Marine National Park UPSC
Marine National Parks are protected areas within a country's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that are designated to conserve and manage marine ecosystems and biodiversity. These parks are established to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems, protect endangered species, and provide opportunities for scientific research, education, and sustainable recreation.
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Key features of Marine National Parks
Key features of Marine National Parks typically include:
(i) Ecosystem Protection: The primary goal is to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem and its biodiversity, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and various marine species.
(ii) Conservation: Marine National Parks aim to conserve and restore the health of these ecosystems, including the protection of endangered and vulnerable species.
(iii) Sustainable Use: While the primary focus is conservation, some activities may be allowed within Marine National Parks as long as they are sustainable and do not harm the ecosystem. These activities might include recreational diving, snorkeling, and low-impact fishing.
(iv) Research and Education: Marine National Parks often serve as living laboratories for scientific research and provide educational opportunities to raise awareness about marine conservation.
(v) Regulation and Enforcement: There are usually regulations in place to manage human activities within the park, such as fishing restrictions and zoning to protect critical habitats.
Marine National Parks can vary greatly in terms of size, location, and specific regulations depending on the country that establishes them. Different countries have their own approaches to managing these areas.
The establishment and management of Marine National Parks are essential for the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources in a world facing increasing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
6 Marine National Park in India UPSC (List of Marine National Park in India)
What are the 6 marine national parks in India?
India has 6 Marine National Parks along its vast coastline. These protected areas are designed to conserve marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and coastal environments. Here is a list of the Marine National Parks in India:
1. Gulf Of Kutch Marine National Park (India's First Marine National Park)
The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park is a unique and ecologically significant area in India. Here are some key points:
(i) Location: The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park is situated in the Gulf of Kutch, along the western coast of India, specifically in the Jamnagar district in the state of Gujarat.
(ii) Establishment as a Marine Sanctuary: It was initially declared as a marine sanctuary in 1980, signifying its early commitment to protecting the marine environment.
(iii) Declaration as a Marine National Park: In 1982, it was officially designated as a Marine National Park, making it the first of its kind in India.
(iv) Geographical Coverage: The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park encompasses an area of 162.89 square kilometers, including 42 islands and the surrounding sea.
(v) Unique Topography: The park's unique topography includes a variety of features such as mudflats, creeks, and mangrove forests, which are vital for the region's biodiversity.
(vi) Endangered Dugong: One of the notable features of the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park is the presence of the endangered dugong, also known as the sea cow. Dugongs are large, herbivorous marine mammals and are rarely found in the wild.
(vii) Kharai Camel: Additionally, the park is also home to the Kharai camel, which is a unique breed of camel that is adapted to the coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park holds significant ecological value and plays a crucial role in conserving the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of the region. It is an important destination for both conservation efforts and ecotourism, providing opportunities for visitors to appreciate and learn about the rich natural heritage of the area.
Read More- Gulf Of Kutch Marine National Park
2. Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a significant and ecologically rich area along the coast of Tamil Nadu. Here are some key points:
(i) Location: The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is located in the Gulf of Mannar, off the southeastern coast of India, and it extends between the southeastern coast of India and the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka.
(ii) Geographical Coverage: The park is situated along the Coromandel coast, covering the coasts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram, and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. It comprises a cluster of islands, coral reefs, and coastal areas.
(iii) Establishment: The government of India declared a portion of the Gulf of Mannar as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park in 1986.
(iv) Biosphere Reserves: It was declared a Marine Biosphere Reserve of India in 1989.
(v) UNESCO Recognition: In 2001, the park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
(vii) Ramsar Site: In 2022, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve was listed as a Ramsar site, highlighting its international importance as a wetland area.
(viii) Size: The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park encompasses an area of approximately 560 square kilometers and includes 21 islands, estuaries, beaches, and mudflats.
(ix) Rivers: Several rivers, including the Vaigai, Pambar, Chittar, Vaippar, Manimuthar, and Thamirabarani, flow into the park, providing essential sources of water, nutrients, and sediment for the marine life.
(x) Marine Mammals: The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is home to a variety of marine mammals, including the Dugong (Sea Cow), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin, and occasionally the humpback dolphin. These marine mammals inhabit the coastal and offshore waters of the park, contributing to its ecological richness.
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a crucial area for marine biodiversity, and its various designations and recognitions emphasize its significance for conservation and environmental protection.
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3. Malvan Marine Sanctuary
The Malvan Marine Sanctuary is a valuable area for the conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Here are some key points:
(i) Location: The Malvan Marine Sanctuary is situated in the Malvan Taluka of Sindhudurg District in the state of Maharashtra, along the West Coast of India.
(ii) Establishment: It was officially established and notified as a marine sanctuary on 13th April 1987, recognizing the ecological significance of the marine ecosystem in the area.
(iii) Geographical Coverage: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 29.22 square kilometers, which allows it to encompass a variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs, rocky and intertidal zones, mangroves, and more.
(iv) Marine Biodiversity: The Malvan Marine Sanctuary is known for its rich marine biodiversity, with a wide variety of fauna species within its coastal and marine ecosystems. Notable marine mammals found in the sanctuary include: Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise etc. These mammals are a vital part of the sanctuary's marine ecosystem, contributing to its ecological diversity and significance.
Read More- Malvan Marine Sanctuary
4. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
The Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is a significant conservation area with unique marine and coastal ecosystems. Here are key points:
(i) Location: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in the South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, specifically in the Ritchie's Archipelago.
(ii) Establishment: The park was established on 28th May 1996 and was declared a marine national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
(iii) Geographical Coverage: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park spans an area of approximately 256 square kilometers, encompassing both marine and coastal ecosystems within its boundaries.
(iv) Marine Fauna: The park is home to a diverse array of marine fauna, including fish, corals, marine mammals, turtles, and other marine organisms. Some notable species found in and around the park include fruit-eating bats, spotted deer, dugongs, dolphins, and even blue whales.
The presence of a variety of marine life, including charismatic species like dolphins and blue whales, highlights the ecological significance of Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. It plays a crucial role in conserving the marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing habitat for a wide range of species.
Read More- Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
5. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, holds significant ecological and cultural importance. Here are some key points:
(i) Location: The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is situated in the South Andaman administrative district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is a union territory of India.
(ii) Establishment: It was established on 24th May 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It was named in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader of the Indian independence movement.
(iii) Geographical Coverage: The park encompasses an extensive area of approximately 281.5 square kilometers, which includes both land and marine components within the park's boundaries.
(iv) Location and Islands: The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located in the Wandoor region of the South Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It includes a total of 15 islands, including popular tourist destinations like Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands.
(v) Fauna: The park is home to a diverse range of fauna, both within its marine environment and on the surrounding islands. Notable examples of fauna found in the park include Andaman Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Civets, Fruit Bats, and Dolphins. These species contribute to the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the park.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park not only serves as a vital area for the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also pays tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, who played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. It is a place of natural beauty and cultural significance.
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6. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is of great ecological importance, primarily as a nesting ground for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Here are some key points:
(i) Location: It is situated in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, India, extending along the northeastern coastline from the Dhamra River mouth in the north to the Brahmani River mouth in the south.
(ii) Establishment: The sanctuary was officially declared a protected area in 1997 by the Government of Odisha, recognizing its ecological significance and its vital role as a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
(iii) Geographical Coverage: The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary covers a substantial area of approximately 1,435 square kilometers, making it a significant region for the conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles and the protection of the marine ecosystem.
(iv) Rivers: The sanctuary is bordered by several rivers along its coastline. The Dhamra River marks the northern boundary, while the Brahmani River marks the southern boundary. These rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal and contribute to the unique coastal environment.
(v) Fauna: The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Notable species found in and around the sanctuary include leopards, wild dogs (dholes), fishing cats, Irrawaddy dolphins, Olive Ridley sea turtles, and crocodiles.
The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Olive Ridley sea turtles, which use the area as a vital nesting site. Additionally, the sanctuary's diverse fauna and unique coastal ecosystem make it an essential region for biodiversity conservation in the eastern coast of India.
Read More- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Marine National Park UPSC Question
Q. How many Marine National Parks are in India?
A. India had a total of six Marine National Parks. These Marine National Parks are established to protect and conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Q. Which is the 1st Marine Park in India?/Where is India's first Marine National Park located in?
A. The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park in Gujarat, India, was the first Marine National Park to be established in the country. It was officially designated as a Marine National Park in 1980, making it the inaugural Marine National Park in India.
Q. Why is Marine National Park famous?
A. Marine National Parks are famous for several reasons:
(i) Conservation of Marine Ecosystems: They are established to protect and conserve marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and various marine species. These parks play a crucial role in preserving the natural balance and biodiversity of marine environments.
(ii) Biodiversity: Marine National Parks are known for their rich biodiversity. They are home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, and other unique species, making them popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
(iii) Research and Education: These parks often serve as living laboratories for scientific research, offering insights into marine life, ecosystems, and the impacts of environmental changes. They also provide educational opportunities to raise awareness about marine conservation.
(iv) Recreational Activities: Many Marine National Parks allow for recreational activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. These activities offer visitors a chance to explore the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.
(v) Protection of Endangered Species: Some Marine National Parks are known for their role in protecting and conserving endangered species, such as sea turtles, dugongs, and various types of coral.
(vi) Tourism and Eco-Tourism: They attract tourists and eco-tourists interested in experiencing the natural beauty of marine environments while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
(vii) Environmental Conservation: These parks are instrumental in preserving coastal and marine environments, which have a direct impact on local communities, fisheries, and the overall health of the planet.
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