Marine Protected Areas in India – Geography Notes PDF in English & Hindi for UPSC and Other Competitive Exams
Marine Protected Areas in India: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated regions in the ocean where human activities are restricted or regulated to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. India has established several Marine Protected Areas to conserve its marine resources and support sustainable fisheries.
Marine Protected Areas in India
Here are some of the notable Marine Protected Areas in India:
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu:
- Located in the Gulf of Mannar between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
- Rich in coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and diverse marine life.
- Home to endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles.
- Rann of Kutch Marine Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Situated in the Gulf of Kutch along the Gujarat coast.
- Supports a variety of marine life, including flamingos, dolphins, and various fish species.
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha:
- Located in the Bhitarkanika region of Odisha.
- Known for its critical nesting grounds for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
- Sundarbans Reserve Forest, West Bengal:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans both India and Bangladesh.
- Home to the Bengal tiger and a unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Netrani Island Marine Sanctuary, Karnataka:
- Located off the Karnataka coast near Murudeshwar.
- Features coral reefs and a variety of fish species, making it a popular diving destination.
- Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, Gujarat:
- An extension of the Rann of Kutch Marine Sanctuary and home to marine life and coastal bird species.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Comprises 15 islands with diverse coral reefs and marine life.
- Offers opportunities for snorkeling and underwater exploration.
- South Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Located in the Andaman Sea, it is known for its coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems.
- Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha:
- A unique mangrove ecosystem with a network of rivers, creeks, and estuaries.
- Home to saltwater crocodiles and a variety of bird species.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu:
- A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that includes the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
- Encompasses marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems.
Marine National Parks in India
State/ UT’s | Name of Marine Protected Area |
Odisha | Bhitarkanika |
Gujarat | Gulf of Kachchh |
West Bengal | Sundarbans |
Tamil Nadu | Gulf of Mannar |
Marine Sanctuary in India
State/ UT’s | Name of Marine Protected Area |
Maharashtra | Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary |
West Bengal | West Sundarbans |
Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Dadra & Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary |
Odisha | Gahirmatha |
Daman & Diu | Fudam |
Andhra Pradesh | Krishna |
Goa | Chorao Island |
Maharashtra | Malvan Marine Wildlife Sanctuary |
Odisha | Chilika (Nalabana) |
Odisha | Balukhand Konark |
Gujarat | Khijadia |
Andhra Pradesh/Tamil Nadu | Pulicat Lake |
Andhra Pradesh | Coringa |
West Bengal | Haliday Island |
West Bengal | Sajnakhali |
West Bengal | Lothian Island |
Odisha | Bhitarkanika |
Tamil Nadu | Point Calimere |
Kerala | Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu (Community Reserve) |
Marine Sanctuaries and Protected Areas in Island Territories of India
Islands | Name of Marine Protected Areas | Category |
Lakshadweep | Pitti | Marine Sanctuary |
Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Rani Jhansi | Marine National Park |
Kwangtung Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
South Button Island | Marine National Park | |
North Button Island | Marine National Park | |
Mount Harriet | Marine National Park | |
Middle Button Island | Marine National Park | |
Saddle Peak | Marine National Park | |
Mahatma Gandhi Marine | Marine National Park | |
Arial Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Bamboo Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Barren Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Batti Malv Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Belle Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Bennett Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Bingham Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Blister Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Bluff Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Bondville Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Brush Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Buchanan Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Campbell Bay | Marine National Park | |
Channel Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Cinque Islands | Marine Sanctuary | |
Clyde Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Cone Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Curlew (B.P.) Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Curlew Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Defence Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Dot Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Dotterel Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Duncan Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
East Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
East Of Inglis Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Egg Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Elat Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Entrance Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Galathea National Park | Marine National Park | |
Gander Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Girjan Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Goose Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Hump Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Interview Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
James Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Jungle Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Kyd Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Landfall Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Latouche Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Lohabarrack | Marine Sanctuary | |
Mangrove Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Mask Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Mayo Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Megapode Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Montgomery Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Narcondam Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
North Brother Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
North Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
North Reef Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Oliver Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Orchid Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Ox Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Oyster Island-I | Marine Sanctuary | |
Oyster Island-II | Marine Sanctuary | |
Paget Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Parkinson Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Passage Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Patric Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Peacock Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Pitman Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Point Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Potanma Islands | Marine Sanctuary | |
Ranger Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Reef Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Roper Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Ross Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Rowe Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Sandy Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Sea Serpent Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Shark Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Shearme Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Sir Hugh Rose Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Sisters Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Snake Island-I | Marine Sanctuary | |
Snake Island-II | Marine Sanctuary | |
South Brother Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
South Reef Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
South Sentinel Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Spike Island-I | Marine Sanctuary | |
Spike Island-II | Marine Sanctuary | |
Stoat Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Surat Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Swamp Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Table (Dalgarno) Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Table (Excelsior) Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Talbagicha Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Temple Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Tillongchang Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Tree Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Trilby Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Tuft Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Turtle Islands | Marine Sanctuary | |
West Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Wharf Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
White Cliff Island | Marine Sanctuary | |
Galathea Bay | Marine Sanctuary | |
Cuthbert Bay | Marine Sanctuary |
Download Marine Protected Areas in India Notes PDF in Hindi
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