Marine parks and marine protected areas

FISHERIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT;2017-18;Ph.D

1. SHIBAM SAHA Ph.D Student ; Dept. of FRM 2017-2018 Marine National Parks and Marine Protected Areas Course no: Frm-603 (Conservation and management of exploited fisheries resources) WEST-BENGAL UNIVERSITY OF ANIMAL AND FISHERY SCIENCES SEMINAR-I

2. What is National Park? According to wildlife protection act 1972, An area, can be notified by the state government to be constituted as a National Park, by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological association or importance, needed to for the purpose of protecting & propagating or developing wildlife therein or its environment. National park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity, and where activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. In these parks, even private ownership rights are not allowed.  What is Marine National Park? Marine national parks are areas of the marine environment where the seabed, waters and all plants and animals are fully protected by law, offering an insurance policy against environmental impacts. Marine parks are established over tidal lands and waters to protect and conserve the values of the natural marine environment while allowing for its sustainable use.

3. By 1970 , India only had five national parks . As of April 2012 , National Wildlife Database, there were 102 national parks . All national park lands then encompassed a total 39,919 km2 (15,413 sq mi) km², comprising 1.21% of India's total surface area . There are 103 existing National parks in India covering an area of 40,500 km2 , which is 1.23% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, April 2015 ). India's first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park , now known as Jim Corbett National Park. Over View of National Park 2000 to 2017 (as on July, 2017)

4. National Park in West-Bengal

5. Over View of Marine National Park There is Only 5 Marine National Park in India. Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park: Marine National Park in Gulf of Kutch is situated on the southern shore of the Gulf of in the Jamnagar of Gujarat . It is the  first national marine park of India with 42 islands on the Jamnagar coast in the Marine National Park. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park of India on the Andaman Islands , Situated 29 km. from Port Blair. Most of the coral reefs in the park are fringing reefs and the park is an important breeding ground for turtles . Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary: Gahirmatha is the first and the only Marine Sanctuary of Orissa , number of marvelous creatures including Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate in huge numbers. Gahirmatha Beach separates the Bhitarkanika mangroves from the Bay of Bengal is the world’s most important nesting beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.

6. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park consist of 21 small islands and coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean of Tamil Nadu . The park has a high diversity of plants and animals in its marine and shore habitats, Dugong, a vulnerable marine mammal also found here. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park: Rani Jhansi Marine National Park is located in Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal.

7. What can I do in a marine national park? There are generally no restrictions on access for a range of recreational activities, such as surfing, swimming, diving, snorkelling, ecotourism operators, education and research. Scientific monitoring and research are also allowed when necessary and under the guidance of the relevant regulatory body. What can’t be done in a marine national park? Extractive or damaging activities such as dredging, waste disposal, aquaculture, mining, and commercial and recreational fishing are not permitted in marine national parks and sanctuaries. According to the Victorian National Parks Act does allow petroleum exploration in marine national parks and sanctuaries, despite new mining leases being banned. The VNPA ( The Victorian National Parks Association) opposes petroleum exploration in all marine protected areas.

8. What is Protected Area? According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Protected areas are those in which human occupation or at least the exploitation of resources is limited. There are several kinds of protected areas , which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international organizations involved. What is Marine Protected Area? According to WWF Definition: A marine protected area is an area designated to protect marine ecosystems, processes, habitats and species which can contribute to the restoration and replenishment of resources for social, economic and cultural enrichment. Marine protected areas can help conserve the plants, mammals and fish that live within them. However , harmful human activities must be restricted. Activities that are not harmful – such as sustainable fishing and tourism activities - are usually allowed.

9. Over View of Protected Area

10. Protected Areas of India ( 2000 to 2017 (as on July, 2017)

11. Marine Protected Areas of India

12. Why Do We Need Marine Protected Areas ? We need MPAs because: They are proactive and precautionary; They contribute to an ecosystem-based approach; They provide a cornerstone for marine conservation, education, and research. MPAs are needed to conserve and protect: Commercial and non-commercial resources and supporting habitats; Endangered or threatened species and supporting habitats; Unique habitats; Areas of high biodiversity or productivity ;

13. What Can MPAs Accomplish ? MPAs alone cannot fully protect all that lives in the ocean, but they can : Protect different kinds of habitats. Provide safe places for endangered or depleted species. Protect key ecological processes in the ocean, such as upwellings . Create “seed banks” for some commercial fish and plant species. Contribute to the retention of genetic diversity. Allow spill-over and improved recruitment for commercial stocks. Foster non-disruptive economic activities, such as sustainable fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, and kayaking. Provide “insurance” against future management errors, accidents or environmental changes. Serve as natural laboratories for marine research and monitoring.

14. What are the Benefits of a MPA ? In Newfoundland and Labrador, marine protected areas could play an important role in reviving and safeguarding the future health of the marine environment, the fishery, and coastal communities. MPAs can provide a foundation for additional benefits, including economic development, marine tourism, scientific research, and the satisfaction of knowing that a part of the ocean is protected, and relatively safe from harm.

15. Protected Areas of West Bengal Protected areas of West Bengal cover 4% of the state area. Forests make up 14% of the geographical area of West Bengal, which is lower than the national average of 23%. Part of the world's largest mangrove forest, Sundarban , is located in southern West Bengal. There are five national parks and 10 Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal.

16. Conclusion Evidence from MPAs in temperate areas indicates benefits of protection including enhancement of species richness and biomass and enhancement of commercial fish stocks outside. MPAs are needed for research on the biology of species, dynamics of habitats and benefits of protection. The public will benefit from having information and educational facilities in multi-use MPAs, and learn to value nature and to support conservation. The public will benefit from having areas that are fully protected and that they are allowed access to for begin activities.

17. Thank you