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

Download Marine Protected Areas in India Notes PDF in English


Follow on Facebook

By Team Learning Mantras