List of Marine Protected Areas in India

India's Marine Protected Areas

Location and characteristics

Gulf of Mannar National Park

1. Location: Tamil Nadu

2. Notified as National Park in 1986 and attained the status of biosphere reserve in 1989.

3. It is the shelter of all the species of Mangrooves and the home of Pempis Acidula.

4. Enhalus Accoroids is the prevalent species of grass and it also provides 11 species of sea grasses.

5. Sea Cows, Sea Anemone, Sea Cucumber, Sea Horse and Dolphins are found in this area.

Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park

1. Location: Gujarat

2. It is the first National Marine park of India.

3. Gangetic Dolphins, Giant Crabs, Ray Fish, rarely found Balooga whales, Giant Leather Back Turtles, Horn Fish, colourful corals and sponges, giant sea anemone, jelly fish, sea horse, octopus, pearl oyster, Portuguese man of war, starfish, dolphin, shark are the famous fauna species found in this area.

4. Area is blessed with 70 species of sponges, 52 species of coral, 27 species of prawn, and 30 species of crabs.

Gulf Kutch Sanctuary

1. Location: Gujarat

2. It covers five islands as well as the inter-tidal zone from Navlakhi to Okha.

3. Area is blessed with 70 species of sponges, 52 species of coral, 27 species of prawn, and 30 species of crabs.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

1.  Location: Andaman & Nicobar Island

2. Coral reef of this area are fringing reef and famous for the breeding ground of turtle.

3. Area is famous for variety of coral reefs, colourful fishes, molluscs, shells, starfish, turtles, salt-water, and crocodile.

Gahirmatha Sanctuary

1. Location: Odisha

2. It is world's most important nesting beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.

3. Wildlife attraction: Olive Ridley sea turtles, Terminenalia, Zizphus Bija, Salaia, Sal, Babul, Species, Teak, Hair.