Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: India's Spectacular Marine Park

Location and Overview

Gulf of Mannar is a stunning place located in Tuticorin and Ramanathpuram districts of Tamil Nadu state. This is where the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is found. It is the first Indian marine biosphere reserve. The park occupies a total area of 6.23km². The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park consists of more than twenty islands surrounded by coral reef areas. It offers shallow water habitat for specific marine biodiversity. The park also forms part of the Indian Ocean. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park has a rich biodiversity with animals and plants near the shore, and in its marine intertidal habitat.

History and Geography

Over two thousand years ago, the park was known for its Pinctada Radiata and Pinctada Fucata. Though very expensive, the extraction of pearls is still taking place in the area. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park was initially called Pamban to Tuticorin barrier reef. The place was officially declared a Marine National Park in 1980. In 1989, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park was authentically given the status of a biosphere. As stated earlier, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is found in Tuticorin and Ramanathpuram districts of the state of Tamil Nadu. This park forms the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere is situated in the South Eastern side of Tamil Nadu. It extends from Rameswaram in the North to Kanyakumari in the south.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The park sustains the life of different flora and fauna. The major flora in the ecosystem include Halodule uninervis, C. serulata, C rotunds, Rhizophora muctonata, Bruguiera gymorrhiza, Lumnizera racemosa, Ceriops tagal, etc. Apart from the vast flora array, we have several fauna present in the park. We have the vertebrates and the invertebrates, birds, turtles and migratory birds. Examples of invertebrates include shrimp, lobsters, sea cucumbers, gastropods, cephalopods, etc. Vertebrates are the most visible, and form the majority of the park. They include blue whale, humpback, fin whale, finless porpoise, sperm whale, common dolphin, butterfly fish, clown fish, parrot fish, etc. The turtles include green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, leatherback turtle, etc. We also have birds and migratory birds in the park. Just to mention a few are lesser sandpiper, red knot, dunlin, crab plovers, bar tailed godwit, etc.

Tourism

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park can be visited at any time of the year though the best time of visit ranges from March to October. The park is open from 9.30am in the morning to 12.30 at noon. It is then closed partially for lunch breaks, and then reopened again from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The entry fee for adults is Rs. 10 and Rs.5 for children. Madurai is the closest airport, 150Km from the park. The airport is properly connected to the road so you can take a flight, and then finish the rest of the journey by a car or bus. Rameshwaram is the nearest railway station (7km from the park). It is also properly connected to the road. Roads connect the Gulf of Mannar National Park to all the cities in India. There are several government vehicles and cars that can be used to transport people to, and from the park. There are no accommodation arrangements within the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park area, but several hotels are found near the park. Glass bottom boat rides allow the tourists to view the unique flora and fauna of the marine habitat.

Threats and Conservation

Of all the parks in India, Gulf of Mannar National Park is much protected. Since the park supports delicate aquatic life, most of the tourists are not allowed in without permission. If allowed, they are not expected to stay in for so long. The state government is vigilant to protect the waters against pollution. The place is surrounded by the Marakeyars community, who largely depends on fishing as their major source of income. Also, this community poses great threat to the continued survival of some species in the park. They mercilessly hunt and kill animals. The state government is devising mechanisms to help protect the animals, and maintain the integrity of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.

Written By: A. Benojir, Bangladesh.

Read about other national parks in India here:

Indravati National Park
http://oishimaya.blogspot.ca/2016/07/indravati-national-park-unique-wildlife.html

Valmiki National Park
http://oishimaya.blogspot.ca/2016/07/valmiki-national-park-picturesque.html

Gangotri National Park
http://oishimaya.blogspot.ca/2016/06/gangotri-national-park-wildlife.html