Karnataka is on track to establish its first marine sanctuary in the Uttara Kannada district, marking a significant step towards conserving the region's rich marine biodiversity. A key committee of the Karnataka State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), chaired by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, has officially approved the proposal for the sanctuary, which is now awaiting formal endorsement from the state cabinet.
The Mugli-Apsarakonda Marine Sanctuary in Karnataka will become India's seventh marine sanctuary, joining the existing ones in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the single sanctuaries in Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Designated the Mugli-Apsarakonda Marine Sanctuary, this expansive area in Karnataka is strategically located near the coastal town of Karwar. The sanctuary is set to encompass a total of 5,960 hectares, including 835 hectares of the territorial waters of the Arabian Sea. This marine section will extend approximately six km from the shoreline, creating a protected habitat for various marine species and ecosystems. In addition, the sanctuary will incorporate another 835 hectares of laterite plateau, further enriching its ecological diversity.
The establishment of this marine sanctuary is anticipated to safeguard vulnerable marine life, enhance local fisheries, and promote sustainable tourism in the region, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the local communities.
The Karnataka marine sanctuary will cover 5,400 hectares of mangrove forests and will be home to several endangered species, including humpback whales, spot-tail sharks, olive ridley turtles, and 80 species of seabirds. Additionally, the sanctuary will encompass 14 species of coral reefs surrounding Netrani Island, over 50 species of phytoplankton, and more than 100 species of zooplankton. It will also include two species of seagrass and over 100 species of seaweeds, as stated by the forest department.
According to reports, the proposal for this marine sanctuary has been pending before the state cabinet since it was approved by the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) under former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. The proposal faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but in 2022, it was brought back to the forefront for consideration.
