About Gujarat’s Coastline

1^st Island

Gujarat is home to 144 islands along its 1,600-kilometer coastline, the longest in India.

These islands can be classified into four types:

Offshore Islands: These islands are situated in the open sea or ocean, positioned at a considerable distance from the mainland. (e.g. Bet Dwarka, Pirotan, etc.)
Estuarine Islands: Found within estuaries, these islands exist in partially enclosed coastal areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with the ocean's saline water. Estuarine islands are influenced by both marine factors, such as tides and waves, and riverine factors, including freshwater flow and sediment deposition. (e.g. Kadia Beyt near Surat, Piram, Aaliya Bet)
Riverine Islands: Formed by the accumulation of alluvial deposits within a river, these islands emerge as distinct landmasses. Riverine islands are shaped by the dynamic processes of sedimentation and water flow, often creating fertile grounds for diverse ecosystems. (e.g. Valvod near Anand)
Rocky Islands: Characterized by their rugged terrain, rocky islands are formed primarily from substantial rock deposits. These islands typically lack vegetation due to their harsh, rocky surfaces, presenting a stark yet striking natural landscape.

2^nd Marine Protected Area

37 Marine National Park and 5 Marine Sanctuary islands

The southern coast of the Gulf of Kachchh, in particular, is a vibrant habitat teeming with coastal and marine life. Recognizing the ecological significance of this region, the State Government took a pioneering step in 1980 by designating a portion of this coastline as a Marine Sanctuary. In 1982, the commitment to preserving this unique ecosystem was further strengthened by expanding the Marine Sanctuary and elevating certain areas to the status of a Marine National Park.

Marine Sanctuary (MS): Encompassing an area of 458 square kilometres, the Marine Sanctuary serves as a protective haven for the region's rich biodiversity.
Marine National Park (MNP): Covering 163 square kilometres, the Marine National Park offers enhanced protection to critical habitats within this ecological zone.

3^rd Corals

The Gulf of Kachchh, home to 76 distinct species of corals including a rare species Ikedella misakiensis, features coral reefs categorized into three geomorphologic types:

Fringing Reefs:These reefs form along the shores of continents or islands and may be separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon. They are commonly found in the Gulf of Kachchh and near Rameshwaram in the Gulf of Mannar.
Barrier Reefs: Located at the edge of continental shelves or submerged islands, these reefs are separated from the mainland by a wide, deep lagoon. They are prevalent in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and feature as mini barrier reefs in the Gulf of Kachchh.
Atoll Reefs: These circular or horseshoe-shaped reefs encircle a deep lagoon and are surrounded by open sea, often referred to as "coral islands" or "lagoon islands." They are most commonly found in the Lakshadweep Islands and Maldives.

4^th Mangrove Forest

Home to more than 23% of Mangrove Forest of India.

Mangrove forests, vital coastal ecosystems, are distributed across nine maritime states and three union territories in India. Gujarat proudly boasts the second-largest mangrove cover in the country, spanning 1103 square kilometers out of India's total 4,628 square kilometers. The state's extensive coastline provides an ideal habitat for mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Gujarat's mangrove cover is strategically spread across four key regions:

Kachchh (Kachchh District):Home to 795 square kilometers of mangroves, this area accounts for 67.54% of the state's total mangrove cover, making it the largest mangrove region in Gujarat.
Gulf of Kachchh (Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka, including Marine National Park and Sanctuary): This region encompasses 235 square kilometers of mangroves, representing 19.97% of the state's mangrove cover.
Gulf of Khambhat (Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad, including Dumas Ubharat areas): Covering 142 square kilometers, this region accounts for 12.07% of the state's mangrove cover.

5^th Marine Biodiversity

The Marine National Park and islands along the Gulf of Kachchh are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity:

Floral Diversity: In the marine ecosystem, primary vegetation includes phytoplankton, algae, seagrasses, and mangroves, along with their associates on land. Phytoplankton and micro vegetation are mainly concentrated in open waters, while marine algae are predominant in intertidal zones. Mangroves are typically found near high tide areas. This floral diversity is vital for supporting the region's sensitive ecosystem and provides shelter to various marine species.
Faunal Diversity: The marine environment hosts a wide range of fauna, from microscopic zooplankton to massive whales. These species are integral to the marine ecosystem and have adapted to its ever-changing conditions, resulting in a stratified distribution from the spray zone to bathyal depths. Some species can withstand prolonged dryness and tend to gather near the high tide line and other areas near the low tide line.

About Gujarat’s Coastline