Details on Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch

The Marine Park and Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Kutch are the first Marine National Park in India. In the years 1980 and 1982, the Gulf of Kutch was declared as India’s first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine National Park, respectively. There are 42 islands in this remote park, 33 of which are bordered by coral reefs, stretching a total of 170 kilometres down the coast. The sanctuary is located in the intertidal zone, where the region submerged in water at high tide may be viewed during low tide. More than a half-dozen coral species can be found in the reefs around some of the region’s most beautiful islands.

It’s a beautiful sight to see millions of colourful polyps attached to algae and other plants, and it may be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Low tide is a perfect time to see the birds feasting on the beached marine life. There are over 80 species of birds observed here.

History

Established in 1982, the Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch is one of the state’s most popular wildlife attractions, showcasing the region’s diverse marine flora and animals. First, of its kind, India’s first marine national park is the Marine Park and Marine Sanctuary. Located on the Gulf of Kutch’s southern shore, Marine Park is a popular tourist destination.

Coral reef flora and fauna, as well as mangrove cultivation, are on display in the Marine National Park’s landscape. Six mangrove species may be found in the Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch. Marine National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts since it is so vibrant and alive with species. There are 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch region, all of which are like diamonds in the Arabian seas. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a wonderful treasure for marine species to visit the islands in the Marine National Park, which are surrounded by diverse coral reefs and sandy beaches.

Location

The Jamnagar district of Gujarat’s state is home to the Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch. The Saurashtra peninsula and the Great and Little Ranns of Kutch are separated by the Gulf of Kutch, an arm of the Arabian Sea off India’s west coast. Seaward is 58 kilometres broad, whereas on the eastern side, it is 170 kilometres wide. It is one of the Marine-protected areas in India.

Key Attractions

1. A variety of bird species use the Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch as a nesting ground. Marine National Park in Gujarat is home to egrets, herons, ibises, ducks, spoonbills, gulls, and small cormorants. Turtles, sponges, prawns, eels, and sea urchins are among the other aquatic life found in Marine Sanctuary. The dugong, a sea mammal that resembles a seal, is also found in this sanctuary.
2. In the park’s protected regions, visitors may also see the extremely uncommon Barolo species. Those interested in animals can see octopus, starfish, corals, seahorses, pufferfish, giant green sea turtles, dolphins, and lobsters, to name a few.
3. For birdwatchers, Jamnagar is a haven and the only spot in India where you may see Crab Plovers in large numbers. As a unique wetland with seawater on one side and fresh water on the other, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is an excellent area to see a wide variety of birds. 
4. The Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch contains 42 islands off the coast of Jamnagar, the majority of which are encircled by reefs. A wide range of habitats is available, from coral reefs and mangroves to estuaries, sandy strands, marshes, and rocky shorelines. There is abundant marine life and birdlife in all environments.
5. At high tide, this area is submerged, but at low tide, it is exposed since it is located in the intertidal zone between these two extremes of the tide. Marine life and bird watchers alike will find themselves in heaven on these islands.
6. The Gulf of Kutch is home to a marine ecosystem that is unique in the world. It is possible to find a variety of ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove swamps, mudflats, and creek systems as well as saline grasslands and marshes. Birds and marine life thrive in all habitats.

Conclusion

The first marine national park in India is located in the Gulf of Kutch, which is a Marine-protected area, in India. Due to its wide variety of flora and fauna, it serves as a significant natural resource and beauty in India. The park is spread out in an archipelago of 42 islands. Many of the park’s aquatic species are protected from poachers since they are housed in the park.

The Marine National Park Gulf of Kutch offers a stunning view of the sky, the bottom, and the reef, which is adorned with colourful algae and coral. You can feel as if you’re one with nature when you take a stroll along the seaside. Tourists’ comfort is enhanced even further by the beautiful weather. While visiting the park, visitors are recommended to bring a variety of protective clothing, including hats, water bottles, and sunshield.