Introduction of Marine National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat :
A unique Marine eco-system is found in the Gulf of Kutch, (Jamnagar District), an area of 162.89 Sq. Km is declared as a Marine National Park and an area of 457.92 Sq. Km has been declared as a Marine Sanctuary. In all a total 931.33 Sq.Km of area including Mangrove forests is under the administration of Jamnagar Circle.
About Marine National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat :
The Gulf of Kutch on the west coast of India, in the State of Gujarat abounds in a variety of marine wealth. Mangrove, coral reefs. Sea grass & Sea weeds, sandy areas, mudflats, and other associated habitats, in the Gulf of Kutch support variety of marine flora and fauna. The area has excellent coral reefs; second to none in the country, though slightly over exploited it supports 37 species of hard & soft corals, 70 species of sponges, 150-200 species of fishes, 27 species of prawns.
30 species of crabs more than 200 species of mollusks. 3 species of endangered sea turtle. 3 species of sea snakes. 3 species of sea mammal. 94 species of water birds. 78 species of terrestrial birds and 108 species of brown, green & red algae. Taking into consideration the presence of the flora and fauna, the Govt. of Gujarat has declared an area of 437.92 Sq. Km as a Marine Sanctuary by notification Dt. 12.8.1980 and further the area of 162.89 Sq.Km was declared as Marine National Park by notification Dt. 20.7.1982. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared this Park as category-II area in the list of important national park of the world-” published by them.
The Continental Shelf :
One of the richest and most densely populated habitats lies between the land and the sea, on the underwater shelf which fringes most of the coastline in the Gulf of Kutch. In this shelf, offshore water life-forms in amazing variety and numbers jostle for existence in a swirling, energetic, stimulating environment. The sea surges across rocks and reefs, burying them deep in water during high tide, replacing air with water. Then the tide ebbs and the rocks and their myriad inhabitants are exposed again to air and sun. The inhabitants are exposed to wide variations in heat, cold, light, darkness, wind, salinity and water pressure.
Mangrove Forest :
The whole coast line in the gulf is fringed with luxuriant growth of Mangroves mainly Rhizophora, Avicennia. Ceriops spp. It shows remarkable ability to live in saline and tidal area where very few other tree species can grow. The slushy muddy mangrove marshes with high degree of dissolved 02 provide a paradise for marine creatures and the colorful living corals. Total area under mangroves in Jamnagar was about 300 Sq.Km in the past which reduced to 139 Sq.Km in 1975 and 33 Sq.Km in 1985. Coverage has improved ever since the area has been declared as a Marine National Park.
Better protection measures and extensive patrolling by staff has resulted into good mangrove coverage. As per 1993 and 1998 report the present area of mangrove forest in the park is 118 Sq. Km and 141 Sq.Km respectively. Mainly six species of mangrove are commonly represented in this area, i.e. Avicennia marina, Avicennia Alba, Avicennia officinal’s, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Aegiceros corniculata. Sporadic presence of Salvadora, Tamarix dioca & Commiphora wightii is observed on islands. These species of mangrove grow above the surface of muddy marshes by prop roots growing from its trunk and branches which provides an excellent haven, for water and shore birds. It helps in checking soil erosion and pollutants getting into the sea.
Preserving Mangroves :
Mangroves stabilize loose soil and detritus and protect the hinter land from tidal surges, cyclone storms and high velocity winds, and dissipate the wave entry. Mangroves in the estuarine inter-phases buffer high salinity, regulate rich organic-laden water flows, stabilize the alluvial soil brought from the river systems, fix the sediments of the sea with the detritus, thus producing one of the richest productive ecosystems, providing paradise for fish, marine invertebrates, mollusks, colorful living corals and birds.
The striking feature about the mangroves is the presence of aerial or prop roots to act as a supporting system and for respiration. Mangroves also function as a buffer against the oil leaks if any, is washed down from the sea. Such oil leaks act as a barrier in their breathing function and gradually lead to the death of mangrove species.
Major Flora and Fauna :
The Major Flora are Mangroves, Saag , Sesam , Kheru, Limda etc. and the major Fauna are Coral lichen ,Coral sponge, Green sponge, Puffer Fish, turtles , dolphins etc.
How To Reach The Park :
Air- The closest airport is located at Jamnagar (7kms).
Rail- The nearest railway station is situated in Jamnagar (7kms).
Road- The Park is well connected by road to major cities like Jamnagar, which is at a distance of 7kms from the Park.
Area covered- 458square.kilometers.
Chief attraction- Diverse types of marine life.
Location- The Park is located in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.