Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

** It is a significant habitat for the dugong commonly known as “sea cows”, which is listed as vulnerable in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

** It is a protected area consisting of 21 small islands in the Indian Ocean.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

** In 1986, a group of 21 islets lying off the Tamil Nadu coast between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi were declared the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.

** The park and its 10 km buffer zone were declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

** Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is the first ever Marine Biosphere in South East Asia.

** The Biosphere is separated from south eastern part of India by Palk Straits, also known as Rama’s Bridge.

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

** 21 islands of Marine National Park are divided into the following groups:

1-Tuticorin group of 4 islands
2-Vembar group of 2 islands
3-Kilakarai group of 7 islands
4-Mandapam group of 4 islands

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

** All islands except those of Kurusadai, Musal and Nallathanni islands are uninhabited.

** The Gulf of Mannar is known to harbour over 3,600 species of flora and fauna.