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Location : Near Jamnagar, Gujarat

Opened In : 1982

Coverage Area : 458 sq kilometers.

Famous For : Coral reef

Marine National Park is a major tourist attraction of Gujarat that showcases diverse flora and fauna found in the state. It is India's first Marine National Park that is located at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Jamnagar district.

The park acts as a divide between Rann of Kutch and Saurashtra Peninsula. The size of the park varies from place to place; Near the Arabian Sea, it is about 60 kilometers, which gradually increases to 170 kilometers in the eastern direction. Besides Marine National Park, there is also a Marine sanctuary that is located near it. Both the park as well as the sanctuary was established under wildlife acts in order to preserve the wildlife species that are endangered or vulnerable to extinction. The sanctuary was established in 1980 over a small area, but was later extended to form a national park.

Major Attractions of the Park :

Marine National Park is world famous for the spectacular deposits of coral reefs that are found in the coastal region. Most of the park is made up of the colonies created by these coral reefs. Their limestone formation ability led to the creation of several structures that are not only unique but also come in different sizes and shapes. Some of coral colonies look like horns while others assume the shape of internal structure of the brain. Apart from the corals, most popular ones that inhabit this land are sponges, urchins, shrimps, and turtles.

One can see myriad varieties of fish and octopus that are bright colored and have unique sizes as well as textures. The octopus, particularly, have the ability to mimic their surroundings in order to avoid getting noticed by their predators. Gobi's are known to dig deep into the soil for their protection.

Other Marine Life :

The park houses more than 200 mollusks species and about 40 sponge species that are known to thrive in the marine water. Sea anemones, sea pens, and sea fans that have brilliant colors and look like beautiful flowers. They are known to adorn the sea water with their bright tints and lovely colonies. The sea waters are stuffed with brilliant echinoderms including brittle stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.

Among the coastal avifauna, most prominent species are plovers, oyster catchers, and sandpipers. As these birds feed on marine life, they are known to come down during high tide conditions. Among other bird species that are attractive to the tourists include painted strokes, spoonbills, herons, darters and ibises. The park is a treat for ornithologists and researchers who get ample chances to watch varied avifauna.

Among the flora species, mangroves are the most prominent ones. There are six different species of mangroves that are known to exist in the Marine National Park. Avicennia alba, Avicennia officialnis, and Rhizopora mucronata are some of the examples.Varieties of Salvadora, Commiphora, and Tamarix are found in abundance.

The park is dotted with numerous big and small islands. Most of these islands are the inhabitants by diverse flora and fauna. Bedi Port, Karubhar, and Pirotan islands are blessed with multicolored birds and dolphins that attract the attention of the visitors. One can spend time listening to the melodious hums by these lovable creatures. Not only this, one can spend time in exploring their nesting and breeding habits.

Marine National Park is one of its own kind; its unique marine life is worth-watching.