Journal of Coastal Development ISSN: 1410-5217 Volume 7, Number 2, February 2004 : 49-64 Accredited: 69/Dikti/Kep/2000

Review

WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS AND COASTAL HABITAT DIVERSITY IN ,

Oswin D. Stanley*)

Gujarat Ecology Commission, GERI Campus, Race Course Road, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Received: September 5, 2003 ; Accepted: January 10, 2004

ABSTRACT

Wetland ecosystems are the major contributors for the nations’ wildlife biodiversity, productivity and economy. The paper elaborates the habitat diversity of wetlands in Gujarat, India, the floral and faunal diversity of each ecosystem, the major industrial and development pressures posed by the mangroves and coastal ecosystems. Thus indicates the significance and necessity for wetland habitat conservation.

Key Words: Biodiversity Hotspots, Wetlands, Mangroves, Corals, Pressures.

*)Correspondence: Phone: 0265-2339115 ; Fax: 0265-2330036 ; E-mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION maximum during the months of July and August. Relative humidity is low in all

Gujarat is located on the Tropic of Cancer parts of the state. Intensity of wind is more (Lat 20001’ to 24007’N and Long 68004’ to during late summer and monsoon. 74004’E); falls in the sub-tropical climatic The hydrological regime of the zone and has a varied climate and climatic state is governed by the complex geo regions. Gujarat has the longest coastline climatic condition. Most of the ground of about 1663km in India. The vast water resource is concentrated in the continental shelf varies in width from 58 to unconsolidated formation, covering about 191 miles with 64,810 sq.km of area 40 of the area of the state. The surface having depths of less than50m and another water is dominantly concentrated in the 99,373sq.km with depth 50 to 200m. southern and central parts of the state. Therefore Gujarat’s fishing ground is The Banas, Sabarmati, Mahi, extensive. Narmada and Tapi are major rivers The various seasons of the year are draining into the gulf of Khambhat while monsoon (June-October), winter the rivers Bhader, Ojat and Shetrunji are (November-February) and summer (March those of Kathiawar peninsula draining into to June). The temperature varies between the Arabian Sea. There are few seasonal 80 to 450C. It receives rainfall from the small rivers draining into the gulf of southwest monsoon and with the Kachchh (Table 1).

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Table 1. Status of the major Rivers in Gujarat

Region Name of the Length Catchment Average Nature of river flowing in area in annual River Gujarat Gujarat runoff (Km) (sq.km) (MCM) (Avg. of 1982-1993) North Gujarat Sabarmati 323 18495 870.52 Ephemeral Banas 188 5405 42.86 Ephemeral Saraswati - 2282 18.62 Ephemeral Rupen 156 2662 143.71 Ephemeral Rel - 238 9.82 Ephemeral South and Central Gujarat Narmada 159 11399 6016.31 Perennial Tapi 214 3837 6627.67 Perennial Mahi 242 11694 4807.18 Perennial Dhadar 142 4201 511.90 Ephemeral Kim 107 1330 311.16 Ephemeral Purna 142 2431 1466.92 Ephemeral Ambica 136 2715 1307.86 Ephemeral Damanganga 33 495 2938.94 Ephemeral Saurashtra Peninsula Shetrunji 182 5571 34.72 Ephemeral Bhader 198 7075 353.33 Ephemeral Machhu 141 2515 - Ephemeral Saraswati - - 70.96 Ephemeral Kachchh Peninsula Khari - 373 - Ephemeral Pur - - 0.27 Ephemeral Kanakavati - 275 0.81 Ephemeral Gjansar - - 0.28 Ephemeral

Source: ORG (1999), CWC (1997) and planning Atlas of Gujarat

SALIENT BIODIVERSITY • Flamingo city between Khadir and pahchhm belts in Gujarat in Great HOTSPOTS OF GUJARAT Rann of Kachchh – breeding ground of migratory flamingoes. Gujarat is bestowed with one of the most • Northern arid regions of Kachchh diverse kinds of wetlands in the country – habitat for the Spiny tailed including mangroves, coral reefs, beaches, lizard, Uromastix hardwickii. mudflats, tidal flats, flood plain systems • Wild Ass Sanctuary of Little Rann and fresh water lakes and reservoirs. of Kachchh – home for the last The unique bio diversity hotspots of surviving population of Indian Gujarat are as follows: Wild Ass.

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• Gaga Great Indian Bustard only breeding sites for the greater and Sanctuary – Grassland supporting lesser flamingos in Asia are confined to the the majestic bird, the Great Indian Rann of Kachchh. The state also serves as Bustard listed in the Red Data the home for Indian Wild Ass, which is Book. unique and confined to the narrow zones of • , Valsad Kachchh. The only population of Dugong District on the West Coast of India is present in the • Vajpur Forests of District Gulf of Kachchh region. • Vijayanagar Forests of Taking catch per hour as the Sabarkantha District criterion, the dominant fisheries in coastal • Velvadar National Park Gujarat include jew fish (sciaenid) and • Girnar Forests of Junagadh District silver grunt in kachchh, Porbandar and • Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Dwarka, golden wam (eel) in Kambhat and Sanctuary Veeraval, cat fish in Kachchh and Porbandar, elasmobranches in Kachchh • Ratnamahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary and other sciaenids in Dwarka, Kachchh,

• Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Porbandar and Khambhat. • Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharuch District • Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Dangs District WETLAND ECOSYSTEM AND • Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Jungadh District HABITAT DIVERSITY IN • Marine National Park in Gulf of KACHCHH Kachchh. Due to geographical situation and The population of Gujarat is prevailing physio-climatic conditions, 48,387,270 according to 2001 census. following major natural eco-systems and About 29 tribes consisting of about 15% of habitats can be delineated: the population have a large depository of indigenous knowledge on 1200 plants A. Wetlands of Kachchh species including 750 medicinal plants. Gujarat, in its four-bio geographic zones There are many natural seasonal wetlands recorded 4320 species of plants and 27028 in Kachchh. In total about 258 wetlands species of animals. Some endangered were delineated through satellite mammals of Gujarat are Caracal, Desert imageries. These wetlands cover Cat, Ratel, Long eared Hedgehog, approximately 21772km2 area, which is Common Dolphin and Antelope; birds - more than 80% of the entire state (SAC, Lesser Florican, Great Indian Bustard, 1998). Majority of these wetlands, are Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane and however, found in the saline flatlands of Dalmatian Pelican; Reptiles - Green Turtle, Ranns and Banni. These wetlands support Banded Geeko, Painted Frog and Spiny large number of migratory waterfowls in Tailed Lizard. The indigenous breeds of winter. cattle and Buffuloes in Gujarat are Gir, Kankrej and Dangi and Surati, Mehsani, 1. Ranns of Kachchh Jafrabadi and Murah respectively. The wetlands of the state are major Rann is the largest saline and marshy tracts wintering areas for cranes, pelicans, in the world. The Great Rann of Kachchh flamingoes, ducks and shore birds. The (GRK) and the Little Rann of Kachchh

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(LRK) with an area of about 16780 km2 antigone antigone) is one of the three and 5180 km2, respectively, constitute the cranes (others are Common and entire Rann of Kachchh. The Ranns in Demoiselle cranes) visiting Kachchh. general characterized by flat topography, Small fish Cyrinodon dispar is annual water inundation pattern, high common in the Rann. Kachchh recorded salinity, barrenness and many ‘bets’ or very sporadic nesting of two endangered Islands. The islands are slightly raised species of turtle viz. Olive Ridley and isolated patches of land with less salinity Green Turtle. and support some xerophytic vegetation. The mixture of saline flat land and raised bets provide ideal habitat for many 1a. Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK) other wild animal species including desert fox, desert cat, Indian porcupine, saw Salt-impregnated GRK is one of the most scaled viper, krait, cobra and several remarkable and unique ecosystems of species of lizards especially the spiny Kachchh and probably one of its own tailed lizard. kinds in the world due to its wilderness The Sindal bet, right in the center value. The average altitude is about 15 of the GRK, is popularly known as meter above mean sea level, and thus ‘Flamingo City’, which is around 10 km appears like a tabletop surface, from the Nir out-post on Kala Dungar. The interspersed with small uplands (islands) area is famous for the largest congregation locally called ‘bets’. The GRK owes its of Greater Flamingoes in the entire origin to a marine transgression in subcontinent. The area after the rainfall is geological time scale and is tectonically an converted as a marshy island, where the unstable area. Ecologically, it represents Greater Flamingoes visits for breeding. In one of the largest seasonal saline wetland 1945, Dr. Salim Ali estimated a population areas having the water depth ranging from of half million birds from the site. Small 0.5 to 1.5 meter. However, after October- mounds of mud make the nests on the November, water start drying up and the ground and on each mounds the birds lay area turns into a saline desert, where the their eggs. thick deposit of salt crystals is a common Due to the presence of scenario. geologically diverse rocks, many bets also support rich fossilized fauna, including the Fauna skull of dinosaur and wood fossils (Singh GRK is a refuge for the Indian Wild Ass 2001). In diversity point of view, the area (Equus hemionus khur), a threatened sub may not be considered as very rich, but it species of Asiatic wild ass. Breading area supports one of the magnificent ecological for Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, phenomenon, which need to be preserved. and Great White Pelican. The species such Ironically, there is very limited ecological as Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican, data available about the area and the Avocet and Caspian tern are recorded to magnificent phenomenon of breeding. The breed only in Gujarat in the country. This area is currently a part of Kachchh Desert area supports >50,000 water birds Wildlife Sanctuary. Inland wetlands in including Great Crested Grebe, Black Kachchh also provide habitat for the stork, Brahminy Duck, Common Pochard, endangered marsh crocodile (Crocodylus Tuffted Pochard, White Eyed Pochard, palustris). Gulls, Terns, Stints and Plovers etc., The mudflat areas near Lodrani are considered Flora as one of the rich wetlands in Kachchh for The dominant mangrove vegetation along migratory waterfowls. Sarus crane (Grus Jakhau, Koteshwar and Lakhpat is mainly

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of Avicennia marina var. acutissima, (WAS). According to last census (Jan. which forms almost a pure stand. Earlier 1999), the total population of Wild Ass is reports indicate that Avicennia officnalis, about 2839 (GEER, 1999). Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera LRK also provide ideal habitat for gymnorhiza and Ceriops tagal were found large number of bird species such as associated with Avicennia marina. Dalmatian Pelican, White eyed Pochard, Presently these species have become rare Indian Skimmer, Common crane, Great or absent. crested grebe, Caspian tern, Houbara Huge formations of Sesuvium bustard, Marbled Teal listed in the portulacastrum occur on the marshy vulnerable category, Lesser Flamingo as fringes of mangroves associated with near threatened as per the IUCN red data Salicornia brachiata, Suaeda fruticosa, list and Spoon bill listed threatened as per Cressa cretica and Aelurops lagopoides. In Wild life protection Act 1972. A total of the low lying areas Juncus maritimus occur 178 species of birds, including 81 in pure patches. terrestrial and 97 aquatic, were recorded In the areas with low salinity grass from the area. About 80,000 birds were species such as Dichanthium annulatum, counted from different water bodies of Sehima nervosum, Cenchurus siliaris, C. LRK (GEER, 1999). setigerus and Panicum antidotale occur Indain Flapshell Turtle, included in along with Acacia nilotica and Capparis Schedule I of Indian Wildlife protection sp. act 1972 is found in the area. Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) listed as 1b. Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK) vulnerable by BCPP is present in LRK. Surajbari is one of the main fish The Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK) is landing centers. The mixing of tidal waters similar to the GRK as far as physiography, from the Gulf of Kachchh with the climate, vegetation and overall edaphic freshwater flow during the monsoon makes condition are concerned. However, they the area an important nursery ground for are significantly different in silt deposition prawns. The major fishing centers are pattern. While the Indus River has therefore found on the western side of the deposited silt in GRK, the LRK shows LRK, where from the Surajbari Creek the strong affinity with the silts brought from tidal water goes in. Prawn fishery (Kutch other rivers of Gujarat. Due to different prawn-Metapenaeus kutchensis, an inundation pattern (due to rain water endemic species to Kachchh and M. draining from the rivers like Rupen and affinis) is predominant in this area mainly Banas), the level of salt deposition on the during the period between late July to early soil surface is also comparatively less in October. Other fish, which are found in LRK. and around the sanctuary area, are Hilsa illisha, Hilsa toil, mullet, bumia, pomfrets, Fauna dara, ghol, palla etc. The total annual The diverse group of organisms such as landing of the fishery from LRK varies phytoplankton (107sp), water birds (97sp), from 2500 to 3000 MT (GEER, 1999). fishes (22sp), amphibians (4sp), reptiles (29sp), and invertebrates (93sp) were Flora reported from LRK. Suaeda sp, Aelurops lagopoides, Cressa LRK is world famous for the last cretica, Cyperus sp and Chloris sp are remaining population of endemic Wild Ass found commonly on the mudflats. Marsh and to protect this species almost entire land vegetation comprise Scripus littoris, LRK is covered under Wild Ass Sanctuary S.squarrosus found in ponds and ditches,

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Echinochloa colonum found in fresh water 3. Wetlands of Kachchh Peninsula puddles, Cyperus rotandus, C. bulbosus, C. difformis found on low lying saline In total, 2245 village tanks exist in the wetlands. Marselia is abundant in pond region. Though these water bodies are ecosystems. Various types of algae were smaller in size, they support considerable also seen in the ponds and waterlogged number of water birds including migratory areas. The species of Spirulina common in species. these areas form the major food for the Inland wetlands also provide lesser flamingoes. The rich diatoms and habitat for the endangered marsh crocodile plankton constitute the food for Greater (Crocodylis palustris). Twelve (12) water flamingoes and ducks. bodies and six (6) rivers in Kachchh The threatened species (BCPP- peninsula reported the presence of marsh CAMP in 1997) such as Aelurops crocodile. Khengar Sagar, Pragsar and lagopoides (EN), Anthrocnemum indicum Edmund reservoirs were the most critical (VU), Suaeda maritima (EN), Suaeda water bodies from the conservation point nudiflora (EN), Urochondra setulosa (EN) of view. and Tamarix troupii (EN) are found in Indian Flap shell Turtle was LRK. recorded from Kalagogha reservoir, Vijay sagar reservoir, Gajod reservoir, 2. Wetlands in Banni-Chhari-Dhand Lake and Tapar village tank. Water bodies contribute the major inland Banni is the largest grassland in India, fishery and the common species are major situated on the northern border of the carps Catla, Rogu and Mrigal. of Kachchh district. There are many depressions in Banni, known as Dhand, B. Wetlands of Sautrashtra Peninsula Jhil or talav. Shallow wetlands are developed in low-lying parts of Banni after 1. Khijadia lakes monsoons. In total 34 such seasonal and permanent wetlands exist in the Banni area Seasonal wetlands of fresh water combined including Chhari –Dhand, Khirjog-Dhand, with coastal wetland ecosystem forms a Abdha-Jheel and Luna-Jheel. Chhari – unique area. Dhand has the maximum water spread area of 80sq.km and falls under the category of Fauna seasonally flooded wetland type. The total of 94 water bird species were identified including Dalmatian Pelican, Fauna White eyed Pochard and Indian Skimmer Banni supports >20,000 waterfowls from (Vulnerable as IUCN). more than 20sp. Species reported includes Dalmatian Pelican and Indian Skimmer Flora listed vulnerable by IUCN. Seven (7) species of macrophytes were reported from the area. The grass species Flora include Typha angustata, Scirpus sp, Major vegetation is Prosopis juliflora, Cyperus sp, and Saccharum spontaneum. Acacia sp, Calotropis sp, Aelurops Submerged aquatic species are Hydrilla lagopoides and sedge grass Cyperus sp. verticillata and Vallisneria spiralis. Prosopis juliflora, Acacia nilotica, Salvadora spp are the tree species and marsh vegetation like Aelurops sp and

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Suaeda sp are found in the adjoining saline Fauna ecosystem. All the listed threatened species of waterfowl in Gujarat are found here. 2. Wetlands of central and eastern Predatory finfish of Nal, like Channa sp, Saurashtra Wallugo attu, Saccobranchus sp etc are considered as resident species as they can Sautrashtra, the larger of Gujarat’s two survive under most adverse conditions. peninsulas extends from the port of Dwarka to the Gulf of Khambhat. All the Flora significant wetlands are storage reservoirs Cyperus sp, Typha angustifolia are the created by damming small rivers or emergent vegetation. Submerged streams and saltpans. vegetation such as Najas gracilens and N. marina occupies the open water zone. Fauna Other aquatic plants found are Hydrilla sp One hundred and thirty eight (138) species and Vallisneria sp. In puddles Marselia sp of water birds including Dalmatian is encountered. Pelican, White eyed Pochard and Indian Skimmer were reported. The region is a 2. Wetlands of Sabarkantha and major wintering area for pelicans, Banaskantha districts flamingoes, cranes and shorebirds. Hiren Lake within the Gir National Wetland of the area includes few tanks, Park supports the largest known population reservoirs and small dams. of marsh crocodiles an endangered species. Fauna Flora Muval reservoir supports >5000 water The reservoirs generally lack abundant birds. aquatic vegetation. Only patches of marsh vegetation or the reed beds remain. Flora Vegetation of the catchments area is Prosopis juliflora, Mangifera indica, Prosopis juliflora, Acacia nilotica and Tectona grandis, Melia azadirachta, Azadirachta indica. Acacia arabica, Salvadora persica, S. Oleoides, Capparis aphyla and Zyziphus C. Wetlands of North Gujarat spp are the common vegetation.

1. Nalsarovor Lake D. Wetlands of

Nalsarovor is the largest water bird 1. Thol Dam, Ajwa, Wadhwana and sanctuary in the country and is one of the Pavagadh Lakes 15 wetlands identified by the National Committee on wetlands for intensive Thol is shallow water reservoir, which conservation. covers an area of 699.844ha. Water storage One hundred and forty (140) species of reservoirs and tanks with some associated water birds, nineteen (19), species of marshes in the vicinity of Vadodara and fishes, seventy six (76) species of main land of Gujarat. These lakes are invertebrates, seventy four (74) species of thought to be representative of the large macrophytes, mostly terrestrial and forty number of small wetlands in eastern (40) species of phytoplankton were Gujarat and southern Rajasthan. reported in this area.

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Fauna Malaysia. These figures suggest a loss of These tanks and reservoirs support nearly 7,500 km2 of mangrove forests in >45,000 water birds. Among them about these four countries alone representing 900 are Pelicans during January 1998. more than 4% of the current global total. Ajwa Lake supports marsh crocodile the The total area under mangroves in endangered species. Gujarat is 911sq.km (FSI 2001). Gujarat has the second largest patch of mangroves Flora after W. Bengal. A decrease of 120sq.km Acacia nilotica, Zizypus sp, Acacia of mangroves in a short time span of 2 leucocephloea, Azadirachta indica, Ficus years has been noted from the FSI sp, Salvadora sp, Prosopis juliflora, estimations. However the reason behind Capparis sp are the important tree species the reduction of mangrove coverage in and around Thol dam. requires sensible justification by thorough In other lakes seventeen (17) study of the mangrove areas in the state. species of macrophytes were reported. The Both west and southern regions of dominant emergents are Ammania the coast is surrounded by 10-13km wide baccifera, A. multiflora, Bergia sp, marshy zone occupying the inter tidal Alternanthera sessilis, Cyperus sp, Scirpus limits and drained by the muddy channels sp, Polygonum plebeium and Marcelia in which the sea flows at low tide to join egyptica. Floating and submerged aquatic the main creeks. The swampy coast is species include species of Chara, dotted with mangroves wherever the depth Potamageton, Najas, Vallisneria, at high tide does not exceed a certain limit. Nymphaea, Limnanthemum, Lemna, The mangrove formations on this coastline Wolffia and Hydrilla. are isolated or discontinuous and occur from Kandla, Navlakhi in the north to Jodia, Jamnagar, Sikka, Salaya and Okha along the coast of Gulf of Kachchh. MANGROVES AND COASTAL The Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) is the largest Gulf in the entire West Coast, ECOSYSTEMS IN GUJARAT covering an area of about 7350 km2. The depth of this gulf varies from 20-60 meter, Mangroves constitute a significant part of with a mean of 30 meter. A negative water tropical coastal biodiversity. They are balance characterizes the GoK, where the found throughout Tropical Asia, where evaporation exceeds the sum of they occupy more than 75,000 km2, or 40% precipitation and river runoff (Table 2). of the world’s total area of mangroves. However, large quantities of sediments Indonesia alone, with 42,530 km2, from River Indus (in Pakistan) get moved accounts for 23% of the world total; India along the Kachchh peninsula and slowly (with 6,700 km2), Malaysia (with 6,424 accumulate. This compensates the nutrient km2), and Bangladesh (with 5,767 km2) deficiency in gulf water due to poor runoff each have over 3% of the world total. Over condition. The salinity of GoK increases the past few decades, mangrove forests in from mouth to upstream from 35 to 40 ppt. Tropical Asia have declined considerably The interaction of physical and chemical as a consequence of human activities. The characteristics of the GoK, however, Philippines and Thailand have experienced creates suitable habitat conditions for reductions of 60% and 55%, respectively, diverse life forms in the gulf, especially in over 25 years. Between 1980 and 1990, the the southern side. area of mangroves declined by more than The dry climatic condition prevails 37% in Viet Nam and more than 12% in in the region for about 8 months in a year

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(eg, In Jamnagar the thermal amplitude is A. Gulf of Kachchh - Coastal Ecosystem 120C and average rain is 470mm), poor rainfall and human interferences acts as Gulf of Kachchh, (7,350sq.km) is the limiting factors to mangrove vegetation in major marine system along the southern the Kachchh although the estimated boundary of Kachchh aligned coverage is about 213sq.km. approximately East-West; the gulf is about 170 km long and 75 km wide at the mouth. While the southern coast of GoK is fringed by extensive mud flats, the northern coast mainly formed the tidal flats.

Table 2. Basic Hydrography of Gulf of Kachchh and Khambhat

Parameters Kachchh Khambhat Area (km2) 7350 3120 Depth Range (m) 20-60 15-45 Depth Mean (m) 30 20 Volume (Mm3yr-1) 220,000 62,400 River Runoff (Mm3yr-1) 140 38,000 Rainfall (Mm3yr-1) 3087 3500 Evaporation (Mm3yr-1) 7350 1560 Water Balance (Mm3yr-1) - 4123 Positive Turnover Time (days) 8-51days (Decreasing 4-15days (Increasing upstream) upstream) Tides (m) Jakhau-Kandla 3-8m Jafarabad-Khambhat 3-12m (Increasing upstream) (Increasing upstream) Okha-Jamnagar 3-5m Umbargoan-Luhara Point 6- (Increasing upstream) 10m (Increasing upstream) Tidal expanse (km) Jakhau-Kandla 0.5-2km Jafarabad-Khambhat 1.5-5km (Increasing upstream) (Increasing upstream) Okha-Jamnagar 1->5km Umbargoan-Luhara Point 2- (Increasing upstream) 8km (Increasing upstream) Source: Coastal and Maritime Environments of Gujarat: Ecology and Economics, 2000, Gujarat Ecology Society, Vadodara.

1. Western Mangroves in Kori Creek patches in the coastal areas of Mundra, and near Jakahu Anjar and Bhachau talukas (GEER, 1999). This is because the Kori creek and Jakahu Along the 410 km long coastline of areas are very close to the international Kachchh, mangroves are distributed in the border and thus have relative difficult form of narrow discontinuous patches and accessibility and get higher degree of covered about 727km2 area (GEER, 1999). protection against biotic pressures. In these This is more than 75% of the total areas the trees gain a height of more than 5 mangrove area of Gujarat. In Kachchh, meters. dense and sparse mangroves covered about 344 km2 and 383 km2 areas, respectively. Fauna While, the best mangrove patches are Eighty-six (86) species of water birds, One found in Kori creek and area around hundred and forty five (145) species of fish Jakhau coast, there are few remnant and three (3) species of mammals were

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reported. Among the fishes 13 species are of several major ports and refineries, the of endangered/vulnerable category. mangroves are under constant Dolphins, Whales and Dogongs found are anthropogenic pressure. A study conducted from the endangered list.Endangered in 1998-1999 (Space Applications Centre species like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian (ISRO), Ahmedabad and Remote Sensing Skimmer, Spotted billed Pelican are and Communication Centre, Gandhinagar) reported. revealed degradation of a large mangrove Among the invertebrates Giant sea patch measuring up to 1,600 ha. anemone (Vu), Bonnelia (R&En), Sea urchin (Th), flat worms and sea worms 3. Shravan Kawadia-Land locked (Vu) are important. mangrove ecosystem Three (3) species of sea turtles Leather back turtle, Green turtle and Olive Ridley Shravan Kavadia is a land locked patch of are available in these waters. 0.7ha mangroves located at about 40km in All the species of corals are the northeast direction of Bhuj. Most of the threatened. Acropora sp are endangered trees were damaged in 1998 cyclone. The and probably extinct. Endangered soft partially damaged or top broken surviving coral Paracyanthus indicus is also trees count thirty-six. Average stand height reported. was measured 18.5m and the average girth about 240cm. The unique inland mangrove Flora patch is an evidence of the ancient While Kachchh has the maximum shoreline proving the historical evidence mangrove cover in the State, it displays for geomorphologic change in the region at very low diversity in mangrove species a rate of 1.3cm/year is obvious due to the with 8 species. The area has only one Holocene transgression of the sea. dominating mangrove species–Avicennia marina. Other species like Rhizophora 4. Sea grass beds and algal communities mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Avicennia officinalis, A. alba, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, The extent of sea grass beds is very limited Sonneratia apetala, Aegiceros in Gujarat and is restricted to the Gulf of corniculatum are found in very small Kachchh. Cymodocea ciliata and few other proportion. species are only found. The mangroves in Kachchh in Gujarat has recorded more than general are of open scrubby type with low 200 species of seaweeds. There are about wooded Avicennia marina and Rhizophora 39 species of red algae (Rhodophyceae), mucronata. In Dwarka, Poshitra and 25 species of green algae (Chlorophyceae) Dohlani mostly single species Avicennia and 25 species of brown algae marina is seen. (Phaeophyceae) in marine National Park. Most of the algal formations are observed 2. Marine National Park between the coastal stretches of Okha to Piraton Island. Genera Valonia sp, Mangroves of the Marine National Park Porphyra, Caulerpa, Ulva, Padina, (MNP) constitute the second largest patch Acetabularia, Boodlea, Halimeda, of mangroves in Gujarat. Extending up to Dictyopteris, Asperopsis, Gracillaria, 11,000 ha, these mangroves represent the Enteromorpha, Sargassum are found and richest area in Gujarat comprising six are threatened. Sea weeds notably species of mangrove. Many island in MNP agarophytes (Gracelaria acerosa, like Pirotan, Bhaidar and Dhani have good Gracillaria sp), alginophytes (Sargassum, mangroves. However due to the presence Cystosiera, Turbinaria) and

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carageenophytes (Hypnea, Halemenia) are total industrial units are concentrated in exploited in the gulf. Anjar taluka. Similarly 69% small-scale industries are concentrated in Jamnagar. 5. Coral reef ecosystem Another influencing industry at Kachchh is Salt. Coral reefs are found only in Gulf of Kachchh, occupied an area of 53sq.km in B. Gulf of Khambhat-Coastal 1985 and can be divided into three types: Ecosystems rock pool, eulittoral and submerged reefs. Rock pool reef are found in small 1. Gulf of Khambhat temporary pools located on the top of the knife edged barren rocks, sprinkled at high The Gulf of Khambhat, (3,120sq.km) is tide with small scattered colonies of aligned in a north-south orientation. It is encrusting coral species of the genera marked by the huge interaction of saline Favia and Montipora. and fresh waters, providing it the Eulittoral reef has a rugged characteristics of an extended estuarine topography with very small pools having system. The coastal belt (20km) passes discontinuously distributed coral species of through as many as 6 districts and 19 the genera Turbinaria, Montipora, Favia, talukas. The coastal area is about 11,000 Leptoria, Porites, Leptastrea, Gonipora sq.km. and Goniastrea. The submerged reefs can Due to the unique oceanographic be further classified into four zones: features, the Gulf of Khambhat is the least shoreward reef, surface reef, surface reef explored region in oceans around India. and oceanic reef. Coral composition of Rapid and significant geomorphic changes submerged is from genera Turbinaria, have been observed during the last two Montipora, Porites, Leptastrea, Gonipora, decades. There have been shoreline Goniastrea, Favia, Leptoria, Podabacia, changes due to erosion and deposition Pavona and Hydnophora. Acropora sp and processes, which is accelerated not only by other branching corals are rarely present in natural geological agents but also through the Gulf. Huge quantities of the dead tufted developmental activities. branches of Acropora found in this region The Gulf has a unique distinction may be representing the luxuriant growth of having world’s highest tidal amplitude of branched corals in the past. of about 11m that has potential of The gulf holds 40 species of coral generation of energy and other dangers as fauna. Among the 15 reef islands, Okha, well. The average precipitation varies from Sholi Gujar, Dona, Borlia, Saga, Goose 600mm on the western side to 800mm on and Piraton consists higher diversity of the eastern side. However, about 9000km2 corals. Species such as Favia favus, around the Gulf shows a high Goniastrea pectinata and Cyphastrea concentration of inherent salts in the serailia are very common in islands; other sediments and ground water has higher species like Psammocora digitata, salinity reaching 2000ppm and above Acropora sp, Montipora sp, Siderastrea sp (Table 5). Bharuch and Bhavnagar are the are common. major salt producing districts of the state. Extensive mudflats, estuaries and 6. Industrial and development Pressure creeks with high regime, large quantities of sediment transport characterize the Jamnagar district has attracted the highest Khambhat coast. There are extensive areas investment of 31% of the state in industrial of inter tidal mud and sand flats, coastal and petrochemicals. Fifty percent of the salt marshes and degraded mangrove

Wetland Ecosystems and Coastal Habitat Diversity in Gujarat, India

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associations, particularly in the deltas of 3. Industrial and development Pressure the Mahi and Sabarmati rivers. Groups of chemical, petrochemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals industries are Fauna concentrated on the coastal districts of Sixty-two (62) water birds were reported Bharuch and Surat. Industries that from the area, which includes the contribute significantly towards water endangered Indian Skimmer. This area pollution such as chemicals, textiles supports >50,000 water birds. (dying), and other industries that have Two marine species of turtle Chelonia implications like rubber and its products, mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea both glass, clay and cement are concentrated in endangered were reported to be nesting in Ahmedabad district except the major large numbers along the coast and on textile units that are concentrated at Surat. Piram Island. Bharuch and Bhavnager are the major salt producing districts of this region. Flora Five new ports at Mithivirdi, The main vegetation are Juncus sp, Dholera, Hajira, Vansi and Borsi are to be Fimbristylis tenera, Typha angustata, developed by private sector and one at Ipomoea cornea, Commelina forkalei, C. Dahej to be developed by Gujarat bengalensis, Ker gavl, Echinocloa Maritime Board. colonum, Cyperus iriaai, Cyperus difformis, C. compressus, Citrulus C. Saurashtra Coastal Ecosystems colocynthis, Tradescantia axillaries, Sphaeranthus indicus, Physalis minima, Encircled by the open sea, the Saurashtra Oxalis corniculata, Mimosa pudica, coast is situated between two Gulfs (Long Lacera sp, Hibiscus cannabinus, 68058’-71030’ and Lat 22015’-20050’). The Heliotropium supinum, Chenopodium Saurashtra coast is divisible into two murale, Caesulia axillaries, Celosia segments, the southwestern coast of argentea, prosopis juliflora and Cestrum Dwarka-Diu facing the Arabian Sea and equisetifolia. the Southeastern coast of Diu-Bhavnagar. Formerly extensive tracts of The Dwarka-Diu segment stretches mangroves were found, which were now for about 300km and the coastline is left to few hectares.Gulf of Khambhat is trending NW-SE, from Dwarka to not rich in mangrove vegetation and Veeraval with smooth and straight sandy accounts for five per cent of the total beaches. The beaches are unusually mangroves of the state. Along the entire calcareous and dominated by bio-clasts, coastline of Gulf of Khambhat the major the consolidated ancient equivalent of mangrove patches are observed in these biogenic sands are the famous Bhavnagar (19sq.km), Bharuch (12sq.km) miliolite rocks. The miliolite underlie the and Surat (41sq.km) districts. beach sands and occur as cliffs, wave cut platforms and submerged dunes, all along 2. Algal community the shoreline indicating quaternary sea level fluctuations. In Gulf of Khambhat algal formations are The segment Diu-Bhavnagar restricted to Mahuva and Gopnath area. shows a transition from open sea to gulf The common genera are Enteromorpha, environment stretching a length of 250km Ulva and Gracillaria. Mahuva and trending NE-SW between Diu and Talaja Gopnath have a favorable rocky inter tidal and almost N-S between Talaja and shoreline. Bhavnagar. The abundance of tidal mud to the east of Diu points to the influence of

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Gulf of Khambhat. The eastern coast by the high salinity and grazing. A younger extends up to Bhavnagar, beyond which it patch of mangroves with an average height becomes the part of the Gulf of Khambhat. of 1m can be observed on the western side The Shretrunji River, which meets the gulf of the approach road to port. near Gopnath, forms a prominent estuarine Vegetation such as Ipomea pes- delta at Saltanpur. caprae, Sporobolus trinules, Fimrystylis With gentle gradient the littoral sp, Crotolaria sp, Euphorbia nivuleria are zone is 0.5-1.5km wide and covered with seen in the beach and dune areas. loose calcareous sand. Long shore currents, high wave energy with surf action Industrial and development Pressure and tides generally low in the range of 2 to In Junagadh the industrial group that have 3m characterize the coastline. The climate greater dominance are glass, clay and is semi arid with an average rainfall of 500 cement, ferrous metal and food industry to 600mm. group and in Amreli it is ferrous metal, The coastal belt (20km) passes food and wood industries. through two districts, Junagadh and Amreli The existing ports like Porbandar, Veraval, and 13 talukas. Out of the total fish Jafrabad facilitate import/export of items production 645 tonnes 62 per cent such as coal, clinker, fertilizers and salt, production was reported from fish, cement, soda ash, lime stone etc. the fishing centers of Junagadh. There are two developed fishing harbors with allied D. South Gujarat Coastal Ecosystems shore facility at Veeraval and Mangrol and one more is added at Porbandar. South Gujarat coastline is situated around 0 0 0 Long 72 50’Eand Lat 20 30’ and 20 07N. Fauna The coastal region of Gujarat is the smaller Flamingoes, cranes and sea gulls are the stretch of coastline (20km), passing common birds seen feeding in this area. through only four talukas of Hilsa ilisha, Hilsa toil, bombay duck, and is characterized by high tidal Harpodon nehereus, silver pompret, amplitude of 8 to 9m. It is with narrow Pampus argenteus, Tiger shark, crescent beaches separated by seaward Caleocerdo articus, scianids, Otolithus projecting headlands beyond Umbergoan. cuveri, Pseudosciaena diacanthus, O. Inter tidal zone is mad up of basaltic brunneus, Sciaena glauce, squid, Loligo platforms with a veneer of mud. The duvaucelii, cuttle fish, Sepiella inermis are climate is humid with a mean rainfall of vulnerable due species specific targeted 1800mm. catches. Picking of mudskippers is a main livelihood activity in the muddy areas Fauna The diversity is rich with 300species of fin Flora and shellfishes. Bombay duck, Harpodon Mangroves in the vicinity of Pipavav port nehereus, sciaenids Otolithus cuveri, are represented by only one species, Johnieops macrorhynus, J. vogleri, J. Avicennia marina. The mangrove patch on glaucus, J. sina and Protonibea diacanthus the eastern side of the approach road to the form the major catch. Squid, Loligo Pipavav port showed comparatively good duvaucelii, cuttle fish, Sepiella inermis growth, growing up to 2-3m in height. form the cuttle fishery. Trichuurus However grazing pressure by camels, lepturus, Eupleurogrammus muticus, E. fodder collection for the cattle and fuel intermedius, Lepturacanthus salvala, T. collection is more in this region. The auria, Panuirus polyphagus and Thenus stunted growth of mangroves is attributed

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orientalis were forming the substantial biodiversity. Due to their dominant percent of catch. resource use pattern, they also play major roles in conservation of biodiversity. Flora Mangrove forests in the coastal region 1. Fishermen accounts for a negligible share out of the total mangroves of the state. It is found According to the latest available figure along the mouth of Kolak estuary and in a total fishing population in Kachchh was small creek near Umbergoan. Dominated about 15000 of which active ones were by Avicennia marina and a luxuriant about 5700. The fishermen are mainly growth of Rhizophora spp is observed in restricted in the coastal tracts. The the south of Kolak River that attains height fishermen who catch fish in the shallow, about 2m. Scattered mangroves are also low tide water and most of them don’t found on the mudflats of Konai creek and even have boats for deep-water fishing are some other creeks. Gujarat Ecology the poorest among all fishermen Society had suggested taking up plantation communities and are locally known as activities in south Gujarat coast, as the area ‘Pagadiyas’. They sell their fish catch in is ideal with river run off, high tidal range, the local markets. However, there are wide mudflats and good rainfall. substantial numbers of fishermen own the boats, both mechanized and non- Industrial and development Pressure mechanized. Pagadiyas and boat Out of industrial investment of the state fishermen, through their association, are in Valsad district has attracted 2.5 percent of most of the cases using traditional fishing the investments. The small-scale industrial gears and follow some self-regulations in sector is dominated by textile (13.3%), fish catching like seasonal breaks etc. chemical (13.0%), group of industries and Importantly, these fishermen community followed by Machinery except electrical also closely associated with the and transport equipment (9.3%) and rubber mangroves and can also play major role in and its products (7.6%). The coast does not mangrove management. have any major or minor port. Valsad is one of the important fish 2. Pastoralists and cattle breeders producing districts of the state contributing about 9% of the total fish production. It In Kachchh, animal husbandry is a very ranks sixth as far as mechanized vessels common occupation. Both, settled and are concerned (24% of the total). Out of nomadic pastoralists exist here, commonly the total 854 fishing villages, Valsad has known as ‘maldhari’. Based on the herd 88 with 25% of the total fishing population composition of livestock, there are clearly of the state. two distinct types of maldhari communities (a) those who keep cattle and buffaloes and (b) those who keep sheep and goats, belong to ‘Rabari’ and NATIVE COMMUNITIES OF ‘Bharwad’ community. Although, milk selling is the main economic activity, but GUJARAT the sale of animal also form substantial contribution in the annual income of these Fishermen and pastoralists are the two maldhari communities. In Banni and major community groups who have Pachchham regions, traditional methods of substantial dependence on the natural livestock breeding still persists, especially resources, very specifically on for cattle and buffalo.

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3 MAJOR PRESSURES IN THE sewage and 215Mm industrial effluents every year. In addition about 14000 tonnes COASTAL ECOSYSTEM of domestic solid wastes are dumped into the sea. Coastal industries generate five Industrialization and consequent million tones of solid wastes. There is no urbanization has brought environmental estimates made for agricultural run off into degradation inland and pressures on the bio the sea with increasing levels of pesticides diversity of the coastal ecosystems. Gujarat and fertilizers from the districts of is considered to be one of the most Kachchh, Kheda, Surat and Valsad that are polluted states of India. From its traditional likely to contribute excess nutrient. agriculture and textile base it has Pollution of estuaries and downstream diversified into chemicals, petrochemicals, rivers has affected the livelihood of the drugs and pharmaceuticals, food products, local fishermen. machine and tools, paper and pulp, dye Alang Ship breaking yard is the stuffs, fertilizers etc. largest scrap yard in the world, has 182 The state has 41 minor, ship-breaking plots spread over an area of intermediate and major ports 10km along the coast. This yard geographically dispersed across South contributes 15 percent of India’s annual Gujarat (13), Saurashtra (23) and Kachchh steel production. Ship breaking yard at (4). Kandla-Vadinar is a major port in Alang generates large amounts of solid Kachchh. Ten new ports (Four in Kachchh wastes, variety of pollutants, including and six in Khambhat areas) are to be fuel, oil and lubricants, heavy metals like developed by Private sectors and Gujarat tin and lead, chemicals like maritime Board (GMB). polychlorinated biphenyls from paints, oil Dredging activities for vessel sludge, fine powder and sand. The rich movements, sedimentation, shipping marine life on Piram Island is imperiled operations, solid and other waste because of the accumulation of non- deposition are the destructive pressures biodegradable wastes dumped into the created to the sea floor, coastal habitats Gulf of Khambhat. and other living organisms. Mining the extensive deposits of miliolite The pressure on the carrying rocks of the quaternary period, overlain by capacity of the golden corridor is immense. calcareous beach sand, which are the raw Heavy concentration of industries without material for soda ash and cement concern for the carrying capacity of the production, is a major threat to the regions would result in the emergence of miliolite beach and sandy shores of few more clusters such as Dahej or the Saurashtra on the Arabian Sea. Soda ash Gulf of Kachchh, the latter threatening the plants in Mithapur, Porbandar and fragile ecosystem of the Marine National Sustrapada release enormous amount of Park. wastewater with high contents of A recent measure of setting up unionized Ammonia and inorganic common effluent treatment plants (ETP) suspended load. for the industrial units is an emerging In Porbandar, Valsad, Ankleshwar threat. ETP’s cannot treat certain types of and Bharuch, Mangrol, Mandvi, pollutants like heavy metals, mercury and Umbergoan and Pardi are likely to be the POPs. The disposal of hazardous waste hot spots with textile industry being the and technical capability to measure the main source of additional wastewater emission level need urgent attention. discharges. The coastal waters of Gujarat can Marine fish landings have be expected to receive 606Mm3 domestic exceeded the maximum sustainable levels.

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The percentage of the commercially the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems in valuable varieties has fallen consistently Gujarat. A multidisciplinary approach is over the years. While Gujarat accounts for fundamental to the study of this complex about 30% of the marine food exports, its biological community. share of export earning is only about 10%. Regulation on the sustainable fishing practices including terms of mesh size and gears is urgent. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mangroves and corals are under severe threat in Gulf of Kachchh. Species The author acknowledges the Member diversity of mangroves has virtually Secretary of GEC, Mrs. Vilasini disappeared from the Gulf of Khambhat. Ramachandran, IAS and The Director It is high time to act up on these GEC, for the facilities provided. I am crucial pressures to manage the grateful to Dr. Wesley Sunderraj, Scientist, environment besides economical GUIDE, Bhuj for his constant guidance. development. Thanks are due to the ICEF team members.

CONCLUDING REMARKS REFERENCES

Gujarat is one of the most diverse kinds of GEER .2000. Coastal Marine Environment wetlands in the country including of Gujarat, Reports. 1-4, 1997, 1998, 1999. mangroves, coral reefs, beaches, mudflats, Mangroves in Gujarat. tidal flats, flood plain systems and fresh water lakes and reservoirs. However, Gujarat Ecology Commission. 1996. industrialization and consequent Biological Diversity of Gujarat. urbanization has brought environmental degradation inland and pressures on the bio Gujarat Ecology Society. 2000. State diversity of the coastal ecosystems. Thus, Environmental Action Programme, Gujarat is considered to be one of the most Phase I, II. Reports, Gujarat polluted states of India. Ecology Commission. Wetland ecosystems are unique, biologically diverse systems recognized as Gujarat Ecology Commission. 2001. valuable economic and environmental Coastal and Maritime resources. Therefore, is essential to Environments of Gujarat: Ecology improve the capacity of the scientific and Economics, State of the community to tackle critical issues of great Environment Gujarat. complexity and planetary relevance, such as the conservation and sustainable use of

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