Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve
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Overview
The Gulf of Mannar lies between south-east Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. India's part includes a marine national park of 21 small islands between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
It holds coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, and is home to the endangered dugong (sea cow). It was India's first marine biosphere reserve, declared in 1989.
It was designated a Ramsar site in 2022. Fishing communities depend on its waters, which also have pearl and chank (conch) beds.
Geography and key facts
- Between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
- India's first marine biosphere reserve (1989)
- Coral reefs, seagrass, dugongs
- Ramsar site (2022)
Why it matters for UPSC
Biosphere reserves in UNESCO's network and the dugong's protection status are favourite environment questions.
Note for UPSC
Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Tamil Nadu.
Ramsar sites come up as wetland–state pairs and in questions on conservation status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Ramsar site
- State / UT
- Tamil Nadu
- Coordinates
- 9.137°N, 79.472°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)