbivorous creatures that feed on seagrasses, making the seagrass beds in the Gulf of Mannar an important part of their habitat.

The Gulf of Mannar is recognized as one of the few remaining areas in India where dugongs can be found. These gentle creatures are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to various threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, and pollution.

The seagrass meadows of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park provide an essential food source and habitat for the dugongs. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect these habitats, including the establishment of protected areas and regulations on fishing practices to minimize disturbances to the dugongs and their seagrass feeding grounds.