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Act, 1972 for the protection of threatened
marine flora and fauna in the area. This park was declared as
the first marine national park in India in 1982 and covers an
area of 458 square kms. The Marine national park consists of
an archipelago of 42 islands. Some of the best known islands
are Pirotan, Karubhar, Narara, Poshitra.
Wildlife Attractions in the Marine
National Park
Colourful coral reefs, mangrove swamp forests, mudflats, sea
grass, sea weeds, Saag, Sesam, Kheru, Limda and rocky shoals
form the landscape of the shallow waters of the Marine
National Park. These plants prevent the land based predators
from penetrating and also provides shelter to the birds for
nesting and roosting purposes. Coral lichen, Coral sponge,
Green sponge, Puffer Fish, Crabs, Prawns, Sea anemones, Jelly
Fishes, Octopus, Sea hare, Shelled mollusks, Sea slug, Star
fish, Dolphins, Sea turtles and various coastal birds like
painted storks, herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, darters,
flamingoes, avocets, ducks, terns, gulls, little cormorants
and stints can be seen feeding on the mudflats and rocky
shores, nesting on the mangrove canopies and wading in shallow
coastal waters. Dugong or sea cow, a marine mammal that looks
like sea and breed in the Arabian sea and rare species of
Bonnalia, an undivided worm, was also found here. During the
monsoon season, 30 different species of migratory birds make
their home among the mangrove forests. One of the most
threatened birds, the great Indian bustard and Chowsingha, the
world’s only four-horned antelope is also found in certain
protected areas in this island.
In the Marine National Park, corals create fantasies in stone
and are the master builders of the Park. Their limestone
fortresses come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from
the convoluted brain coral to corals that look like horns.
There are some plants that look like animals and animals that
look like plants. There are various varieties of turtles,
shrimp, sponge, eels, sea urchin lurk, fishes and octopuses
that create a brilliance of colours that can be unknown,
unseen and unimaginable to us. Gobies are also there which
clean parasites from other fish and fishes who burrow so deep
that only their eyes can seen. The Marine National Park also
maintains a hatchery at Madhopur near Porbandar and also some
temporary hatcheries on islands near Okha and Dwarka.
Best time to visit the Marine National Park
The best time to visit the Marine national park is from end of
October till end of February. You can also hire boats at
jetties near Jamnagar for a trip to the Marine national park.
How to reach Marine National Park
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Jamnagar, about 7 kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station are located at Jamnagar and Rajkot.
By Road:
The nearest bus stand is located at Jamnagar. |
