The marine ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands are unique in having very high degree of biodiversity
and endemism in fauna and flora. The coral reefs of these
Islands are one of the richest in the Indian Sub-continent.
They not only protect the coastline against sea erosions but
also harbour host of animal communities like fishes, molluscs,
sponges, echinoderms and other organisms.
Commercial fisheries often indirectly depend on coral reefs
which serves as nursery grounds for juveniles. Of late, the
coral reefs have also come under heavy pressure due to uncoordinated
and inconsistent developmental activities on coastal land
leading to deforestation, mangrove habitat destruction, and
degradation of marine ecosystems.
In the Andaman and Nicobar islands, a total of 733.12 sq.
km. of area have been brought under protected areas under
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. They include 6 National
Parks, and 94 Sanctuaries. The total area of the 6 National
Park is 361.79 sq. km. and of which about two third is marine
water area. All the National Parks and 91 Sanctuaries are
located in the Andaman district, while 3 Sanctuaries in Nicobar
district, besides the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 the Mahatma Gandhi
Marine National Park, Wandoor was notified on 24th May 1983
for the protection of marine life including corals and nesting
sea turtles. The Park is located on the South Western coast
of South Andaman, in the Bay of Bengal, encompassing 15 islands
and several islets of the labyrinth group of islands, like
Alexandra, Red Skin, Boat, Hobday, Tarmugli, Grub, Chester,
Snob, Bell, Pluto, Malay, Jolly Boys, Riflemen, Twins and
parts of Rutland island (Fig.1). The parks boundary runs along
the coasts as well as some time along island within the range
of latitude between 11°22, 06" and 11° 36 -34"
N and longitude between 92° 30.00"W and 92° 40.33'
E covering a total area of 281 50 ha (281.5 sq km). The area
includes vast stretch of enchanting marine waters, bushy vegetated
islands, magnificent coral reefs and sparkling sandy beaches
and mangroves.
The park is under the overall administrative control of the
Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department of A&N
islands administration. Though the park is uninhabited, there
are 8 villages adjacent to the park area with a population
of about 3000 (1981 census).
The fishermen of the villages continue to carry out fishing
within the park area and are given license by the Fisheries
Department. To encourage tourism, two islands in the park
viz., Jolly Boys and Red Skin are opened for the tourist to
visit during fair seasons.
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