Mangroves in gujrat
The ocean covers 70.8% of the earth's surface, with 70% of water having a depth above 300 m. The coastal wetland area consists of 2807051 ha. The penetration of light in the sea water is important factor to regulate the sea life. The reduced level of sun light can reach up to the depth of 200 m, and this light-penetration zone of the ocean is known as 'Euphoric Zone' which abounds with high density of sea life, although life exist in deep water also.
Temperature, salinity and depth of water are the chief barriers against free movement of marine organisms. Many kinds of waves, tides, cyclones and currents etc. in sea influence the physical and biological conditions of the marine ecosystems. Richness increases with productivity, geological and climatic stability and decreasing latitude. Gulfs in the tropical zone are considered to be important areas for diversity and reproduction of marine life.
Coral reefs
Mangroves : (a) Dense mangroves and (b) Scrub mangroves
Mudflats : (a) High tidal (b) Inter tidal (c) Low tidal (iv) Algal bed (v) Marsh vegetation (vi) Creeks (vii) Salt encrustation (viii) Estuaries (ix) Salt pan (x) Sandy beach /coasts (xi) Rocky beach (xii) True saline desert (xiii) Bets (xiv) Island systems in the Gulf(bets) (xv) Gulf water - Gulfs of Kutch and Khambhat and (xvi) Open sea water
Temperature, salinity and depth of water are the chief barriers against free movement of marine organisms. Many kinds of waves, tides, cyclones and currents etc. in sea influence the physical and biological conditions of the marine ecosystems. Richness increases with productivity, geological and climatic stability and decreasing latitude. Gulfs in the tropical zone are considered to be important areas for diversity and reproduction of marine life.
Mangroves
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 Mangroves grow in tropical climate in inertial zone. Approximately 75% of world's mangroves are found In tropical coastal line between 25°N and 25°S latitudes. This ecosystem develops well in inertial area, where water temperature varies between 21°C and 27°C. India harbours some of the best mangroves in the world. These are located in the alluvial deltas of rivers such as the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauveri as well as on the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. The Sundarbans of West Bengal represent the largest stretch of mangroves in the country, where tree cover was estimated at 2123 sq. LAN. Although Gujarat accounts for an area of 1031 sq. LAN (FSI 1999), majority of its mangroves(also known as Cher) are scrubby and of low height Mangroves function as stabilizer of sediment on shoreline and protect coast from storm and salty wind. They are important nursery grounds for fish, prawn and variety of marine creatures. Mangrove forests in the Gulf of Kutchh are important nesting areas for resident water birds as thousands of nests were counted in the Gulf during summer. Mangroves protect coral reefs and function as genetic resource conservation area. Some of the species have very high medicinal value. In the Gulf of Kutchh, mangroves were used for supply of fodder to the livestock. In some areas, dependency of local people on mangroves for fodder, fuel and timber is very high. In recent years, mangrove areas are used for tourism. Lush green forest and attractive environment makes visit of a tourist incomparable and memorable. |
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