MMS-RMP

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30
GOVERNMENT OF
MAHARASHTRA
Malvan Marine Sanctuary

Management Plan
2020-21 to 2029-30
Prepared by,
Smt. Neenu Somaraj, IFS
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Mangrove Cell, Forest Department of Maharashtra.

Field Team:
Dr. Sheetal Pachpande, Assistant Director, Projects, Mangrove Foundation
Mr. Rohit Sawant, Biodiversity and Livelihood Specialist, Mangrove Foundation
Ms. Durga Thigale, Biodiversity and Livelihood Specialist, Mangrove Foundation
Mr. Deepak Jagannath Sonawane, Range Forest Officer, Mangrove Cell, Malvan
Mr. Sanjeevan Shilwant, Forest Guard, Mangrove Cell, Malvan
Photographs:
Rohit Sawant, Mangrove Foundation
Durga Thigale, Mangrove Foundation
Pranay Sawant, Researcher
GOI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project Team
Coverpage Design:
Vandan Jhaveri, Assistant Director – Ecotourism, Mangrove Foundation
Advisor: Mr. Virendra Tiwari, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
(APCCF), Mangrove Cell
Suggested Citation:
Somaraj Neenu (2020). Management Plan for Malvan Marine Sanctuary, Maharashtra,
India.

Contents
Chapter Subject Page No.
I Preface 1-2
II Acknowledgement 3-4
III List of Annexures 5-5
IV List of Control Forms 6-6
V List of Tables 7-7
VI List of Figures 8-9
VII Abbreviations 10-11
Part I
The Protected Area: The Existing Situation
1 Introduction to the Area 13-19
1.1 Name 13
1.2 Location 13
1.3 Approach and Access 14
1.4 Statement of Significance 15
2 Background Information and Attributes 20-42
2.1 Boundaries 20
2.2 Biogeographical Zone and Sanctuary Types 21
2.3 Characteristics of MMS 23
Climate/Temperature (Year - round pattern) /
2.3.1 23
Rainfall
2.3.2 Water Quality and Flow 23
2.3.3 Currents 24
2.3.4 Marine Biodiversity in MMS 24
2.4 Major Functions and Values 37
Ecological and Economical Services Provided by
2.5 37
MMS
3 History of Management and Present Practices 43-75
3.1 Establishment of the Malvan Marine Sanctuary 43
3.2 Leases 43
3.3 Other Programmes and Activities 43
Change in Perception of local communities
3.3.1 48
through GOI- GEF- UNDP Project
3.4 Protection of the Sanctuary 51

3.4.1 Legal Status 51
3.4.2 Hunting 52
3.4.3 Marine Stranding 54
3.4.4 Navigation 55
3.4.5 Fishing and Fishing Practices 56
3.4.6 Biomass Extraction and Cultivation 57
3.4.7 Sand Mining, Quarrying and Other Activities 58
Encroachment and Other Forms of Sanctuary
3.4.8 58
Reclamation
3.4.9 Religious and Cultural Sentiments 58
3.4.10 The Limiting factors and Threats to the MMS 59
3.5 Current Issues 60
3.5.1 Pollution 60
3.5.2 Sewage, Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal 60
3.5.3 Coral Bleaching 60
3.5.4 Wildlife Health 62
3.5.5 Inter-Agency Coordination Program and Problems 63
3.5.6 Tourism 64
3.5.7 Human Activities in the Surrounding Areas 65
3.6 Scope 66
3.7 Visitor Statistics 67
3.8 Interpretation Programme 67
3.9 Facilities 68
3.10 Research, Monitoring and Training 69
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies and their
3.11 69
Evaluation
3.12 Administrative Set up 75
The Sanctuary Area and the Interface Land
4 76-87
Use Situation
4.1 The Existing Situation in the Zone of Influence (ZI) 76
4.2 Villages In and Around the Sanctuary 77
Ethnic Identities, Traditions, Customs,
4.3 77
Relationships between Distinct Groups
Relationship of Local Communities with the
4.4 79
Sanctuary
4.5 The State of People’s Economy 80
Vocations, Land Use, Use of Sanctuary and
4.6 82
Sanctuary Products

Implications of the Land Use and Resource
4.7 82
Dependency
Sanctuary Management Practices and their
4.8 84
Implications for People
History of issues and difficulties in legal
4.8.1 84
enforcement of wildlife laws in the Sanctuary
The Development Programmes and Conservation
4.9 85
Issues
Local Community Apprehension/
4.10 Misconceptions Hindering Implementation of 85
Management of the MMS
Part II-
Future Management Plan
5 The Vision, Objectives, and Problems 88-91
5.1 The Vision 88
5.2 Objectives 88
5.3 Issues and Problems 88
6 The Strategies 92-97
6.1 Management Strategies 92
6.1.1 Management Philosophy 92
6.1.2 Participative Decision Making 92
6.1.3 Degree of Intervention 93

Integration of Management Plan of MMS in all
6.1.4 94
Sectoral Plans of all Municipal Corporations
6.2 Boundaries 94
6.3 Zonation 94
6.4 Management of Zones 95
6.5 Infrastructure Development 96
6.6 Theme Plans 97
7 Habitat Conservation and Recovery Plan 98-101
7.1 Introduction 98
7.2 Objectives 98
7.3 Proposed Action Plan 98
7.3.1 Coral Reef Conservation 98
7.3.2 Fin Fish and Shell Fish Habitat 100
7.3.3 Seaweed Habitat 100
7.3.4 Sand Dune Habitat 101

7.3.5 Protection of Marine Habitats 101
8 Species Conservation and Recovery Plan 102-107
8.1 Introduction 102
8.2 Objectives 102
Species Recovery Plan, for Few Important IUCN
8.3 Species, Red Data Book Species and Wildlife 103
Protected Species
8.3.1 Sea Turtles 103
8.3.2 Crustaceans and Molluscs 104
Corals, Fishes, Sea Shell , Ornamental Marine
8.3.3 105
Fishes and Sea Weeds etc.
8.3.4 Marine Mammals 105
9 Fisheries Management Plan 108-112
9.3 Management of conflicts 110
Eco-Tourism, Interpretation and Conservation
10 113-125
Education
10.2 Objectives 113
10.3 Ecotourism Participants 113
Sustainable Eco-Development Plan for
11 126-126
Community involved Livelihood Generation
11.2 Objectives Behind Ecodevelopment plan 126
Solid Waste Management, Pollution Control
12 128-130
and Disaster Management Plan
12.2 Objectives 128
13 Disaster Management Plan 131-132
13.2 Objectives 131
14 Research, Monitoring and Capacity Building 133-135

14.2 Objectives 133
15 Organisation and Administration 136-139
15.2 Requirement of staff and Vehicles 136
15.3 Staff Amenities 138
15.4 Evaluation and Review Committee 138
16 The Budget 140-140
16.2 Financial implications 140
Bibliography 141-143
17 Annexures 144-248
18 Control Forms 249-262

Preface
Malvan is known for its historical heritage and scenic beauty and
hence has a good potential for tourism development. It is famous for
Sindhudurg Fort, standing in open sea constructed by the Maratha
King Chatrapati Shivaji in the 16th century. The fort is declared as a
national monument and is under the control of the “Archaeological
Survey of India”. Several tourists visit this place every year. The marine
biodiversity in the region has been reported to be relatively rich and
hence the Government of Maharashtra has declared port of Malvan
coastal waters as Marine Sanctuaries in 1987
Malvan Marine Sanctuary consists of myriad of biodiversity comprising
undisturbed coral reefs, several marine organisms comprising many
scheduled and protected species like Dolphins, Fishes, Molluscs,
Pearl Oysters, Sea Anemones,Polychaetes (Earthworm Like Species),
Sea grass etc. , The declaration of the Sanctuary ensured the
conservation of this unique marine environment through preservation
and through regulated exploitation.
The Management Plan of this Sanctuary is the need of the hour for
ensuring sustainablemanagement of the area in a scientific way.
Preservation, conservation and regulated economic exploitation of the
Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 1

resources are the objective of the management plan of the Malvan
Marine Sanctuary. Various measures such as habitat improvement,
Species recovery programes, ecotourism, capapcity building and
awareness creation are recommended in this plan to achieve the
targeted outcomes. It is the maiden attempt in this regard and this
document will certainly guide the park management in the sustainable
management of the Sanctuary.
Virendra Tiwari
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,
Mangrove Cell

Acknowledgement
At the very outset I place my deepest sense of gratitude to Shri.

Virendra Tiwari IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
(APCCF), Mangrove Cell, Mumbai for his active guidance and
encouragement while preparing this management plan.
I am indebted to Shri. N. Vasudevan IFS, Additional Principal Chief

Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Research Education and Training
previously working as APCCF in Mangrove Cell for his wisdom and
inventiveness on marine biodiversity conservation. All his valuable
contributions for the upgradation of the management of the Malvan
Marine Sanctuary helped me in the preparation of this document
I sincerely thank Shri. Jayaram Gowda IFS, the then Deputy

Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell for his valuable contributions in
the protection and conservation of Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
The preparation of this management plan would not have been

possible without the help from my colleagues Dr. Sheetal Pachpande,
Assistant Director (Projects) and Shri. Rohit Sawant Biodiversity and
Livelihood Specialist, Mangrove Foundation. My words of appreciation
and acknowledgment go to them for the great support rendered in
drafting this plan
The preparatory work done by Dr. Manas Manjrekar, Deputy Director-

Research and Capacity Building, Smt. Durga Thigale Biodiversity and
Livelihood Specialist, Shri. Harshal Karve Marine Biologist, Shri
Anjaneyulu, GIS Specialist, and entire team from Mangrove
Foundation who helped in making this report.

The contributions of Range Forest Officer, Shri. Deepak Sonowanne,
and the forest guard Shri. Sanjeevan Shilvant of Mangrove Cell are
acknowledged here
Last but not the least I am thankful to all favours received from
everyone directly and indirectly.
Neenu Somraj
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Mangrove Cell

List of Annexures
Annex. Title Reference Page

No. No.
1. Notification of Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) In Para 3.4.1 144
1987 Vide Notification No. PGS. 10S6 17724/F5 Page 51
on 13th April 1987
2. Sub Divisional Officer, Kankawali Inquiry Report Para 3.4.1 147
by Letter Dated 8.3.1988 Page 52
3. Letter by the CCF (WL) MS, submitted to Para 3.4.1 185
Page 52
the Government dated Nov. 22, 1994.
4. Data of Overall Stranding Reported at Malvan Para 3.4.3 188
Coast Page 54
5. MEE Report for MMS Para 5.4 191
Page 91
6. GR For Mandatory Use of Square Mesh Cod-End Para 9.21 192
Nets for Trawlers Page 111
7. Guidelines given in the Maharashtra Marine Para 9.2 194
Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981 Page 111
8. Guidelines for Coastal Water Sports Given by Para 10.4 212
NIWS (National Institute Of Water Sports) Page 121
9. District Disaster Management Plan, Sindhudurg, Para 13.3 226
2020 Page 132
10. Proposed Budget for Implementation of the Plan Para 16.1 240
from 2020-21 to 2029-30 Page 140
10.1 Statement showing Year Wise Physical and Financial Para 16.2 241
Details of Staff Requirement Page 140
Details of Staff Quarter/ Building Requirement Page 140
Details of Vehicle and Equipments Page 140
Details of Habitat Improvement Works Page 140
10.5 Statement Showing Year Wise Physical and Financial Para 16.2 248
Details of Awareness and Outreach Activities Page 140
11 Approval letter of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 249
Management Plan

Control Forms
Form
Particulars Page no
no.
1. Restoration of Habitat: Coral Transplantation and Artificial 251
Reef Development
2. Marine Stranding Report 252
3. Marine Species Corals, Seaweeds, Fish Etc New Record 253
4. Diseases, Mortality, Coral Beaching, Spread of Invasive sp 254
5. Construction/Maintenance of Infrastructure Buildings 255
(Existing/New)
6. Development/ Maintenance of Infrastructure: Vehicles 256
(Existing/New)
7. Developing Infrastructure: Boundaries, Fences, Bouys 257
(Existing/New)
8. Tourism 258
9. SCUBA Diving/Snorkelling and Other Watersports 259
10. Offence/ Marine Trade of Scheduled Species 260
11. Research Projects Under Implementation Through PA 261
Manpower with or Without Collaboration with External
Agencies
12. Eco-Development Programme: Targets and Implementation 262
13. Progress of All Strategies Under the Zone and Theme Plans 263
14. Format for Deviation Proposal 264

List of Tables
Table no. Particulars Page no
1. GPS Coordinates for Core and Buffer Zone of The 20

2. Average Values for the Water Parameter studied 23

from Malvan Marine Sanctuary
3. Range of Nutrients studied in the Intertidal Zone 24

and Subtidal Zone
4. Number of Phytoplankton Species Recorded in 25

5. Number of Zooplankton Species Recorded in 26

6. Number of Coral Species Reported from Malvan 29

Marine Sanctuary
7. Different Eco-Morphological Classes at Malvan 29

Marine Sanctuary
8. List of Sea Snakes Reported at Malvan Marine 33

Sanctuary
9. Species Diversity of Marine Mammals Reported At 36

The Sanctuary
10. Marine Stranding Data at Malvan Marine 54

Sanctuary
11. Management Plan Implementation and Review 67

Committee
12. Year-Wise Visitor Footfall Data to the Sindhudurg 93

Fort and Revenue Generated Documented by MMB
13. Details of Core Zone and Buffer Zone 95
14. Theme Plans 97
15. Details of Permanent and Proposed Staff 137
16. Details of Proposed Contractual Staff 137
17. Details of Required Staff Amenities 138

List of Figures
Fig. no Particulars Page no

1. Map Showing Location of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 13
Map Showing Route National Highway from Airport to 14
2.
MMS
3. Map Showing Route from Railway Station to MMS 15
4. Map Showing Route from Malvan Bus Stand to MMS 15
5. View of Rocky Outcrops and the Sindhudurg Fort 16
6. Natural Coral (Turbinaria Sp.) Patch 17
7. View of Rocky Shore at Rock Garden in Malvan 22
8. View of Wayari- Tarkarli Beach 22
9. Natural Coral Patch 26
10. Goniophora Species of Coral 27
11. Sea Fan at Malvan Marine Sanctuary 28
12. Dominant Species of Seaweed Sargassum in MMS 30
13. Shaws Sea Snake At MMS 32
14. Hatchings of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles 34
15. Bluering Angelfish (Pomacanthus Annularis) 35
16. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins At MMS 36
17. Sea Gulls Reported At MMS 38
18. Natural Coral In MMS 38
19. Underwater Fish Life In MMS 39
20. View of The Fish Auction Market on Dandi Beach 41
Sale of Seabass Fish Cultured Under the Mangrove 41

21.
Livelihood Scheme
22. View of Oyster Culture Raft Installed in the Creek 42
Ghost Fishing Net Being Retrieved by Trained SCUBA 45

23.
Divers Under the GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project
Inauguration of Sustainable Fisheries Workshop for 45

24. Fishermen of Sindhudurg District by the Hands of Hon.
MLA Shri Vaibhav Naik
Inauguration of Jute Bag Initiative for Sindhudurg Fort 46

25.
Undertaken by Kille Prernotsav Samitee, A Local NGO

Snorkelling Guide Training Imparted by IISDA To Local 46
26.
Youth in Malvan
Coral Transplantation and Artificial Reef Module 47

27.
Deployment with Local Participation
Distribution of Squaremesh Cod–End Trawl Nets To 47

28.
Fisheries Co-Operative Societies In Sindhudurg District
Coral Transplantation module soon after deployment 48

29.
Stage I
30. Attachment of Coral Transplant to The Substrate Stage II 48
News clipping showing cases of illegal fishing registered 53

31.
during Joint Patrolling
A Common Sight of Fishing and Tourism Boats Anchored 55

32.
Off Malvan- Dandi Beach
Traditional Method of Shore Seine Fishing (Rampan) 56

33.
Practices
34. Board of Chatrapti Shivaji Maharaj Museum 58
35. Coral Bleaching 61
36. Coral Transplantation Module with Coral Fragments 70
37. View of Seascape and Sindhudurg Fort in MMS 76
38. Dandeshwar Temple at Dandi Beach 78
39. Stage Show Dashavatar During Holi Festival 78
40. A View of the Fish Auction Market in Malvan 81
41. A View of the Salt Drying of Fish at Dandi 81
Meeting of Management Effectiveness Evaluation Team 90

42.
and Mangrove Cell at Range Forest Office, Malvan
43. Stranded Whale Carcass 106
44. Stranded Finless Porpoise 107

List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Full form

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CCF (WL) MS Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Maharashtra State
CITES Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora
CWW Chief Wildlife Warden
CZMP Coastal Zone Management Plan
DCF (WL) Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
DFO Divisional Forest Officer
EDC Eco-Development Committee
GEF Global Environment Facility
GLOMS The Global Mangrove Database and Information System
GoI Government of India
HTL High Tide Line
IRS Indian Remote Sensing
ISRS International Society for Reef Studies
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
IUU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated
IWPA Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act
JFMC Joint Forest Management Committee
LISS IV Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System III (LISS-III)
LULC Land Use Land Cover
MLS Minimum Legal Size
MMCFM Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of

Maharashtra
MMS Malvan Marine Sanctuary
MoEF&CC Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
MPA Marine Protected Area
MRSAC Maharashtra Remote Sensing Applications Centre
NCSCM National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

NIO National Institute of Oceanography
NIWS National Institute of Water Sports
NOAA National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
PA Protected Area
RET Rare, Endangered and Threatened
RFO Range Forest Officer
SAC Space Application Center
SDO Sub Divisional Officer
SCME Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem
SCUBA Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
SDMRI Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
VEDC Village Eco- Development Committee

PART I
The Protected Area
Existing Situation

Chapter 1
Introduction to the area
1.1 Name
It has been notified as Malvan Marine Sanctuary on 13th April 1987.
1.2 Location
The Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) is located 16° 00’ 00” N to 16°
05’ 00” N latitudes and 73° 25’ 00” E to 73° 30’ 00” E longitudes in
Malvan Taluka of Sindhudurg District. Sindhudurg district formed in
1981, presently comprises the taluka of Kudal, Malvan, Devgad,
Kankawali, Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Dodamarg and Vaibhavwadi.
Figure 1: Map showing location of Malvan Marine Sanctuary

1.3 Approach and Access
The Sanctuary is located adjoining the Malvan town of Malvan Taluka

which is one among the eight (three coastal) talukas of Sindhudurg
district and located approximately 35 km from the Mumbai Goa
National Highway 66. This district is the southernmost coastal district
of Maharashtra. From any nearest airport, railway station and bus
service one can visit Malvan town to access the Sanctuary.
a) Nearest Airport
Goa International Airport, Dabolim, Goa - 129 km; Mopa International

Airport, Goa (under-construction) - 77 km; Sindhudurg Airport,
Sindhudurg (under-construction) - 21 km.
Figure 2: Map showing route of National Highway from Airport to Malvan Marine Sanctuary

b) Nearest Railway Station:
Sindhudurg-Nagari (Oros) railway station to Malvan – 28.4 km;
Kudal railway station to Malvan - 30 km; Kankavali railway station
to Malvan – 46.4 km; Sawantwadi road railway station to Malvan –
52.1 km.
Figure 3: Map showing route from Railway station to Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Figure 4: Map showing route from Malvan Bus stand to Malvan Marine Sanctuary

c) Nearest Bus Stand: Malvan bus stand to Malvan jetty - 1.2 km
d) Access to MMS: From Malvan jetty by passenger boats.
Frequently visited places around the Sanctuary are Dandi beach,

Wayari beach, Chivla beach, Rock garden, Malvan market, Tarkarli
and Devbag.
1.4 Statement of Significance
Figure 5: View of Rocky Outcrops and the Sindhudurg Fort
Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) represents a unique combination of

some of the richest and varied marine ecosystems and habitats
occurring on the West Coast of India. The area is notable for its unique
coastal and marine biodiversity and is ecologically significant. About
18 species of live corals have been reported from the area. Malvan

Marine Sanctuary (MMS) has a marine habitat having diversified
marine flora and fauna including marine algae, sea anemones,
polychaetes, crustaceans, bivalves, gastropods, echinoderms, fishes,
sea turtles, sea snakes, marine mammals, aquatic birds, etc.
Figure 6: Natural coral (Turbinaria sp.) patch
It comprises diverse habitats such as coral reef, rocky and intertidal

zone, mangroves, etc. The rocky coastline of Malvan is primarily
composed of sedimentary rocks. These rocks are soft and are easily
eroded by both wave and wind action and provide habitat to a variety
of animals who prefer to inhabit in burrows or crevices. Many crevices
and cracks in the rocks serve as an ideal habitat for sheltering, feeding,
and breeding grounds for many invertebrates and also as an ideal
substratum for harbouring marine algae (seaweed).

The intertidal zone along the Malvan coast is characterised by the
presence of corals and other marine invertebrate species in the region
of MMS and comprises mangrove vegetation in nearby areas of MMS
namely Karli, Kolamb and Kalavali backwater river/creeks.
The sandy beaches are interspersed with rock formation extending

over a considerable distance into the sea and forming into small bays.
During low tide, the exposed areas of the bay have large rocks
harbouring a variety of flora and fauna.
MMS is of tremendous importance as it comprises several isolated

clean pockets of marine biodiversity that include patchy coral reefs,
diverse associated marine species.
Other globally significant and marine protected species under Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 include Whale shark, Bryde's whale, Blue whale,
Sperm whale, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, Finless porpoises,
Otters, Olive Ridley, Green, and hawksbill sea turtles, white-bellied sea
eagle, swiftlets present in the marine environs of the MMS.
MMS is located in the heart of Malvan city which comprises the famous
'Sindhudurg Fort' built by the founder of Maratha empire Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj in the 16th century giving it a historical significance
adding further importance to the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary was studied scientifically since 1980 by various

organisations and is one among the 11 ecologically and economically
critical habitats identified along India’s West and East coast by the
Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) programme
of India’s Department for Ocean Development (DOD). Out of 367

species found in the Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem, of
which 331 species have been recorded in Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary area also has enormous economic significance being

one of the major fish landing centres, and as a rapidly emerging
tourism destination.

Chapter 2
Background Information and Attributes
2.1 Boundaries
The Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) encompasses within its

boundary, the historic Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj (which is recognized as an archaeological
monument by Archaeological Survey of India), the Padmagad Island
and some underwater rocky areas.
The North-East border of the buffer zone is about 50 m from the

seashore near Malvan Port. Eastern border comprises semi-circular
sandy beach (Dandi beach) which is about 500 m parallel to the shore
at Malvan. In the South the area covers the buffer zone near "Mandal
Rock" of Malvan Port. In the West, the buffer zone area touches the
area of Malvan rock, and the core zone covering the area of Sindhudurg
Fort, Padmagad Island is along submerged exposed rocks which
extends to about 3.182 sq.km.
GPS locations of Boundaries
Table 1: GPS Co-Ordinates for Core and Buffer Zone of the Malvan Marine
Sanctuary (Total area of Marine Sanctuary 29.122 sq.km.)
Core Zone area of 3.182 sq.km. Buffer Zone area of 25.94 sq.km.
Sr.No. Latitude Longitude Sr.No. Latitude Longitude
1. 16° 02.7" 73° 28.25" 1. 16° 02.00" 73° 29.25"
2. 16° 02.00" 73° 28.3" 2. 16° 01.00" 73° 28.25"
3. 16° 02.00" 73° 27.00" 3. 16° 00.00" 73° 26.00"
4. 16° 02.7" 73° 27.00" 4. 16° 03.95" 73° 27.00"
5. 16° 02.9" 73° 27.7" 5. 16° 03.95" 73° 27.9"

2.2 Biogeographical Zone and Sanctuary Types
It comes under the “Coasts” zone in the zonation of the different

biogeographic zones of India as classified by Rodgers et.al., (2002) and
under biogeographic province of Coastal zone (8). MMS comes in the “humid
category” under the classification of the bioclimatic zones of India.
The Malvan coast is characterised by prominent islands namely the

Sindhudurg fort, Padmagad and Kada near Sarjekot; oyster rocks
(Mandal and Don Tarra), rocky promontories (Rajkot & Sarjekot),
sandy beaches (Chivalyachi vel, Kandvel, Malvan chowpatty and
Dandi) and mud flat – mangroves in the environs of Kolamb creek
towards the north of the Sanctuary. ICMAM-DOD (July 2001). Critical
Habitat Information System of Malvan, Maharashtra, India, pg 11.
Rocky islands
The coast mainly consists of granites and gneiss and a few gneissic
interruptions. The rocks are covered by laterite beds. The coastline
near MMS is interrupted by sandy beaches, rocky cliffs. oyster rocks
(Mandal, Dharan rock, Ekicha Dhonda), rocky promontories (Rajkot).
Beaches
The Sanctuary area is flanked by Sandy beaches such as Chivala,

Dandi, Malvan Chowpatty, Wayari and Tarkarli. The rocky beach of
rock garden gives protection to the coast against strong waves.

Figure 7: View of Rocky Shore of Rock Garden in Malvan
Figure 8: View of Wayari- Tarkarli Beach

2.3 Characteristics of MMS
2.3.1 Climate/Temperature (Year- Round Pattern) / Rainfall
Malvan being a coastal taluka, variation in the temperature during the

day and throughout the season is not large. December is the coldest
month with mean daily maximum temperature at 32.7 °C and the
mean daily minimum temperature at 18.7°C. April is the hottest
month. The relative humidity during the southwest monsoon is very
high (86 to 90%). The relative humidity during winter and summer
months is also above 57%.
The climate of Malvan is typical of monsoon regions, cool and dry

seasons with low intensity of north-eastern winds from the land
(November to February) and hot- dry season from March to May
followed by rainy season (June to September). The annual average
rainfall is 2916 mm (Ref. District Statistics report 2014-15). The
average wind speed in the region is observed to be in the range of 6.6
to 17.9 kmph.
2.3.2 Water Quality and Flow
Marine water quality monitoring is required to predict changes in the

quality of a particular marine environment.
Table 2: Average Values for the Water Parameter Studied from MMS
SWT Sal. pH DO SPM Nitrite Productivity

oC ppt mg/l mg/l % mg/C/m-
3/hr-1
Average
Minimum 27 23.6 7.4 3.26 40 0.02 0
Maximum 37 37 8.25 5.21 160 1.94 1.77
(SWT- Surface Water Temperature; Sal. – Salinity; SPM- Suspended Particulate

Matter)

Table 3: Range of Nutrients Studied in Intertidal zone and Subtidal Zone
Nitrate phosphate Silicate

mmol/l mmol/l mmol/l
Intertidal Zone 1.45 to 8.76 0.07 to 0.38 3.37 to 25.59
Subtidal Zone 0.02 to 3.08 0.07 to 0.48 1.25 to 16.89
Source: ICMAM-DOD (July 2001). Critical Habitat Information System of Malvan,

Maharashtra, India
This helps in the curative or preventive measures can be taken to

restore and maintain the ecological balance in the habitats.
2.3.3 Currents
The coastal currents are clockwise or shoreward from February to

September, while anti-clockwise from November to January and
transitional in October.
2.3.4 Marine Biodiversity in MMS
Malvan is one of the biologically richest coastal regions in

Maharashtra. Earlier reports on the marine flora and fauna of Malvan
pertain to coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, fishes, sea
anemones, molluscs, seaweed, and mangroves.
A. Phytoplankton
In the study conducted by ICMAM-DOD in year 1998-99, a total of 58

species of Phytoplankton were recorded (49 species of
Bacillariophyceae, 8 species of Dinophyceae, and one species of
Cyanophyceae). A recent study conducted by Hardikar et al. in 2017,
showed 57 phytoplankton species falling under five classes namely
diatoms (40 sp.), dinoflagellates (9 sp.), Chlorophyceae (5 sp.),
Cyanophyceae (2 sp.), and Dictyochophyceae (1 sp.) prevailed off
Malvan were recorded off Malvan. Phytoplankton forms the primary
source in the marine food chain. The density ranged from 5000 to
22,10,000 cells/litre.
Table 4: Number of Phytoplankton Species Recorded in MMS
Area No. of species recorded
Rocky island
Bacillariophyceae 24
Dinophyceae 4
Cyanophyceae 1
Malvan Bay
Bacillariophyceae 34
Dinophyceae 3
Cyanophyceae 0
Chaetoceros, Asterionella 0
B. Zooplankton
Zooplanktons are heterotrophic organisms at the secondary level

(Primary consumers) which depends mainly on phytoplankton. It is an
important group and indicates the productivity and environmental
characteristics of the marine ecosystems. Total 34 species of copepods
and 2 species of Cladocerans were recorded during the study.
The biomass of zooplankton ranged from 0.026 to 0.30 ml/m3 and

population density varied from 15 to 2461 no’s/m3. (ICMAM-DOD (July
2001). Critical Habitat Information System of Malvan, Maharashtra,
India, pg 17)

Table 5: Number of Zooplankton Species recorded in each Family
Area No of species recorded
Sindhudurg (Rocky Island)
Calanoida 14
Harpacticoide 2
Cyclopoida 4
Cladocera 1
Malvan Bay
Calanoida 9
Harpacticoide 0
Cyclopoida 2
Cladocera 0
Copepods dominant
C. Coral Reef in MMS
Figure 9: Natural Coral Patch

The Malvan Marine Sanctuary in Maharashtra has a reasonably good
distribution in the West coast of India. Studies conducted by Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI Report 2015), Suganthi Devadason Marine
Research Institute (SDMRI, Report 2014) and Indian Institute for
SCUBA Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) show presence of good
biodiversity of corals and associated flora and fauna within and around
the boundaries of Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
Qasim and Wafar (1979) reported 8 genera of corals in this region and
assessment and monitoring of corals started since then. In 1998-99, a
study conducted by NIO revealed 11 species of corals. Furthermore,
the survey conducted by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) under GoI-
GEF- UNDP Sindhudurg Project in 2015 revealed 20 species of corals
in and around the MMS along with three new records.
Figure 10: Goniophora species of Coral

As per the study conducted by SDMRI, 21 species of corals have been
reported from MMS and surrounding area, making the total number
of coral species 30 across Sindhudurg coast. A recent survey carried
out in 2020 by Mangrove Foundation and Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune
showed presence of 13 species of corals within the Sanctuary area.
The coral species found in the Malvan Marine Sanctuary are slow
growing species which belong to genera like Porites, Pavona,
Leptastrea,etc
Figure 11: Sea fan at Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Total 25 species of corals (reef building and non-reef building) have

been recorded from MMS region by NIO, SDMRI and ZSI. Coral reef
mapping for the Indian coast carried out by Navalgund et.al in year
2010, using Space Applications Centre (SAC) (IRS data of 2004-07)

suggested that Malvan has 00.28 sq km based on eco-morphological
zonation of the coral reefs on the off-shore reef of Malvan.
Table 6: Number of Coral Species reported from Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Sr. Coral Species Sr. Coral Species

No. No.
1 Pavona varians 14 Goniopora minor
2 Coscinaraea monile 15 Porites lutea.
3 Platygyra sp. 16 Porites lichen
4 Goniastrea retiformis 17 Siderastrea savignyana
5 Goniastrea pectinata 18 Pseudosiderastrea tayami
6 Favites abdita 19 Pavona minuta
7 Favites flexuosa 20 Pavona bipartia
8 Favia sp. 21 Tubastrea aurea
9 Cyphastrea microphthalma 22 Dendrophyllia sp.
10 Cyphastrea serailia 23 Plesiastrea versipora
11 Leptastrea purpurea. 24 Paracyathus stokesi
12 Echinopora sp. 25 Polycyathus verrilli
13 Turbinaria mesenterina
According to the report of SAC (Coastal Zones of India, 2012), Coral

reef of Malvan recorded four eco-morphological classes.
Table 7: Eco-morphological Classes at Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Eco-morphological Class Percentage (%)
Reef Flat 76.20
Sandy Reef 18.42
Submerged Reef 5.38
Sand & Clay -

D. Benthic Community Structure within MMS
In the study conducted in 1998-99, 39 species of benthic organisms

were recorded in rocky island (Sindhudurg), Malvan bay and adjacent
area of the Sanctuary at the mouth of Kolamb creek.
There were 15 species of polychaetes, 12 species of gastropods, 7

species of crustaceans, 4 species of bivalves and one species of
Stelleroida were reported. (ICMAM-DOD (July 2001). Critical Habitat
Information System of Malvan, Maharashtra, India, pg 21)
E. Seaweeds
Figure 12: Dominant species of Seaweed Sargassum sp. in Malvan Marine Sanctuary
ln the study conducted in year 1998-99, total of 32 Species of seaweeds

were recorded. There were 12 species of Rhodophyceae, 11 species of

Chlorophyceae and 9 species of Phaeophyceae. The distribution of
seaweeds varied from zone to zone. Another study reveals that there
are about 40 species of seaweeds recorded from Malvan and
Kunkeshwar coasts (Ref. Rode et.al. 2015). A recent survey by
Mangrove Foundation and Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune from 2020 has
reported 13 species of seaweeds.
F. Mangroves
Mangroves are the salt tolerant forest ecosystems mainly found in

tropical and sub-tropical inter-tidal regions. The Malvan coast is
bound by 3 small creeks namely Karli to the South and Kolamb and
Kalavali to the North East comprising around 15-16 species of
mangrove vegetation. However, all the three creeks drain out close to
demarcated Sanctuary area. Only 2 species of mangroves namely
Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba have been observed around
Sindhudurg fort and Rock Garden.
G. Reptiles (Sea Snakes and Turtles)
a) Sea Snakes
Sea snakes are the most diverse marine reptiles with around 70
species found in near shore tropical regions. True sea snakes
(belonging to sub - family Hydrophinae in Family Elapidae) spend their
entire lives in water surfacing only to breathe. These highly specialized
reptiles are threatened by human activities throughout their
distribution. They are often caught as bycatch in fisheries leading to
large mortalities.

Figure 13: Shaws Sea Snake
Since 2016, the Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra Forest. Dept. and the
Mangrove Foundation have collaborated with Dakshin Foundation (a
scientific research NGO) to carry out research on sea snakes in Malvan
and surrounding regions of Maharashtra (Sindhudurg district). As a
part of the said research programme, various aspects such as
monitoring the sea snake populations in bycatch of fisheries in the
region, understanding sea snake ecology and conducting awareness
programmes for local stakeholders have been carried out.
For the said research programme, both field-based methods such as

surveys with fisherfolk and on-board observations (boat surveys) to
study population structure and habitat use, as well as, lab-based
methods to understand sea snake diets and resource use have been
carried out.

During the study, a total of 7 species of sea snakes were found in the
bycatch of trawlers, gillnets and shore seines at Malvan. The beaked
sea snake (Hydrophis schistosus) and the Shaw's sea snakes (H. curtus)
were the most common. When the data was compared to previous work
in the region from 2004 and 2009, a stark decline was observed in the
proportion of the Shaw's sea snake in the bycatch of trawlers in the
Konkan region.
Sea snakes are a protected species in India and are listed under
Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite its protection
status, very little scientific research has gone into understanding
existing species.
Table 8: List of Sea Snake Species Reported Along Malvan Coast
Sr No. List of Sea Snakes
1. Beaked Sea Snake
2. Short Sea Snake
3. Annulated Sea Snake
4. Malaka Sea Snake
5. Pelagic Sea Snake
6. Viper Headed Sea Snake
7. Little File Snake
b) Sea Turtles
Sea turtles serve as important indicators for the wellbeing of coastal

and marine environment. Of the total seven species of sea turtles found
globally, four species are known to occur in MMS region namely Green
turtle Chelonia mydas, Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata, Loggerhead
Caretta caretta, Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea .

Olive Ridleys are known to regularly nest along the coast of
Sindhudurg.
Figure 14: Hatchings of Olive Ridley Sea turtles
H. Fishes
Barman et al 2007 recorded 108 species belonging to 48 families in 13 orders

in Malvan Marine Sanctuary. Analysis of these 108 species showed that it
contains 4 vulnerable species viz. Congresox talabonoides, Muraenesox
cinereus, Tenualosa ilisha and Arius thalassinus and two near threatened
species;Chiloscyllium griseum and Scalioton laticaudus. It also contains some

important commercial edible fishes. The fishes of the family Carangidae form
the dominating group consisting of 15 species among the important edible
fishes.

Figure 15: Bluering angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
I. Marine mammals
Total of Seven species of marine mammals have been recorded directly

and indirectly along the Malvan shore during the study conducted by
Konkan Cetacean Research Team during 2014-15. Indian Ocean
Humpback Dolphin and Finless Porpoise are the frequently sighted
marine mammals within the MMS waters. Total three species of
dolphins, one finless porpoise and three species of whales have been
recorded directly or indirectly in and around the Sanctuary by Konkan
Cetacean Research Team (KCRT) as a part of the GoI-GEF-UNDP
project.

Figure 16: Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins at MMS
Table 9: List of Marine Mammals Reported at MMS
Sr. No. List of Marine Mammals
1. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins
2. Bottlenose Dolphin
3. Spinner Dolphin
4. Indo - Pacific Finless Porpoise
5. Bryde’s Whale
6. Blue Whale
7. Sperm Whale

2.4 Major Functions and Values
a) Direct use value: The MMS has direct value for sustainable ecotourism
and fishing in the surrounding region. MMS acts as a source population for
various fishes and other species of important marine fauna namely corals,
seaweeds, marine mammals, etc. which is highly valued as a source of
livelihood for fishermen around the Sanctuary. It has the potential to act as
a major source of livelihood in the form of various activities for eco-tourism
which will fetch them good earnings.
a) Indirect use value: Indirect values of MMS are in terms of a reservoir of

wild gene pool reserve of local marine flora and fauna. Similarly, it is also
immensely valuable as a reservoir of marine biodiversity of the region and
habitat for crucial marine organisms which attract the visitors for recreation
and aesthetic value. Mangroves adjacent to MMS also are the sites for the
breeding of marine species and they help indirectly in preventing the flash
floods and help in the prevention of erosion of silt. They make the area green
and aesthetically rich. It also serves as an important carbon sink for the
region.
2.5 Ecological and Economic Services Provided by

A. Biodiversity Value
The presence of corals makes MMS one of the unique sea-scape which
holds many associated marine species like Corals, Sea weeds,
Molluscs, Crustaceans, Pisces, Holothurians, Sea turtles, Sea snakes,
Cetaceans, the marine mammals are found within the Sanctuary area
increasing the value of MMS with respect to species diversity. The rich
diversity of Avifauna, reptiles and other invertebrates also add value to
the area.

Figure 17: Sea gulls Reported at MMS
Figure 18: Natural Coral in MMS

B. Nursery Grounds
Figure 19: Underwater fish life in MMS
The Coral ecosystem, also referred to as ‘Gardens of the Seas’ act as a

nursery grounds for many of the marine ornamental and the rocky fish
species and have global significance. The mangroves present adjacent
to MMS also act as spawning grounds for many commercially
important species of fish, crabs, prawn, bivalves, etc.
C. Food
The corals, mangroves and other suitable habitats act as nursery and
breeding grounds for many commercially important species. This adds
to the total fish catch of the area and thus becomes a primary source
of protein for the coastal communities, thereby gaining importance in
the food chain. Many food chains are well established within MMS
waters and their interdependency relies on the conservation efforts.

D. Livelihood
The livelihoods of people in the coastal buffer zone of the Malvan

Marine Sanctuary region largely depend on coastal and marine
resources. However, agriculture and allied activities also play a
significant role in providing livelihoods for the poor. Fisheries and
tourism are the most common livelihood activities. The fishermen
community use traditional forms of fishing like Rampan. They also
practise horticulture like Mango, Cashew, Kokam, Areca nut, Spices
plantations as an additional source of income.
Creek based aquaculture which is mainly practiced in the mangrove

areas around the MMS, is gaining importance in recent years after
being demonstrated under various programs like UNDP Project, State
Government Mangrove Conservation and Livelihood Generation
Scheme implemented by the Mangrove Foundation, Blue Revolution
Scheme by the State Fisheries Department and Chanda to Banda
Scheme of State Revenue Department, etc.
E. Protection to the shore
Corals and rocky habitat help in combatting the tidal force along the
coastal belt. Sand dunes also help in shore protection and in
prevention of erosion. With the sporadic rise in unsustainable tourism
and fishing practices, the Dandi beach which is the prime beach within
the Sanctuary limits and Chivala beach are losing their natural dunes
and dune vegetation habitat. This need to be regulated and strict ban
on such unsustainable activities is needed.

Figure 20: View of the Fish Auction Market on Dandi Beach
Figure 21: Sale of Seabass Fish Cultured Under the Mangrove Livelihood Scheme

Figure 22: View of oyster culture raft installed in creek

Chapter 3
History of Management and Present Practices
3.1 Establishment of the Malvan Marine Sanctuary
MMS is the first Marine Sanctuary of Maharashtra established in the

year 1987, with significant conservation and economic values in
Maharashtra.
The Sanctuary has a “Core Zone” of 3.182 sq.km. comprising the

Seascape area, Sindhudurg fort area, and Padmagad island. The rest
of 25.940 sq.km. the area falls under “Buffer Zone”.
The Sanctuary was previously managed by Deputy Conservator of

Forests, Sawantwadi. Since August 2017, the Sanctuary is under the
administrative control of the Mangrove Cell of Maharashtra Forest
Department.
3.2 Leases
After the declaration of Sanctuary, the area came under the control of
the Forest Department. The historical Sindhudurg Fort, a major
tourist attraction falls within the Core Zone of the Sanctuary. It has
17.68 hectares of the privately owned area inside the core zone where
a few families are living since ages.
3.3 Other Programs and Activities
The Mangrove Cell, Government of Maharashtra in partnership with

GoI-GEF-UNDP implemented a Project titled ‘Mainstreaming Coastal
and Marine Biodiversity Conservation into Production Sectors in the

Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra’. Outcomes of this project were as
follows;
Outcome1: Cross-sectoral planning framework that mainstreams

biodiversity conservation considerations.
Outcome 2: Enhanced capacity of sector institutions for implementing

biodiversity-friendly fisheries management plan, ecotourism
management plan and MMS management plan.
Outcome 3: Sustainable community livelihoods and natural resource

use in the SCME.
Project was initiated in 2012 with a GEF Grant amount to USD 3.5 m
and was completed successfully in the year 2017. As the part of this
project various biodiversity conservation activities such as survey of
coral distribution, Marine mammals distribution, Sea snakes
distribution, introduction of sustainable fishing practices, Ghost net
recovery programme and various additional livelihood activities like
aquaculture, System of Rice intensification (SRI), value addition to
fishery operations, eco-tourism, adventure sports, dolphin watch.
The Taluka Development Council in Malvan conducts tourism activity

since 2007. Various measures are taken to encourage local tourism in
and around Malvan Marine Sanctuary which helped to increase local
employment and additional income to many Local ferry service to take
tourists from the shore to the Sindhudurg fort area has been
introduced, as a temple named Shiv Rajeshwar temple inside the fort
attracts a number of locals from within the district. They have
established the local fish market by providing facilities for women fish
vendors, and there are plans to expand it. This fish market is located
right on the beach, across the fort area, where fishing vessels are
anchored, and is close to the buffer zone of the Sanctuary.

Figure 23: Ghost Fishing Net Being retrieved by Trained SCUBA Divers under the
GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project
Figure 24: Inauguration of Sustainable Fisheries Workshop for Fishermen of Sindhudurg

District by the Hands of Hon. MLA Shri Vaibhav Naik

Figure 25: Inauguration of Jute Bag Initiative for Sindhudurg Fort Undertaken by Kille
Prernotsav Samitee, A Local NGO
Figure 26: Snorkelling Guide Training Imparted by IISDA to Local Youth in Malvan
Marine Sanctuary

Figure 27: Coral Transplantation and Artificial Reef Module Deployment with Local
Participation
Figure 28: Distribution of Squaremesh Cod–End Trawl Nets to Fisheries Co-Operative

Societies in Sindhudurg District

Figure 29: Coral Transplantation Module soon after Deployment (Stage I)
Figure 30: Coral Transplant showing Attachment to the Substrate (Stage II)

3.3.1 Change in Perception of local communities
through GOI- GEF- UNDP Project
The GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg project implemented successfully by

the Mangrove cell in the Sindhudurg district has paved way for
sensibly establishing itself at the grassroot level. The five year long
project initiated in 2012 made way into the ecoscape only after an
exhaustive time taking process of continuous dialogue, community
consultations, meetings with local administrative bodies and the like.
There was a strong retaliation from the local communities especially
from Malvan region who took for granted this UNDP project was more
of covert operation for imposing restrictions on locals thereby halting
all sea based livelihood means otherwise. It was only after the first year
and a half that slowly some people started taking an interest in what
the UNDP project had to offer and there was no stopping after that.
The UNDP project garnered a sense of ownership amongst locals who

were by now already acting as a face of the project, not because they
were asked to but because they could see the positive impact that
many of its interventions were based upon. The project performed in
the areas of Scientific research, capacity building programs,
technology transfer in terms of various livelihood initiatives for the
communities, IEC (Information, Education & Communication).
A Few Examples of Change in Mindset
A group of 20 local youth from the Sindhudurg region have been

trained in PADI certified SCUBA diving under the Sindhudurg Project.
The aim was to train the next generation of fishing communities in
Sindhudurg in alternative livelihoods like snorkelling and scuba
diving, to reduce pressure on open sea fishing and unsustainable
tourism practices. Members of the group have now come together to
form a non-profit group and use their newly-learnt skills to protect
their coastal waters and associated coastal and marine biodiversity,

especially the fragile coral ecosystem. According to the local
community, corals around Malvan in the present day is only 1/10th of
what was in 2008 when underwater diving was first introduced as a
tourism activity. Local tour operators and tourists have indulged in
practices which were detrimental to the growth of corals. This group of
divers conducts community-led non-scientific monitoring of corals and
conducts regular dives to remove ghost nets and plastic waste from the
open sea. The group pools together 6% of their monthly earnings to go
on these trips. Plastic is brought back on to the shores, stranded
marine animals those are alive and caught in the ghost nets are
released into the sea, and everything possible is sent for recycling.
Trawl owners have readily accepted the change in trawling technology

with the use of square mesh cod end nets, however when it comes to
stringent enforcement the fisheries department falls short many-a-
times and non-availability of such ready to use nets over the counter
largely hinders the process overall.
The ill effects of the ongoing pandemic (COVID 19) has adversely
affected the coastal and marine tourism industry, the allied fishing,
etc. Many tour operators are looking upto the Government for a grant
in aid in terms of securing their businesses. Some of the local NGOs,
activists and key local leaders are also demanding implementation of
SWM measures, regulated fishing and tourism activities to protect the
MMS area.
However, there are still a few heads in the community who have not
changed their approach and are very reluctant to accept the presence
of this sanctuary. Few of them have also quoted that if the Government
is ready to give them written assurance that their livelihood activities
will be sustained and there would be no restrictions on construction
and water-sports they might change their opinion and support the
sanctuary implementation.

There has been a strong demand from the locals for public hearing for
MMS implementation, boundary redefinition which excludes the
Sindhudurg fort, Padmagad island and landward side of the
sanctuary.
3.4 Protection of the Sanctuary
3.4.1 Legal Status
Considering the importance of this unique marine environment off the

Malvan coast, the Government of Maharashtra in the exercise of
powers conferred by sub-section (1) and (2) of section 18 of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972, declared an area of 29.12 square kilometres of
Malvan coastal waters was as the Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) in
1987 vide notification No. PGS. 10S6 17724/F5 on 13th April 1987
(Annexure 1 , Page no 144 )
The Maharashtra Forest Department has primary responsibility for the

protection of the Sanctuary. However, the Indian Coast Guard, the
Indian Navy and Marine Police too have responsibility of protecting the
Sanctuary and its resources. The sanctuary was being managed by the
Deputy Conservator of Forests Sawantwadi previously. Later in 2017,
this responsibility was transferred to the Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra.
As a matter of legal procedures prescribed in the Wildlife (Protection)

Act 1972 (section 19) and the above mentioned notification of the
Government of Maharashtra, the district Collector was directed to
inquire into and determine the existence, nature, and extent of any
rights alleged to exist in favour of any persons in or over the land
comprised within the limits of the said area.

The Collector Sindhudurg appointed Sub Divisional Officer, Kankavali
as the Inquiry Officer by his letter dated 8.3.1988 (Annexure 2, Page
no 147 ). The Inquiry Officer submitted his report to the Collector in
April 1992 and the same was submitted to the Government by letter
dated 27.8.1992 The CCF (WL) MS, submitted his opinion of the
Inquiry Report to the Government by his letter dated Nov. 22,
1994.(Annexure 3, Page no. 185)
For the purpose of acquisition of such land and rights, The Collector
shall act according to the Land Acquisition Act 1894 and complete the
process before the final declaration of the sanctuary as per section 26
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. However, in this case, such
process of acquisition is incomplete due to cacophony of voices from
the local fishermen as they fear that the declaration of the sanctuary
will take away their traditional fishing rights and livelihood options
existing in the area. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 says that in
case of the Marine sanctuary where any part of the territorial waters
is to be included, prior concurrence of the Central Government shall
be obtained by the State Government. Provided further that the limits
of the area of the territorial waters to be included in the sanctuary shall
be determined in consultation with the Chief Naval Hydrographer of
the Central Government and after taking adequate measures to protect
the occupational interests of the local fishermen. Such matters are still
pending and hence the local people and primary stakeholders demand
re-evaluation of the notification and reorganisation of the boundary of
the Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
3.4.2 Hunting
Killing of Whale Sharks, Sea Turtles have not been reported after the
constitution of the sanctuary. Owing to the legal protection envisaged
in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the awareness creation
among the local people hunting practise is eradicated in the sanctuary

area. The Mangrove Cell with the assistance from the Fisheries
Department carry out joint patrolling in the sanctuary regularly to
check the illegal hunting and fishing that may occur in a given fishing
season along the coastal stretch of the district.
This unique initiative was conceptualised under the GoI-GEF-UNDP

Sindhudurg project with stimulus from the Mangrove Cell which has
been a successful model in addressing the implementation of the
MMFRA and WLPA. Cases of such violations are dealt with seriously
which also leads to seizure of fishing boats, nets and the illegally
harvested catch.
Figure 31: News Clipping showing Case of Illegal Fishing registered during Joint Patrolling

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is reported in and
around the Sanctuary due to lack of surveillances. Being an important
fishing area, the Malvan Coast inclusive of the sanctuary area and
beyond are highly prone to incidences to illegal fishing. Since it is close
to the Goa border, fishers from Goa, Karnataka and Kerala encroach
the maritime territory of Maharashtra and extract the fish resources
in one go. Crossing each other’s territory causes unwarranted
incidents between local fisher folks and outsiders. The Joint Patrolling
activity helps curtail such illegal fishing incidences in the state’s
territory.
3.4.3 Marine Stranding
Marine stranding of many Scheduled marine mammals, reptiles have

been reported along the beach area of the Sanctuary. Local
communities involving local youth trained for SCUBA diving showed
high enthusiasm in the protection of marine biodiversity. In addition
to the Forest Department staff, it is the active response from the locals
that helps in addressing many such incidences. Data of overall
stranding reported at Malvan Coast is given in Annexure 4, Page no
191.
Table 10: Marine Stranding Data at Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Sr. No. Date/Year Species Location

1. 05-04-2018 FP Wayari, Malvan
2. 23-04-2018 FP Tarkarli, Malvan
3. 11-05-2018 Juvenile green turtle was Chivala beach,
rescued from ghost nets Malvan
and released
4. 21-09-2019 FP Malvan jetty
5. 30-04-2020 IOHD Chivala beach,
Malvan
Key:

1. IOHD: Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
2. FP: Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
3.4.4 Navigation
Figure 32: A Common Sight of Fishing and Tourism Boats Anchored Off Malvan- Dandi
Beach
Navigation of fishing boats (mechanised and non-mechanised) and the

boats ferrying tourists to the Fort are the major ones which use the
MMS seascape for navigation purposes, apart from the patrolling boats
used by Department of Customs, Ports, Fisheries and Forest. A recent
rise over the last decade in the water-based tourism activities off the
Malvan coast has brought in the speed boats used for Parasailing, Jet-
skis, SCUBA diving, etc. At present, there is no navigation of larger
ships/vessels in this area due to the rocky outcrops and shallower
seas.

There are 19 fishing villages along Malvan coast, of which 7 falls within
MMS limits. Details of families residing in MMS are given in SDO
Report (Annexure 2, Page no 147)
3.4.5 Fishing and Fishing Practices
Figure 33: Traditional Method of Shore Seine Fishing (Rampan) Practices
The inhabitants in and around the sanctuary is fishermen community.

They depend upon the marine resources for their livelihood.
Agriculture and Horticulture also help them to derive alternative
income to some extent. Fishing in the coastal waters and in the
sanctuary, area pose a threat to the marine biodiversity in the
sanctuary.
Local fishermen use different forms of crafts and gears which are as
follows:
a. The traditional fishing practices observed in Sanctuary area are
Shore seine (Rampan), Cast Net (Shendi)
b. The mechanised fishing gears such as gill nets, hook and line are
also in use. More destructive fishing using Trawl net, Purse seine
operate outside the sanctuary with adherence to Maharashtra
Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981.
3.4.6 Biomass Extraction and Cultivation
Biomass extraction is carried out primarily in the form of wild capture

fisheries. There is some amount of destruction observed to the fragile
coral ecosystem which is mainly due to uncontrolled and
unsustainable tourism activities undertaken by the locals. No
established records of Coral mining, guano extraction are reported
from the sanctuary area. Extraction of sea shells is known to take place
in and around the MMS area mainly to cater to the Marine Ornamental
Trade and Curios Industry. However, this activity is not observed on
an industrial scale.
At present, there are no maricultural practices in the MMS seascape.

The locals rely majorly on the wild harvest of fisheries. Few
aquaculture practices are picking up in the creeks and pond areas
around the sanctuary. Primarily rain-fed Kharif crop of paddy and
intermittent Rabi crop and vegetables is taken by the locals residing
on the Fort. This agricultural practice is mainly to cater their needs
and not for commercial purposes. In addition, horticulture is also an
important sector wherein culture and production of coconut,
Cashewnut, Areca nut, Kokum, Mango to name a few are undertaken.

3.4.7 Sand mining, Quarrying and Other Activities
Sand mining, quarrying activity is not observed in the Sanctuary

limits so far.
3.4.8 Encroachment and Other Forms of Sanctuary Reclamation
A few settlements are there in the core area of the sanctuary i.e. in and
around the Sindhudurg fort. However, they have been living there
before the establishment of the sanctuary and the settlement of their
rights have not been completed due to certain technical reasons.
Existing operational Malvan jetty was constructed by Maharashtra
Maritime Board (MMB) for facilitating the boats ferrying tourists to and
from the fort. This jetty is currently in expansion phase.
3.4.9 Religious and Cultural Sentiments
Sindhudurg fort comprises various temples such as Bhavani Mata

Mandir, Shiv-Rajeshwar Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Hanuman Mandir. The
Shiv-Rajeshwar temple being the only temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Figure 34: Board of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Museum

Maharaj has cultural significance amongst the locals and visitors.
Sindhudurg Fort is a focal point of cultural and historical tourism in
Maharashtra.
Also, there is a primary school building which is converted to a small

museum dedicated to the history of the Maratha empire. It also
displays all photo records of major forts and other relevant historical
documents.
Narali Purnima and Ganpati Utsav are the most famous and widely
celebrated festivals. The landward part of the sanctuary has several
other temples and heritage houses having cultural importance.
3.4.10 The Limiting Factors and Threats to the MMS
• Unregulated water sports, marine adventure activities like

snorkelling and SCUBA diving, dolphin watch.
• Clearing of sand dune vegetation for beautification purpose for
tourism purpose.
• Increase in the Pollution mainly due to unregulated tourism and
untreated municipal and rural sewage and solid waste disposal
directly into the open sea.
• Vehicular traffic on beaches and light pollution disturb the turtles
nesting along the coast and other inter-tidal flora & fauna.
• Presence of Ghost nets within the MMS.
• Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
• Oil spill, fishing boat/ vessel accidents.
• Collection, hunting, unnecessary handling of marine life for tourism
purposes, fishing activities and trade of scheduled and endangered
species.

3.5 Current issues
3.5.1 Pollution
Mechanised boats and vessels cause sea water pollution due to spillage
of oils and greases which is a threat to the marine flora and fauna. As
Malvan port is close by the sanctuary, threat due to oil leakage and oil
spill cannot be nullified.
3.5.2 Sewage, Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal
A fully functional Sewage Treatment Plant is currently being set up in

the Solid waste dumping ground situated on the outskirts of Malvan
city. This will address the major issue of drainage of municipal sewage
into the sea thereby affecting the seawater quality.
Increasing rate of tourism activities push more solid waste especially

plastic in to the sea which injure the sea animals especially Sea turtles.
Malvan Nagar Parishad has started collecting solid waste in segregated

form (dry & wet), however stringent implementation and adherence by
locals is needed. Beach littering by the locals as well as the visitors is
another major issue causing a threat to marine life.
3.5.3 Coral Bleaching
Corals in MMS play the major ecological and economic role in

enriching the associated marine biodiversity, fish resources and
subsequently support local livelihood. Various studies depicted that
Malvan Marine Sanctuary harbour slow growing species belong to
order Porites, Favites etc as opposed to fast growing species found in
Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Mannar. These corals are sensitive to
temperature fluctuations and can survive in temperatures between 24
and 29° C. When the temperature exceeds this level, corals show
bleaching (whitening) phenomenon. This bleaching happens when
corals lose their symbiotic unicellular algae called zooxanthellae. This
Zooxanthellae gives the colour to the corals.
First of such a bleaching event was noticed in Malvan Marine

Sanctuary in the year 2015-16 because of elevated sea surface
temperature. Increased sea temperature was globally noticed in the
year 2014-16 due to global warming and climate change. This was the
third global coral bleaching. Underwater surveys conducted in Malvan
Marine Sanctuary in December 2015 and May 2016 to assess the
intensity and trend of coral bleaching. A high prevalence of coral
bleaching, i.e. 70.93% was recorded inside MMS during December
2015, with a mortality of about 8.38%. After a lapse of six months,
corals were found to recover
Figure 35: Coral Bleaching at Malvan Marine Sanctuary

. A total of 11 genera of corals were found bleached. They are Pavona,
Coscinaraea, Goniastrea, Favites, Favia, Cyphastrea, Leptastrea,
Montastrea, Turbinaria, Goniopora and Porites. Favia and Favites were
the most affected coral genera by bleaching and Turbinaria was found
to be least affected. In MMS, about 1C fluctuation was found in the
temperature level between December 2015 and May 2016, which had
made a significant impact on corals.
Climate change being a global issue, reduction in the local stressors

such as fishing and tourism is highly recommended in order to allow
the corals to recover and enable sustainable utilisation of coral reef
resources around MMS. (article by Mangrove Cell, Mumbai, SDMRI,
Tuticorin et.al. Current Science., 2018. 114. 384p.
3.5.4 Wildlife Health
Prevalence of disease among marine animals and fishes are

uncommon in the sanctuary area. However, anthropogenic factors put
animal’s life at risk as explained as follows;
Often injuries to wildlife health are caused due to,
1. Propeller cuts on their bodies, entanglement in fishing nets

discarded at sea (Ghost nets).
2. Non-usage of TED (Turtle Excluder Devices) and such specialised

nets by the local fishing communities.
3. Accidental, unintentional bycatch of Sea snakes, and Juveniles of

various other biologically and economically important species.
4. Non-usage of anchorage buoys by the SCUBA dive tour operators

causing direct damage to natural healthy corals due to dropping of
anchors.

5. Feeding the fish engaging with tourists for added experience
without understanding the bigger damage they are doing.
6. Oil spills due to irresponsible dumping of used oils and lubricants

directly into the sea.
3.5.5 Inter Agency Coordination Programs and Problems
Multiple programs have been successfully executed between various

line departments over the past decade in the MMS region, few key
programs being;
1. Joint patrolling by Forest Department, Fisheries Department

and Police Department to check on IUU fishing.
2. Introduction and implementation of Square mesh cod-end trawl

nets followed by fabrication and distribution to all the registered
trawl owners in Sindhudurg.
3. Capacity building on Sustainable Marine Fishing to the

fisherfolks of Sindhudurg.
4. Technical training programs are conducted by the fisheries

department for the interested local youth.
5. Fisheries Infrastructural Development by Mangrove Cell -

Renovation of the Fisheries Training Centre, Dandi;
Construction of fish drying platforms; slopping ramps.
6. Nirmal Sagartat Abhiyaan by MMB.
7. Professional training to locals involved in SCUBA tourism with

MTDC.
8. Signs of discord among local people on the boundary of the

sanctuary challenges the proper management of the area.
9. Buffer area encompasses CRZ I zone on landward side from

Sarjekot Village till Wayari village and it includes transport
routes and approaches to Malvan harbour. Further, this region
experiences heavy tourist footfall during tourist season from
October to May. This makes regulating entry and movement
within the sanctuary difficult. Studies conducted by Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI Report 2015), Suganthi Devadason Marine
Research Institute (SDMRI, Report 2014) and Indian Institute
for SCUBA Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) show presence of
good biodiversity of corals and associated flora and fauna
outside the boundaries of Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
10. Over exploitation of fish resources by locals. Malvan harbour is

a major fish landing site and core and buffer regions are heavily
used for fishing by local fishers.
11. Damage to Corals due to unregulated tourism activities like

SCUBA diving
12. Solid waste like plastic disposed into the sea injured the animals
13. Local communities have apprehension against the Sanctuary
due to likely restrictions in their fishing rights and rehabilitation
possibilities and ongoing tourism activities.
14. Lack of infrastructure, skilled manpower and budgetary
provision specially to handle cases of marine animal stranding’s,
rescue operation etc.
3.5.6 Tourism
Malvan is known for its historical and scenic beauty and hence has a
good potential for tourism development. It is famous for the
Sindhudurg Fort standing in the open sea constructed by the Maratha
King Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 16th Century. The fort is declared as a
national monument and is under the control of the "Archaeological
Survey of India". Several tourists visit this place every year. Over the
last decade, an exponential rise in the number of tourists visiting
Sindhudurg is seen owing to the offerings in the area of coastal and
marine underwater tourism viz., SCUBA diving, and adventure water

sports. The majority of the tourists are known to concentrate near the
Sindhudurg fort region which falls under the “Core Zone” of the
Sanctuary with these operations extending well within the “Buffer
Zone” and beyond. This form of tourism development has also given
an economic boost to a good number of local youths who have now
shifted from mainstream fishing to tourism avenues.
Indian tourists who have never indulged in SCUBA diving are finding
SCUBA diving a more thrilling and easy way to understand what
marine environment is all about. Along with SCUBA diving tourism,
other water sports such as parasailing, Jet Ski ride, banana ride, etc.
have been initiated by local youth. The revenue from SCUBA diving
and water sports tourism by year 2015 is estimated to be about Rs. 70
Crore (over USD 10 million.) per annum. “Development of Alternative
Tourism Destinations along the Sindhudurg coast, Sindhudurg district
project under the GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg project. July 2017”.
3.5.7 Anthropogenic Activities inside the Sanctuary
Fishing is the pre dominant occupation of people living on the Malvan

coast. Being off the Malvan coast is the traditional fishing spot, the
interference in the sanctuary is in the highest degree of order.
Nevertheless, to say that the low socio-economic condition of
fishermen folks increases their dependency on marine resources in the
sanctuary and so is the exploitation. Being a politically active coastal
area, the people are more vocal about their traditional rights and the
existence of the sanctuary has not yet been accepted by the
communities.
As the fish catch is gradually depleting over time due to

overexploitation in the region, pressure on the protected area has been
increased exponentially. This lead to opening up of water-based
adventure tourism like Snorkelling and SCUBA diving in the area.
Richness of coral reefs and aesthetic value of the sanctuary area paved
the way for tourism industry. Snorkelling and SCUBA Diving tourism
has provided direct employment to over 500 local youth and indirect
employment (in the form of homestays, tour guides, taxi services,
hotels, and restaurants, etc.) to over 2000 local people and it is
contributing substantially to local economy. (“Development of
Alternative Tourism Destinations along the Sindhudurg coast,
Sindhudurg district project under the GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg
project. July 2017”).
3.6 Scope
MMS provides immense potential for sustainable eco-tourism

development as it boasts of serene beaches, coastal and marine
habitat, frequent sightings of dolphins, porpoises, resident and
migratory avifauna population to name a few. With Goa state
neighbouring the Sindhudurg district, the flow of national and
international tourists can be rest assured provided the sanctuary
management and its offerings attract the visitors. Malvan coast also
offers adventure water sport activities like SCUBA diving, snorkelling,
parasailing, etc. MMS provides enormous opportunities for creating
awareness among visitors highlighting the uniqueness and importance
of marine flora and fauna.
3.7 Visitor Statistics
Development of snorkelling and SCUBA diving Tourism has increased

tourist number from 1 lakh in 2007 to over 9 lakhs in 2010 (Tourism
Survey, 2010) in Sindhudurg district.

Table 11: Year-Wise Visitor Footfall Data to the Sindhudurg Fort and Revenue
Generated Documented by MMB
Year No of Tourist Revenue generated
2010-2011 251842 503684
2011-2012 267199 534398
2012-2013 269631 539262
2013-2014 249622 499244
2014-2015 336401 692802
2015-2016 393654 1829632
2016-2017 395684 3610996
2017-2018 415131 3591722
2018-2019 357906 3282655
2019-2020 306987 2795705
Dandi Padmagad to Sindhudurg Fort
Year No of Tourist Revenue generated
2018-2019 8290 75794
2019-2020 9288 89055
3.8 Community Awareness Programme
Owing to the controversies associated with the declaration of

sanctuary, educating the primary stakeholders regarding the
ecological and economic value of MMS was top in the priority.
Numerous educational programmes were designed to create awareness
on the importance of marine resources on people’s lives. Mangrove Cell
and local forest authorities took initiatives like Wall paintings, MSRTC
bus paintings, sand art, street plays, theatre festivals, puppet shows
which translated the message of marine biodiversity conservation in to
people in an interesting way. Solid waste and plastic pollution is
another menace in the region. Through GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg
project, during 2012 to 2017, several beach clean-up campaigns were
held with the help of locals and participation from all possible

government departments. An artifact made up of the plastic and ghost
nets collected from the sanctuary area has been installed at Rock
Garden (a famous tourist attraction in Malvan town) with the help of
Malvan Municipal authority.
3.9 Facilities
Currently there is one jetty at Malvan Port which is currently being

expanded by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Another jetty
has been constructed by MMB adjoining Sindhudurg Fort to facilitate
ferries especially during low tide as the area is very shallow and rocky
in nature. Fish landing centres, fish drying platforms and the fish
market have been developed by the Fisheries Department. Mangrove
Cell through UNDP Project has funded to construction of a few fish
drying platforms, sloping ramps and has undertaken renovation of
fisheries training center located at Dandi beach. Installation of waste
bins was another project between Nagar Parishad and Mangrove Cell
funded through the project.
Proper road infrastructure to access the MMS is available within the

sanctuary limits. Local market is available adjoining the sanctuary
limits.
A primary school building present in the Fort area is currently

converted into a Photographic information display centre. Primary
health facilities, Primary school, Under Graduate college, Diploma
college are available within Malvan City. Government offices of the
Dept. of Fisheries, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Customs, Land
Records, Tehsildar, Talathi, Mangrove Cell, Social Forestry,
Coastguard, Public Works Department, Court, Agriculture Department
are located in Malvan being taluka headquarter.

3.10 Research Monitoring and Training
Malvan waters is always a subject of interest for many researchers

from the various organisation for decades. This interest grew after the
discovery of corals in the region by the scientists of NIO. Since then,
many pioneering organisations (CMFRI, CIFT, ZSI, Shivaji University,
MPEDA, Dakshin Foundation, Mangrove Cell, and Mangrove
Foundation, etc. to name a few) from India have been studying the
coastal and marine habitats of Sindhudurg. Many organisations are
working in the same area with different objectives, the need of the hour
is to collate all datasets of these organisations and to bring it on a
common platform for the effective conservation strategies.
Various capacity building programmes for locals, relevant

stakeholders, and ground-level staff of various departments were
organised by the Mangrove Cell -UNDP supported GEF funded project
in Sindhudurg, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change and Government of Maharashtra.
3.11 Biodiversity Conservation Strategies and Their

Evaluation
The Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem (SCME), located on

the West coast of India (Maharashtra) is one of the 11 ecologically and
economically critical habitats identified along the Indian coast.
Mangrove Cell in collaboration with UNDP and MoEFCC has initiated
many conservation strategies in the sanctuary since its inception.

Figure 36: A Coral Transplantation Module with Coral Fragments
Considering importance of Corals in biodiversity and livelihood, the

project titled “Studies on rehabilitation of coral communities and
setting up of artificial reefs in Sindhudurg coast, Maharashtra” was
implemented by UNDP Sindhudurg Project with the help of Suganthi
Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Tuticorin in
collaboration with Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai.
The Artificial Reef and Coral Transplantation (AR&CT) increased reef
cover and act as FAD’s (fish aggregating devices) leading to an overall
increase in fish stock.
Tourism being a key driver of the rural economy in Sindhudurg with

its dependence on natural resources viz. coral reefs, dolphins, turtles,
its sustainability hinges on the conservation of the marine ecosystem.
At present, activities such as snorkelling, SCUBA diving, water sports

etc. are concentrated in and around the Sindhudurg Fort in Malvan
which also has the greatest spread of corals and associated flora and
fauna along the coast of Maharashtra. Over the years generation of
increasing tourism pressure has resulted in degradation of marine
ecosystem. It is in this context alternative SCUBA sites were identified
to reduce tourism pressure on Malvan-Tarkarli area. Following sites
were selected based on their geographical location and primary and
secondary information available on presence of rocky/coral area and
biodiversity,
1. Underwater areas around Vijaydurg Fort

2. Area between Vijaydurg and Girye
3. Area around Devgad/ Kunkeshwar
4. Rocky Patches near Achara
5. Kawada rock near Talashil-Tondavali
6. Coral patches adjoining Rock Garden at Malvan
7. Ekicha Dhonda (2 nautical miles off south west of Sindhudurg
fort)
8. Sargassum forest point near Tarkarli
9. Vengurla Rocks/Burnt Island/Light house and surrounding rocky
outcrops
10. Area between Sargassum forests and Vengurla Light House
11. Waters near Redi
12. Area between Redi and Terekhol
Ghost fishing net problem is evident in the marine environment

around Sindhudurg coast. A group of 20 youth from the Sindhudurg
region have been trained in PADI certified diving under the UNDP
Sindhudurg Project and they retrieved ghost nets measuring over 2
lakh m2 from various marine biodiversity hotspots around Sindhudurg
as part of the training program.

Modernization of fishing techniques and practices is required to
minimize environmental impacts and stress on non-targeted species
and juveniles. Mangrove Cell conducted demonstration of Bycatch
Reduction & Juvenile Fish Excluder Devices (BRJED) and Promotion
of Square mesh cod end to reduce the capture of non-targeted species
during trawling. are collectively known as Bycatch Reduction Devices
(BRD). One of such method was use of square mesh net. After
demonstrating it successfully square mesh cod ends were distributed
to the trawl owners. Accordingly, all the 317 trawl owners registered
under Fisheries Department were given the square mesh cod ends for
its mandatory use. Owing to the various advantages, the fishermen
accepted this type of net on a large scale. After one complete season, a
demand came from the fishermen to supply better quality nets.
Subsequently bigger twine sized nets were distributed to 302 trawl
owners then active. Use of square mesh net in the cod end of trawl net
has been very effective in escape of juvenile fishes without affecting the
economics of marine fishing. It was observed that on an average about
5-6 litre of diesel was saved during one day trial trips with square mesh
cod end, as compared with traditional cod end. As a result, strict
implementation and mandatary usage of this square mesh cod net is
important to ensure100% adoption amongst the locals.
Sea turtles serve as important indicators for the wellbeing of coastal

and marine environment. Of the total seven species of sea turtles found
globally, three species are known to occur in MMS region namely
Green turtle Chelonia mydas, Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata, Olive
Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea . Olive Ridleys are known to regularly nest
along the coast of Sindhudurg. While the incidences of nest poaching
by humans and predation by jackals and household and feral dogs
were recorded in the past. Hence, there was an urgent need for
widespread conservation efforts in the district. Hence an initiative to
conserve sea turtle nest and their nesting grounds all along the coast

of Sindhudurg by involving local people was initiated under GoI-GEF-
UNDP Sindhudurg project since December 2012.
Capacity building programs were undertaken for the hatchery

managers on species identification, on in in-situ and ex-situ measures
of conservation. Apart from this field practical were proposed so as to
demonstrate hatchery setup, care of the hatchery especially during the
period prior to hatching. All the beaches have been surveyed for
collating information on nesting along with forest guards. Nesting date,
number of hatchlings released and mortality causes were recorded for
each of the successful nest. Reasons for nest failure were also
recorded. The awareness program was mainly aimed at the local
community and members of the Gram Panchayat. The program was to
disseminate information using audio-visual aids on the importance of
the turtles within the ecosystem and the present difficulties that they
face. One of the positive outcomes was significant reduction in
poaching and theft. Locals are also seeing economic benefits out of
activities like turtle festival.
Sindhudurg coast being 121 km long has also witnessed several

stranding and beaching incidences of marine mammals. The
distribution and abundance of marine mammals all along the
Maharashtra coastline is still unknown. Present information on
cetaceans, which account for nearly ten or more species in marine
areas of Maharashtra is from anecdotal evidence, by-catch, accidental
stranding and mortalities. However, the management knowledge post
stranding was very limited amongst locals and government officials of
the concerned department. Under the GoI-GEF-UNDP Project,
Cetacean population studies and dealing with stranded and beached
cetaceans were carried out.

Coastal species like the Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins and Finless
porpoises are restricted to near-shore waters. This distribution and
their preference for shallow waters make them particularly susceptible
to the effects of anthropogenic interference in the coastal zone which
may involve incidental capture in fishing gears or habitat loss. The
baseline information gathered through the project helped in developing
community conservation strategies with active support from the
government. Tourists and locals have started noticing the displayed
posters and the change in their approach is reflected during dolphin
watch tours. Locals share their experience of noisy trips that they
would guide prior to the knowledge they grasped during the capacity
building workshops and how they have turned into more responsible
guides now when out in the seas with tourists. A national workshop
was arranged for the researchers, veterinarians and government staff
from the coastal departments on Cetacean stranding / beaching
management. It involved guidance from the international experts both
in terms of lectures and field studies.
Malvan sanctuary is one of the famous destinations in India for

pristine beaches and sea food. It is observed that number of tourists
are increasing day by day. One of the potential reasons for decline of
shorebirds is alteration of coastal habitats for tourism. Under GoI-
GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg project “Assessing the status and distribution
of avifauna within the coastal Talukas of Sindhudurg District” study
was conducted by Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
(SACON) around 218 species were recorded in Malvan
An agreement between Forest and Fisheries Department of

Maharashtra was signed to undertake joint patrolling along the
Sindhudurg coastal waters, so as to keep a check on illegal fishing
activities. Recently recorded instances of outside state trawlers fishing
in the territorial waters of Sindhudurg and usage of illegal gears and
mesh size provoked the implementation of this project. It is aimed at
addressing IUU (Illegal Unregulated and Unreported) fishing. In this
context, on field participation from the Fisheries, Forest and Police
department, Maharashtra was envisaged to strengthen and effectively
implement the Maharashtra Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981 as
well as the Wildlife (Protection Act), 1972.
3.12 Administrative Setup
MMS comes under the administrative control of Deputy Conservator

of Forests (DCF) Mangrove Cell, Government of Maharashtra. At
present one Range Forest Officer and one Forest Guard for the Malvan
area are looking after the management of the Sanctuary. However, no
post is created exclusively for the sanctuary and Range Forest Officer,
Mangrove Cell who is having jurisdiction in the entire district look after
the management of the sanctuary along with the assistance of one beat
guard in Malvan. One patrolling vehicle and Speed Boat are available
with RFO, Malvan. However, considering the extent of the Sanctuary
and threats more manpower and logistics are required for the effective
management of the administration.
The staff should be well trained and equipped for protection, law
enforcement, various monitoring activities, boating, lifeguard, SCUBA
diving, use of wireless and fire-arms and other useful field devices like
GPS, which help them for the better understanding of their day to day
duties and subsequent effective monitoring.

Chapter 4
The Sanctuary Area and Interface Land Use

Situation
4.1 The Existing Situation in the Zone of Influence (ZI)
Figure 37: View of Seascape and Sindhudurg Fort in MMS
The zone of Influence or ecological zone of MMS is spread over seven

villages i.e. Dhuriwada, Gawandiwada, Rajkot, Makarebag-Medha,
Dandi (under Malvan Nagar Parishad), Wayari, Tarkarli and their
seaward side. The existing MMS boundary includes the coastal stretch
of the Malvan and Gram Panchayats of Tarkarli and Wayari. The land
area of the Sindhudurg Fort falls under the jurisdiction of Wayari
Gram Panchayat.

4.2 Villages in and around the Sanctuary and Socio-
economic Status of the Fisherman Families
The seven villages falling under the Sanctuary area as mentioned

above, the per capita income of the district in 2005-06 was INR 32,862
against the state average of INR 42,056. However, the average income
of a fisherman can vary between INR 1500 to INR 50000 per month
based on the catch and method of fishing. However, the middlemen
earn more than the active fishermen. At present there are 19 fishermen
societies with 14779 active members. Literacy rate as per 2014-15 is
93% for urban areas and 87% for rural areas. Total population of
Malvan city is 18,648 as per the 2011 census.
4.3 Ethnic Identities, Traditions, Customs,

Relationships between Distinct Groups
Majority of the coastal communities from this region belong to

Bhandari and Gabit community whereas the people belong to various
castes like Hindu (Maratha, Brahmins, etc), Muslims and Christians.
Besides, there is very less presence of scheduled tribes in the region.
From times immemorial they are ancestors of Mavalas of Chhatrapati

Shivaji Maharaj and their heritage houses, numerous Temples,
Churches and Mosques depicting the rich traditions known to attract
tourists. The housing structure is typically Konkani and has influence
of the Portuguese architecture too in a few regions. However modern
constructions seldom follow this tradition in the Malvan town

Figure 38: Dandeshwar Temple at Dandi beach
Figure 39: Stage show Dashavatar Image Source : Internet

Relationship of the locals with the seas is distinctly seen. The
fisherfolks worship the sea God and also few species of significance
such as ‘Dev masa’ (Whale God) and others like ‘Sea fans, Sacred
Chanks’.
Many locals also take interest in performing folk arts, the famous one
being a stage show called ‘Dashavatar’. This show has been continued
from many generations now and is usually based on various
mythological stories, issues of current importance, etc.
Traditional fishers have preserved their knowledge and have an

important role to play in advising/ convincing new fishers. Narali
Pornima, Shimgotsav, Ganpati Utsav are some of the major festivals
that Hindus celebrate. Cultural activities mainly consist of
celebrations of all religious festivals with gaiety.
4.4 Relationship of Local Communities with Sanctuary
Fishing and Tourism being a key driver of the rural economy in Malvan
with its dependence on natural resources viz. coral reefs, dolphins,
turtles, its sustainability hinges on the conservation of the marine
ecosystem. Fishing has provided livelihood in terms of boat owner,
driver, tandel, (navigator) khalashi (labour), trader, transport service
provider, ice manufacturing, supplier and marketing etc. A sizable
number of fisher women population is also involved in post-harvest
supply and marketing of fishery produce, salting and drying and
selling of fish, etc. Tourism which is seen as a booming sector is also
known to provide multiple job opportunities like trained local guide in
terms of SCUBA, snorkelling, Dolphin Safari water sports and allied
job opportunities from taxi services, taxi service provider, hotel and
restaurant service provider, etc.

There is a farmer community residing on Fort area involved in
agricultural practices who primarily focus on paddy cultivation during
rain-fed Kharif season while the Rabi season witnesses cultivation of
local vegetables. In addition, economic gains from other horticulture
activities are done by locals.
4.5 The State of Peoples Economy
The local community residing adjoining the sanctuary boundary

largely relies on the seascape for their income generation, be it from
fisheries and or tourism lately. A general trend is seen among the local
youth where most of them are driven to tourism services mainly for the
added economic gains as compared to returns from wild capture
fisheries these days.
In terms of fisheries, the earnings majorly depend on the fishing effort

and CPUE (catch per unit effort) in addition to the catch size, quality,
type of fish, technique used for fishing, boat type, mesh size, number
of fishing days, market availability and various other factors.
On the other hand, a tourism service provider can earn higher

economic returns with less amount of actual effort once the line of
business is setup and is mainly tourist footfall driven. Majority of the
people have resource dependency on the sanctuary area for fishing and
tourism purposes.

Figure 40: A View of The Fish Auction Market in Malvan
Figure 41: A View of the Salt Drying of Fish at Dandi

Apart from various jobs in tourism and fisheries sector a few are also
involved in horticulture produce of Mangoes, Coconut, Areca nut,
Cashewnut, Kokum, etc. Processing, packaging and selling of Konkani
foods is also an important industry involving women Self-help groups
and thereby adding to the economy as well as gender security in terms
of livelihood opportunities.
4.6 Vocations, Land Use, Use of Sanctuary Area
The Sindhudurg fort and the adjoining Padmagad island represent the
land area/portion for the Sanctuary. The use of which is mainly into
tourism Agriculture and horticulture. The seascape of the Sanctuary
is also known to support tourism and fishing as a major source of
livelihood.
4.7 Implications of Land Use and Resource Dependency
1. Unsustainable fishing practices in the MMS and adjoining areas

lead to drastic reduction in the number of fishes available, non-
adherence to minimum legal size (MLS) in terms of fisheries
harvesting, overall leading to stock depletion.
2. Solid waste generation across the region and its poor management
would lead to an increase in pollution resulting in the change in
physicochemical properties of water and health of marine
biodiversity.
3. Anthropogenic pressure may result in higher levels of pollution.
Locals and tourists are seen using the open seashore as a dump
yard, disposing worship offering such as flowers, incense sticks
etc., (nirmalya in Marathi) along with plastics and other non-
biodegradable /organic materials which would lead to increase in
the already existing pollution levels and will reduce the amount of

dissolved oxygen that is available for aquatic organisms. The
grandeur of celebrating Ganesh festival is popular across the
Konkan region. One of the most serious impacts of the festival is
water pollution due to the immersion of Plaster Of Paris (POP) idols
directly into the open sea. This man-made plaster is easier to
mould, lighter and less expensive than clay but is non-
biodegradable (insoluble in water). The paint used to decorate the
plaster idols contains heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium,
which pollute the water bodies. However, traditional practice of
making clay idols seems to be making a comeback Also, the non-
biodegradable accessories adorning the idol accumulate in beach
sand.
4. Reckless disposal of used engine oils and lubricants by the trawl
owners into the seas is a rising concern
5. Entanglement of fishing nets/ discarding (Ghost nets) into the Sea
possess a serious threat to the entire marine ecosystem, the
problems of which are globally visible.
6. Unsustainable tourism practices have also led to increased
disturbance to the flora and fauna of the Sanctuary and the eco-
sensitive zone area. Even though tourists boost the local economy
it can have a debilitating effect on the overall biodiversity and hence
this industry is of utmost importance.
7. The Malvan Marine Sanctuary and surrounding underwater
benthic habitat have been rigorously exploited by fishing practices,
collection of organisms for research purpose and by other
anthropogenic factors together with contamination caused by
municipal wastes. All such activities here may have a deteriorating
effect on the environment and biodiversity of this region causing an
imbalance in the ecosystem.

4.8 Sanctuary Management Practices and Their
Implications for the People
Even though the Sanctuary was declared in 1987 in the preview of

local apprehension, MMS awaits formulation and implementation of
thorough guidelines and proper management practices. Few guidelines
were set through the GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg project by the
Mangrove Cell for regulating Dolphin tourism, Underwater SCUBA
diving and turtle nesting are proposed in Chapter 10 on Ecotourism.
Taking into consideration such guidelines a detailed management plan

is being proposed to ensure sustenance of the ongoing livelihood
practices while preserving the biodiversity of the Sanctuary area.
4.8.1 History of issues and difficulties in legal

enforcement of Wildlife laws in the sanctuary
Localities and fishermen communities raised red flag against the
Sanctuary right from its declaration in 1987. Many public
representations were submitted before the enquiry committee set up
in the year 1988 against restrictions imposed on peoples livelihood and
right of navigation etc,. On account of these agitations, settlement of
rights and titles did not happen and thus the final notification of the
Sanctuary. People’s apprehensions about the Sanctuary is still not
faded away as it was demonstrated while implementing the UNDP-GOI
project in Sindhudurg in the year 2012. The sanctuary opponents
conceived any conservation activities of the Forest Department with
suspicion as it is a covert operation for imposing restrictions in the
Sanctuary. The locals even do not want any signages of the Forest
Department which establishes the existence of the Malvan Marine
Sanctuary in Malvan hence such signages are absent in this area.
Such agitations without any dilution in its severity was observed while

proposing an Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Sanctuary in 2015
onwards. Nevertheless, to say that lack of cooperation from local
communities due to the misconception and fear on losing their
traditional fishing rights, any implementation of the Wild Life
Protection Act 1972 in its proper form have not happened in the
sanctuary other than in killing/hunting of any protected species in the
Sanctary.
4.9 The Development Programmes and Conservation

Issues
Development programme involves the establishment of tourism

projects initiated by local communities. Few key projects were taken
up under GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg project for generating
sustainable additional livelihood. In terms of conservation of the key
biota, the prime issue behind the participation by the local
communities is backed by few misconceptions/ apprehensions by the
locals.
4.10 Local Community Apprehension/ Misconceptions

Hindering Implementation of Management of the MMS
The local fishing communities protested against formation and

implementation of Sanctuary due to the following reasons,
1. A complete ban on fishing, trespassing of boats (fishing and

tourism), anchoring of fishing vessels (mechanised and non-
mechanised).
2. Complete closure of Port activities at Malvan, rehabilitation of
people residing in the core zone.

3. Buffer zone comprises seven villages that depend on fishing and
tourism as a prime source for a livelihood.
4. Locals feared land acquisition of land over time and have also
urged to exclude the landward portion which currently forms a
part of the Buffer Zone.
5. Local politicians and residents of Malvan have demanded
denotification of this Sanctuary due to reservations mentioned
above.
6. The local communities who have demonstrated discontent and
aggregation demand for protection of their rights on the seas and
asked for written consent for the same for the protection of the
Sanctuary.

PART II
Future Management Plan

Chapter 5
Vision and Objectives
5.1. The Vision
Rich and Diverse Malvan Marine Sanctuary protects and conserve the
marine treasures off the Malvan coast for providing the viability of
marine life and sustainability to livelihood of people in the long run.
5.2 Objectives
1. To protect and manage the marine habitat scientifically and

effectively.
2. To protect critical marine ecosystem by striking a balance between
the ongoing livelihood activities with biodiversity conservation in a
sustainable manner.
3. To implement capacity building for strengthening the local
fisherman communities in order to conserve the marine resources.
4. To promote ecotourism activities as an additional source of
livelihood.
5. Empower local communities to act as a change and educate them
on adaptation and resilience.
6. Conducting awareness and outreach programmes for all the
stakeholders.
5.3 Issues and Problems
1. Improper Zonation: 25 sq.km buffer area encompasses CRZ I zone

on landward side from Dhuriwada village till Wayari village and it
includes transport routes and approaches to Malvan harbour.
Further, this region experiences heavy tourist footfall during tourist
season from October to May. This makes regulating entry and
movement within the Sanctuary difficult.
2. Opposition from Community: Malvan harbour is a major fish
landing site, core and buffer regions are heavily used for fishing by
local fishers. Traditional fishing practices such as Rampan and
hook and line were affected due to establishment of Sanctuary while
deeper areas in buffer zone affected mechanized fishing practices
such as bottom trawling and gill nets. This issue agitated the
community and resulted in political pressure and hindering the
successful implementation of the conservation strategies in the
Sanctuary.
3. Lack of Infrastructure: Managing a marine Sanctuary requires

availability of skilled staff and necessary logistic such as boats and
SCUBA diving gear. Effective patrolling and monitoring of marine
protected areas are only possible if forest staff is proficient in
handling and maintaining the gears and tools efficiently. Forest
Department managing Malvan Marine Sanctuary lacks adequate
number of such tools and gears as well as trained staff. Frequent
transfers of ground staff makes training given redundant as new
staff needs to be trained again.
4. Lack of clarity in the boundary as well as the scope of management

in the Core and Buffer Zone of the Sanctuary creates confusion and
dilemma among stakeholders.
5.4. The Management Effective Evaluation (MEE) Report

2017-18
The MEE Report for the protected area published by MoEFCC in the
year 2017-18 marked poor performance of the Malvan Marine
Sanctuary due to enormous challenges associated with its
management.

Figure 42: Meeting of Management Effectiveness Evaluation team and Mangrove
Cell at Range Forest Officer, Mangrove Cell, Malvan
Observations in MEE Report are as follows:
Management Strengths /Weaknesses
No strength was observed. It is difficult to understand why such an

area was declared a protected area. In the preliminary notification
issued in April 1987, the objective of declaring this area is not
specifically mentioned. The preliminary notification had been drafted
erroneously. It categorises the area into ‘Core’ and ‘Buffer’ zones. This
categorisation should have been a part of the Management Plan. The
core area encompasses Sindhudurg Fort and is managed by the
Archaeology Department. Such an intervention is totally against the
concept of Sanctuary which should be an area free of all anthropogenic
pressures. The protected area is freely visited by the local fishermen

and tourist operator using motorized boats that cause significant
marine pollution. So far, no process of settlement of rights and
concessions appears to have been carried out.
While having discussion with UNDP project personnel, the committee

was informed that along this coast there are many coral and marine
diversity rich areas that are better than this site that also have
minimum human interference. Such areas should have been
considered for better conservation measures or for declaration as
protected areas.
Immediate Actionable Point mentioned in MEE Report
1. The area does not appear to be suitable for a protected area. It is

suggested that the boundaries of the PA should be rationalized by
excluding areas of human intervention (like area encompassing the
famous Sindhudurg Fort and fishing area) and including adjoining
areas rich in marine biodiversity (as per the study of the UNDP
Project). Thereafter, the process of settlement of rights and
concessions should be carried out without delay. Fishing routes
within PA area should be delineated to safeguard the occupational
interests of the local fishermen. A Full Time Manager with the
required manpower and infrastructure should manage the area.
2. The Mangrove Cell of Maharashtra State should be renamed the

Marine Biodiversity Cell to justify its control of marine biodiversity
– rich areas. Important measures as depicted in the report such as
rationalization of the boundary, settlement of the rights etc. shall
be taken atop the priority to ensure proper implementation of the
protection laws and conservation strategies. (MEE Report,
Annexure 5, Page no 192).

Chapter 6
The Strategies
6.1 Management Strategies
The strategies on MMS are built on the pillars of International

conventions, National legislations, National and regional programs of
Actions, Partnerships, Self-reliance and Sustainability objectives of
management. Main strategy for the better management of MMS is
mainstreaming of its marine biodiversity conservation into production
sectors especially the fisheries and tourism, so that both marine
biodiversity conservation and livelihoods of people are taken care.
Furthermore, this could be achieved with an integrated and
sustainable planning by involving relevant stakeholders and
communities. It is an adaptive management plan that may be reviewed
after five years after approval of the management plan.
6.1.1 Management Philosophy
The management philosophy of MMS is to promote the integrated and

sustainable management of MMS with active participation of various
stakeholders representing local communities, Fisheries institutes,
NGOs, research organisations etc.
6.1.2. Participative Decision Making
A Management Plan Implementation and Review Committee of MMS

will be constituted with the representation of all stakeholders including
nearby municipal corporations, fisherman communities, pollution
control board, tourism sector, local NGOs etc.

The members of the Management Plan Implementation and Review
Committee shall be as follows;
Table 12: Management Plan Implementation and Review Committee
Sr.No. Designation Members
1. District Collector, Sindhudurg Chairman
2. DCF, Sawantwadi Member
3. Honorary Wildlife Warden, Member

Sindhudurg
4. Deputy Director - Research and Member

Capacity Building, Mangrove
Foundation
5. Assistant Commissioner of Member

Fisheries, Sindhudurg
6. Chief Officer, Malvan Nagar Member

Parishad
7. Representative of CMFRI Member
8. Representative of BNHS Member
9. General Manager, IISDA, MTDC Member
10. NGOs Representatives (1) Special Invitee
11. Community members (3) Special Invitee
12. DCF, Mangrove Cell Member Secretary
Periodic meetings of this committee will be organised at least once in

six months to review management activities of MMS. As far as possible,
the concerns of the stakeholders will be taken into account during
implementation of the management plan.
6.1.3 Degree of Intervention
A policy of minimal intervention in the natural biological processes and

clean atmosphere shall be given priority while taking up any management
interventions. Basic infrastructure required for Sanctuary management
and ecotourism facilities shall be developed with the least possible
interferences in the habitat. Preventive interventions to minimize industrial
effluents, pollutants and the factors that adversely influence marine
ecosystem would be taken up by the management through appropriate
agencies/Government Departments.
6.1.4 Integration of Management Plan of MMS in the Sectoral

Plans of all Planning Authorities in the Region
The management plan of the MMS once approved will strive to be in lines
with ongoing sectoral plans to bring synergy between various departments.
6.2 Boundaries
The boundaries of the Sanctuary are well defined in the notification.

However, boundaries are not demarcated on the ground due to opposition
from the communities. Hence, the protection and management of the
sanctuary have suffered. The proper zonation will be done after rationalizing
the boundary through consultation process. While rationalising the
boundary, area of human settlement mostly representing the
fishermen community may be excluded. The new boundaries could be
marked into different clusters of the core zones for effective monitoring
of marine resources as in the case of Gulf of Mannar Marine National
Park in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, a draft notification for declaring the Eco
Sensitive Zone around the Sanctuary has been submitted to the
government, which is under consideration.
6.3 Zonation
Total area of the Marine Sanctuary is about 29.12 Sq.km. The Zonation
for the management of MMS is proposed under the following
categories.

Table 13: Details of Core Zone and Buffer Zone
Zone Purpose Area in Description
Sq. km.
Core Zone The epicentre of the 3.2 Covers the area of

identified marine Sindhudurg Fort,
biodiversity region Padmagad Island along
submerged exposed rocks
Buffer Zone The buffer zone will 25.95 The NE Border of the buffer
provide added zone is about 50 m from the
protection to the sea shore near Malvan Port.
marine biota IN the East, semi-circular
identified core zone. sandy beach is about 500m
This area will have parallel to the shore of
added relaxation Malvan. In the south the
with respect to area covers the buffer zone
resource used by near Mandal Rock of
locals as well as Malvan port. In the West,
management by the the buffer zone area touches
authorities. the area of Malvan rock.
6.4. Management of Zones
Though the sanctuary has been divided into Core and Buffer Zone in
the notification, as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 both zones being the part of the notified protected area, shall
attract complete protection. No other activities other than biodiversity
conservation, research and monitoring are permitted in both core and
buffer zones. Nevertheless, to say that marine resource exploitation is
continuing in Malvan Marine Sanctuary despite the efforts taken by
the Forest Department primarily due to lack of cooperation from local
people and political groups.

People’s traditional rights should be respected in the area as it is their
means of livelihood. Unsustainable fishery and tourism over a period
damaged coral biodiversity in some part of the sanctuary like
Sindhudurg fort area. Rich corals occur in some locations outside the
sanctuary concurrently and so reorganisation of the sanctuary area is
required immediately.
6.5 Infrastructure Development
There is an urgent need of developing appropriate infrastructure for

MMS management with appropriate staff for the efficient management
of MMS, as Sanctuary is under tremendous pressure due to
unsustainable use of resources.
Proposed Action Plan
1. Headquarter of MMS to be located in Malvan, where staff office and

all other management unit shall be placed with necessary
infrastructure that may include SCUBA diving equipments ,
patrolling boats and vehicles, Satellite phones for patrolling.
2. The services of Marine biologist, SCUBA divers would be made
available through contractual staff.
3. Mobile rescue and rehabilitation centre with appropriate facilities
need to be developed to address stranding, beaching and mortalities
of large marine mammals and other species like Sea turtles and
Otters. Wherever necessary, the experts would be engaged on
contractual basis for detailed and complex investigation of the
marine habitat on a regular basis.
4. Existing jetty area shall be studied carefully and if necessary,
relocation of jetty will be done outside the sanctuary for ensuring
livelihood of the fishing communities. Same will be used for
patrolling and monitoring by the staff.

5. Staff should be given training on SCUBA diving and marine
patrolling and on rescuing injured animals and carrying out
necroscopy of the dead animals.
6.6 Theme plans
Table 14: Management Practices in the form of theme plans have been incorporated
in separate chapters below:
Chapter No. Chapter Name
7. Habitat Conservation and Recovery Plan
8. Species Conservation and Recovery Plan
9. Fisheries Management Plan
10. Eco-Tourism, Interpretation and Conservation

Education
11. Sustainable Eco-Development Plan for Community
Involved Livelihood Generation
12. Solid Waste Management and Pollution Control
13. Disaster Management Plan
14. Research, Monitoring and Capacity Building Plan
15. Organisation and Administration
16. Budget
All of them can be mainstreamed through the respective line

departments.

Chapter 7
Habitat Conservation and Recovery Plan
7.1 Introduction
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, gives legal protection to the

endangered marine species and their habitats. Unsustainable fishing
and tourism activities are the major stressor to marine habitat.
Although the fishing and tourism development in the MMS area and
beyond gives an economic stimulus and livelihood opportunities to the
locals, the conservation of the coastal and marine habitat should be
given utmost priority.
7.2 Objectives
To propose conservation and awareness programmes for local

communities highlighting the habitat value of coral, fish diversity and
finfish and shell fish biodiversity, Stock enhancement and
replenishment, sand dune habitat, rehabilitation of endangered and
endemic species, seaweed, marine mammal population, mangroves,
habitats with respect to finfish and shellfish breeding.
7.3 Proposed Action Plan
7.3.1 Coral reef conservation
The reef ecosystem is the most diversified and complex marine

ecosystem and their associated marine life are one of the greatest
natural treasures. This ecosystem provides various benefits including
food from reef fish, recreation for tourists and coastal protection. The
sanctuary harbours a nearshore discontinuous reef running parallel

to the coastline. Numerous submerged, exposed rocks and the
Sindhudurg island provide suitable substratum and protected habitat
for coral settlement and growth (Untawale & Dhargalkar, 2002).
This fragile ecosystem is affected by naturally occurring perturbations

and in contrast to that, the anthropogenic disturbances are more likely
to results in long-lasting or to cause permanent change to the
environment. The impacts on reef ecosystem ultimately affect the
fisher folk who depend on this ecosystem for daily livelihood. In order
to save and to rehabilitate this ecosystem, effective management
practices should be implemented for preservation, protection and
sustainable utilisation.
1. Periodic research and monitoring of the coral ecosystem especially

to check for coral bleaching, anthropogenic disturbances.
2. Coral transplantation and Artificial reef deployment for habitat
restoration scientifically by involving competent research
organisations
3. Setting up of coral nurseries utilising the broken fragment of corals
(wave action, unsustainable tourism practices observed in the
recent past). This will help to recover the degraded habitat in the
area.
4. Restoration should generally be the last resort used, it should be
done after the careful consideration of the state of the ecosystem
and the chances of it returning naturally back to its previous
condition before the disturbance.
7.3.2 Finfish and Shellfish habitat
1. Owing to the low impact of industrial pollution, the sanctuary is

boasted with pristine beaches with good seawater quality
throughout the year. Periodic scientific research considering the
finfish and shellfish biodiversity of the area, monitoring of fishing
practices and fish landings to account for illegal harvest of
juveniles, season-wise species-specific fish harvesting need to be
promoted for conservation of their habitat. Whale sharks and other
protected species which may be found as bycatch should be
reported and subsequent action and measures to be taken by the
respective departments.
7.3.3 Seaweed Habitat
A detailed mapping of seaweed beds with the information on status of

each species needs to be prepared using latest satellite imageries
followed by ground truthing. Prevent further decline of such habitats
by eliminating the causes of decline such as pollution, indiscriminate
fishing, etc. Ban and restriction on cultivation of exotic species of
seaweeds in the Sanctuary.
Awareness programmes regarding excessive use of pesticides and

other chemicals in the widely spread horticultural and agricultural
practices and its adverse impact on the coastal and marine ecosystem
of the area.
7.3.4 Sand Dune Habitat
Expansion of fish drying platforms or jetties and ports have led to huge
loss of sand dunes and associated vegetation. A practice of clearing the
dune vegetation has been observed by several resort owners as a part
of seasonal maintenance mainly due to lack of awareness.

1. Research program to account the anthropogenic effects on the

sand dune habitat adjoining the Sanctuary area.
2. Sand dune restoration through prescribed methods involving
experts in the field and by involving local communities.
3. If needed, nurseries of dune vegetation of local endemic species
will be setup using scientific inputs and its plantation at degraded
sites will be promoted to avoid soil erosion biologically. Interested
local will be trained in nursery setup, maintenance and upkeep.
4. To compensate this loss, restoration of this habitat is essential.
Alternative to the expansion shall be planned to conserve this
habitat.
5. Adequate awareness programmes to the relevant stakeholders
will be organised in order to prohibit such unsustainable practice.
6. Sand binding structures are to be built on the coastline to prevent
loss of existing dunes.
7.3.5 Protection of Marine Habitats
1. Movement of mechanised boats and trawlers shall be strictly

regulated by the forest department. This will be done mainly
considering the expanse of a given spot and its calculated
carrying capacity.
2. Strategic setting up and mandatory usage of anchoring buoys by
the tourism operator will be promoted. Adequate knowledge
enhancement to the local boat handlers will be proposed.
3. A horizon of anchored boats is a common sight within the
Malvan Marine Sanctuary. A strategy to create a sustainable
level of fishing by providing alternative/ additional livelihoods
and eco-development initiatives through local management
strategy will be evolved.

Chapter 8
Species Conservation and Recovery Plan
8.1. Introduction
Several species of invertebrates and vertebrates within the Malvan

Marine Sanctuary are in the Red Data Book of the IUCN and Schedules
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is important to understand
such species and setup the species recovery and restoration
programme of a few prioritized species. Species recovery programmes
require highly specialized and trained human resource and
professional organisational structure. The small number of species
recovery programme suggested below will also provide opportunities
for setting up strategies to formulate and initiate similar actions for
range of other species. It is important to prepare a state level database
on biodiversity of marine ecosystem of the Malvan Sanctuary to give
insight about status of flora & fauna in terms of their vulnerability and
possible conservation measures through in situ and ex-situ methods.
Long-term studies need to be undertaken to identify species under
threat and factors responsible for their depletion.
8.2. Objectives
1. Identification of floral and faunal biodiversity and understanding

ecology and its interaction with corals and allied habitats.
2. Conservation of sensitive species through in-situ and ex-situ
methods.
3. Role of floral and faunal elements in the context of ecosystem
processes and the control and ban of exotic species.
4. Ecology of rare and endemic species as well critically endangered,
vulnerable species following IUCN criteria.

5. Comparative study of health of species like those of coral
ecosystem. The records can be compared with previous data. Based
on the extent of bleaching or physical damage, stringent rules need
to be formulated and implemented.
8.3 Species Recovery Plan for Few Important IUCN Red

Data Book Species and Wildlife Protected Species
8.3.1 Sea Turtles
Three of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide are reported
in the Malvan Marine Sanctuary. They are the Olive ridley
(Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), and Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricate. The Sindhudurg coast is an important nesting
site for Olive ridley sea turtle. All species of sea turtles are protected
under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as well as listed
in Appendix 11 of Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits trade in turtle
products by signatory countries. At present, no commercial or
international trade of marine turtles or turtle products are reported
from the Sanctuary. However, incidental bycatch of sea turtles in the
trawl and other fishing nets is a known threat and has been reported
globally and the Malvan Marine Sanctuary is no exception to this.
1. Mobile rescue and rehabilitation unit in case of stranding and

mortalities.
2. Capacity building program to local youth and Forest personnel to
handle sea turtle stranding, first aid and care and management
during nesting season.

3. Standard Operating Procedure to be developed for disposal of sea
turtles carcass and preservation techniques in case of any
specimen to be preserved.
4. Turtle eggs and meat have been traditionally consumed in the
coastal communities which is not followed in recent years. However,
any such cunning incidences if happen need to be reported and
appropriate action is to be taken.
8.3.2 Crustaceans and Molluscs
MMS is rich is the presence of biologically and economically important

crustaceans such as crabs, prawns and lobsters, as well as Molluscs
such as clams, oysters, etc. which also acts as an important protein
source to the local community. 17 species of crustaceans of which
locally edible and commercially important crab species such as Scylla
serrata, Portunus armatus, Portunus sanguinolentus, Charybdis
cruciata, Dotilla myctiroides and Petrolisthes bacci and 78 species of
molluscs have been recorded from Malvan of which only 7 are
consumed locally and hence have commercial importance namely,
Catelysia opima, Meretrix meretrix, Paphia malabarica, Donax
incarnates, Mytilus viridis, Crassostrea gryphoides, Umbonium
vestiarum. (Tike et al 2009) Some of the species are under the threat
due to habitat destruction. Lobsters too are found within the area and
facing the similar problems.
1. Implementation of livelihood generation scheme for sustainable

aquaculture in the nearby creek areas of the Sanctuary.
2. Awareness and capacity building programme for helping local
communities in conservation and augmentation of the crustacean
and molluscan fishery.

8.3.3 Corals, Ornamental marine fishes, Seashell and Seaweeds
etc.
The “marine aquarium fishes" referred as "marine ornamental fishes”

are known to be abundant in tropical seas particularly in the regions
rich in corals, seaweeds and in rocky patches. Even-though Marine
ornamental fishes are not included in the protected species, its trade
have indirect impact on the corals and seaweeds. This encourages
illegal extraction and trade of many protected corals species, sea
shells, seaweeds, etc. Holothurians, some sea shells and other
invertebrates which are protected under WPA 1972 are found within
the area.
Proposed Action plan
2. Species listed under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 to be protected

and illegal trade of the souvenirs and products made of marine
organisms will be strictly prohibited.
3. Ornamental marine fish culture units could be set up with the help
of local self-help groups to reduce the pressure on the wild
collection from the sanctuary.
8.3.4 Marine Mammals
Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) and Finless

porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are sighted very frequently
within the Sanctuary seascape. Various species of Whales have been
reported from the area. Stranding of Carcass of Whale species have
been reported multiple times from Sanctuary and nearby areas
1. A Marine Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is proposed at

MMS with technical guidance from CMFRI. All marine animals
stranded alive may be treated here and released back safely to the
sea.
2. It is not advisable to bring all stranded alive animals to the
rehabilitation centre. Only injured animals required to be
transported to the centre and after treatment they should be
released back.
3. All marine mammals and sea turtles and other endemic and
endangered species can be treated here. This centre will be
equipped with highly trained and professional visiting veterinarians
and a rescue team with adequate logistics and budgetary
provisions.
4. Standard Operating Protocol for responsible tourism causing less
destruction to marine species especially dolphin tourism and
relevant animal handling to be followed.
5. Capacity building programmes for species conservation.
Figure 43: Stranded Whale Carcass

Figure 44: Stranded Finless Porpoise

Chapter 9
Fisheries Management Plan
9.1 Introduction
Fishing is considered an important livelihood of the local communities

in MMS. The Sanctuary area is a traditional fishing ground used by
local fishermen for decades. Hence, it needs proper management to
avoid overfishing, exploitation of natural resources, illegal trade while
maintaining the livelihood of the local communities. It is important to
create awareness on the ecological and economic role of the Sanctuary
for the sustenance of local livelihood through fisheries. Fish species
having interdependence with corals acts an important spawning
ground for commercially important fishes. Many fish and invertebrate
species are dependent on corals and mangroves for breeding. These
habitats hence play an important role in sustenance of fisheries. Hence
protection of these habitats is equally important to get maximum
returns from fishing.
The fishing practices need to be in lines with the guidelines laid in the
Maharashtra Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MMFRA), 1981 and
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Fishing by the Traditional Method
1. Traditional methods ensure sustainable fishing practices avoid over

exploitation of the fish stock. Therefore, traditional forms of fishing
like Rampan (shore-seine nets) may be permitted in the buffer zone
subject to strict regulations (licenses, related documents and mesh
size used). The fishing activities in buffer areas need to be carried

out at a sustainable level by allowing traditional fishing practices
as it is less destructive to the marine ecosystem.
2. Prohibition of fishing during fishing-ban (breeding) season usually
from 1st June to 30th July every year during monsoon is followed by
local communities.
3. Local Fishermen Union (Machimaar Sangathana) stresses that local
fishing communities are willing to get involved in conservation
activities if their demands are taken into consideration, however
allowing the fishing using trawlers can cause huge damage to the
corals and marine fauna in the region. Outside state trawlers, LED
and Purse sein Fishing practices are banned by the Government of
Maharashtra.
4. Inter-Departmental Coordination among Forest, Fisheries, Police
and Coast Guard for the enforcement of National laws is required.
Hence, Joint patrolling should be carried out meticulously to have
a check on illegal fishing.
5. Formation of common discussion forum involving local
communities, Fisheries and Forest Department to fill the gap in
information dissemination.
Conducting Scientific Study
Research is required to understand the quantum of over fishing and

the threats posed on the marine Sanctuary on a seasonal basis to
understand the changing trends in the fishery industry.
Monitoring of Mesh Size and Fishing Gears
1. The mesh size of nets should be strictly regulated by concerned

authority mainly by the Fisheries Department in the boundaries

promoting sustainable fishing by helping juveniles of fish and
smaller species to escape.
2. The local fishing community should be sensitized and motivated
against using trawlers, purse seines, LED bulbs etc. in coral and
other marine biodiversity-rich areas. Thus, these sites need to be
protected to prevent local extinction of these species.
3. The fishers should also be sensitized about being responsible in the
use of fishing gears especially entangled or discarded nets (Ghost
nets). Large quantities of ghost nets have been retrieved during
surveys within the boundaries of the Malvan Marine Sanctuary over
the last decade. The ghost nets not only affect marine life but also
get caught in boat propellers, entangle SCUBA, skin divers and/ or
swimmers. Therefore, voluntary retrieval of such nets by local
fishers and divers should be encouraged.
4. It is proposed to procure advanced sea going vessels with
communication systems, arms and first aid kits for patrolling as
well as for rescue operations. Budget allotment for such vessels
should also include the operational and maintenance cost. The boat
will also be equipped with necessary SCUBA gears and will have a
minimum two certified rescue divers who could be from the field
staff of the Forest department.
9.3 Control on IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing
1. Fishermen should be sensitised and discouraged from using

destructive methods (dynamite, cyanide, bleach, poison, LED light,
use of illegal mesh size in fishing gears) through education, local
cooperative discussion and wherever possible be provided with
other employment.
2. Anchor damage should be minimized either by encouraging
anchoring on a sandy area, or with better-designed anchors, or

through special protection through the installation of permanent
mooring buoys at strategic locations.
3. Remote reefs require special protection through international
treaties to control damaging practices that destroy parent fish
stocks and poaching.
4. Certain methods of bycatch reduction and juvenile exclusion have
been tested and the mandatory use of Square mesh cod-end nets
for trawlers should be made compulsory for every trawl owner
operating in the Sanctuary area (Annexure 6 Page no 194)
5. The guidelines given in the Maharashtra Marine Fisheries
Regulation Act, 1981 (Annexure 7 Page no 212) need to be followed
strictly.
6. Illegal fish catch needs to be recorded and action to be taken on
such fishermen to avoid future instances.
Regular patrolling and protection
1. Regular patrolling of the Sanctuary needs to be done to ensure the

implementation of the strategy and action plan.
2. All the boats/ fishing vessels are liable to be checked for fishing
licenses, boat registration, fisherman identity and other relevant
documents.
9.4 Management of Conflicts
1. Rationalisation of the boundaries by considering the issues faced

by Local fishermen communities should be done to avoid conflict
between the management and locals.
2. Training/ Skill Development Programmes on sustainable fishing
practices, use of fishing gears and their effects, additional
alternative income generation, employment generation, etc.

3. Capacity building programmes to be organised for creating
awareness about the important species found in Sanctuary in order
to enhance protection and livelihood.
4. All these training programmes/ capacity building etc to be done
with the help of the Fisheries Department and other relevant
stakeholder.
5. Need for generation of socio-economic data to develop long-term
proposals.
6. Fishing communities should be seen as allies, and be involved in
designing, planning and implementing the plan for the Sanctuary.

Chapter 10
Eco-Tourism, Interpretation and Conservation

Education
10.1 Introduction
At present tourism, interpretation and environmental education activities

in MMS are improperly planned and need to be formulated in a sustainable
manner. This area gained prominence due to undisturbed coral reef
habitats and abundance of marine flora and fauna. In the case of the MMS,
presently tourism occurs on a random scale and is managed by local
communities. Various activities such as snorkelling, SCUBA diving,
water sports etc are undertaken under tourism. The management plan
will focus on incorporating sustainable ecotourism involving local
stakeholders.
10.2 Objectives
a) To promote sustainable ecotourism with participation of local

communities.
b) To develop facilities and infrastructure for enhancing and

enriching visitor experience with an objective to seek public support
to the MMS, corals and fishes related conservation initiatives for
marine biodiversity conservation.
c) To create a harmonious relationship between the place, the visitor

and the host community by generating employment opportunities
such as tourist guides, tour operators, SCUBA divers, etc.
d) To organise various programs like nature trails, shore walks,

fishploration, etc., for tourists.

10.3 Ecotourism Participants
To effectively use eco-tourism as management tool, it is necessary to involve

all stakeholders that are dependent on the Sanctuary.
The participants for the same includes:
a) Local communities i.e. mainly fishermen will be involved as guides to

give information about the biodiversity of the MMS and possible
employment options will be created to provide an avenue of livelihood to
enhance their livelihood opportunities.
b) Non-Government Organisations would also be involved to create

awareness about the importance of coral reefs, important marine
organisms, the role of MMS in climate change etc amongst various strata
of society, communities and decision-makers. They would be involved as
partners in eco-tourism and nature education activities. NGOs can play
a major part in generating eco-tourism in the area with the advent and
widespread coverage of social media. They will generate awareness about
the Sanctuary and also provide a means for communication with a wider
audience.
c) Educational and Research Institutes: The research and educational

institutes would be actively involved and would be appraised about
various activities in and around the MMS to study the positive or
negative impacts of tourism management practices. Educational
institutes would be encouraged to participate in various programs and
they would also be encouraged to hold National Social Service Camps
etc. in and around the MMS. This would have a positive impact on the
young minds and will result in better support for the conservation in
future.

d) Various Allied Departments: Maharashtra Tourism Development
Corporation, Forest Department, Fisheries Department and Local
Administration will help in promoting and marketing the ecotourism
activities.
a) Website of MMS
An exclusive website for MMS needs to be developed and this website

will be linked to the websites of Maharashtra Forest Department,
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Incredible India and
other Coastal and Marine protected Areas across the Indian
Subcontinent.
MMS website will provide all basic and necessary information about
facilities, rules and regulations, time for the visit, advance bookings and
entry fee, dos and don’ts, contacts etc. in the Sanctuary for all kind of
visitors.
b) Infrastructure Development for Strengthening Eco-Tourism
1. Setting up of an Interpretation centre in Malvan will play an important

role in creating awareness wherein the Centre will have an interactive
audio-visual system for visitors to identify and understand the coastal
and marine biodiversity and importance of the Malvan Marine
Sanctuary. It will be used to promote nature information, education
enthusiast. The Centre will comprise displays giving additional
information about the species and related calls/sounds, pictures,
peculiarities, souvenir shop etc. This centre will act as a centralised entry
point and provide access to the visitors to the various services available
in the Sanctuary.
2. Visitor amenities including Eateries/Food Courts, Education facilities
such as training halls with audio-video facilities and small hostel,
Marine museum, Parking and safety measures, Landscaping and
gardening suitable for the area taking into account current landscaping,
Signages, Jetty upgradation, Boardwalk/ Mangrove trail, Light
arrangements to the various parts as per need, Compound Wall etc will
be undertaken in a phase-wise manner.
3. Watchtower at strategic points if required along the coastal area of the

Sanctuary will be developed using eco-friendly material which can be
used for making observations, monitoring and vigilance.
c) SCUBA diving, Snorkelling and Other Water Sports.
Study on carrying capacity shall be done to allow SCUBA diving,

Snorkelling and other water sports activities to minimalise the
destruction of Corals and water pollution.
1. Certification training programme should be given to local youth by

the authorised agencies before allowing ecotourism activities in the
Sanctuary.
2. Concerned District authorities to issue/ renew licence to the
trained tour operators for handling water sports.
d) Impact Assessment Studies:
1. Assessment on the negative impact of recreational activities on the

biodiversity of the Sanctuary should be done before allowing any
activity in the sanctuary. This finding will be considered while
planning and implementation of such activities. The evaluation
and monitoring of ecotourism activities should be done

periodically. Service of competent agencies such as NIO, IISDA,
BNHS, NIWS etc., may be availed for such studies.
e) Permissions and Permits
1. All ecotourism activities in the buffer area shall be regulated by the

Forest Department. The tour operators shall obtain required permits
from Forest Department and all other concerned Departments.
Similarly, the tourist inflow shall be regulated based on the carrying
capacity of the sanctuary. Their entry will be regulated through visitor
pass.
2. Diving permits within the Sanctuary should be issued to certified
dive shops/ centres by the competent district authorities and
verified concomitantly by the local Forest Department to ensure
safe diving practices.
3. Only dive operators/shops adhering to highest standards of safety
(which specifies requirements for service providers in the field of
recreational SCUBA diving and Snorkelling excursions) should be
issued permits. The following areas of service need to be
considered,
o Introductory diving activities;
o Snorkelling excursions;
o Provision of training and education;
o Organised and guided diving for qualified divers;
o Rental of diving and snorkelling equipment.
o Diving licenses
4. SCUBA diving needs to be permitted only in designated areas with
adequate depth. The average depth in which SCUBA diving
practiced presently is less than 3-4 meters which is not ideal for
SCUBA diving. Such activities will be regulated in the core zone of
the Sanctuary by imposing strict guidelines applicable to both
locals as well as visitors. In addition, uniformity in the rates

applicable in a given tourism season for SCUBA diving,
Snorkelling and water sports need to be fixed by the locals forming
a union. This will ensure safety and quality in service. This will
automatically generate more revenue with lesser pressure on the
ecosystem.
5. Diving licenses of the working staff at the dive shops/ centres
should be checked regularly and renewed.
6. Permissions related to any development activities: As the seascape
considered under the MMS largely overlaps with the jurisdiction
of the Maharashtra Maritime Board who execute port development
activities. Any kind of construction of port/ jetty, developmental
activities for tourist facilitation, etc. need proper consultation with
the MMS authorities. Similarly, the Fisheries Department, Public
Works Department, Tourism Department should take permission
before initiating any new project or any modification of existing
infrastructure in the Sanctuary area.
f) Risk Management and Safety
All outdoor recreation involves some level of risk. Dealing with such
risk is an important component of marine tourism management.
1. Training programmes will be organised for life guards, first aid and
safety from recognised institutes like National Institute of Water
Sports (NIWS), Goa.
2. Procurement of safety gears like life jackets, lifebuoys and
inflatable boats to be made compulsory for each service provider.
g) Reef Monitoring and Underwater Clean-Up Initiatives
1. Organise reef monitoring and clean-up programs in coalition with

local dive shops/ centres.

2. The local divers are well versed with the dive sites in Malvan. They
dive on a regular basis, the data collected by them could be used
to monitor the reef health by using citizen science. This can be
used to identify new sites or species sightings and help incorporate
the practice of making every dive a clean-up dive.
3. New dive sites can be created by sinking wrecks in sandy patches.
These wrecks would help in coral regeneration and also act as
FADs (fish aggregating devices).
4. Creation of synergies between dive shops/ centres, local governing
body and research organization for regular monitoring of the
hotspots and to know the status of the reef. It also gives the local
dive shops/ centres a sense of ownership and the need to protect
marine habitat as their own.
h) Capacity building programmes
1. An increase in knowledge and conservation awareness among the

tourism industry and promotion for their participation in the
governance of the Sanctuary will be ensured.
i) Resource Conservation and Consumption
1. The local stakeholders involved in Curios trade will be sensitised in

terms of discouraging the collection and trade of endangered shell
species and other scheduled marine species.
2. The open sale of endangered marine species in the markets and
non-compliance to this would be taken up as a seriously as a
punishable offence.

j) Legislation and Policies
1. Strict adherence to the ecotourism policies of the Maharashtra

Government shall be ensured while allowing any ecotourism
activity in the Sanctuary.
2. Littering of any kind on the beach should be fined by the concerned
authority (Malvan Municipal Council).
3. Driving/ riding of motor vehicles on the beaches (by locals as well
as visitors) should be prohibited as the inter-tidal zones, mudflats
and sandy beaches are vital marine habitats and need to be
conserved.
4. Lifeguards should be appointed for added vigilance and to ensure
the safety of swimmers along the beach.
5. The water sports operators should be included in sensitization
programs about the effect of solid waste on the marine ecosystem.
6. Tourists must be sensitized about the conservation values of
marine habitats. The improper waste disposal and its effect on
marine habitats, through posters, flyers, banners and signages
should be initiated.
k) Sustainable Tourism Assessment
1. Assessment and regulation of tourist carrying capacity by

involving external expertise.
2. Assessment and regulation of homestays, Bed & Breakfast
schemes, hotels, resorts, etc. in terms of Green Rating, GRIHA
Rating and alike.
3. Formation and Implementation of sustainable tourism guidelines
by the management committee.
4. Implementation of dolphin tourism guidelines.

5. Implementation of guidelines for coastal water sports given by
NIWS (National Institute of Water Sports) (Annexure 8 Page no
226).
6. Beach safety protocols.
7. Beach amenities.
8. Sustainable and legally permissible infrastructural development.
9. Signages and awareness boards.
l) Visitor management
1. Visitor management techniques are useful in understanding the

factors such as lack of experience, or the willingness of visitors to
take risks, or very little knowledge about scientific ways of dealing
with coastal habitats that lead to incidents.
2. The prevention of public safety incidents, and when necessary the
delivery of public safety, and of Search and Rescue services, should
be a shared responsibility between protected area managers,
tourism operators and other stakeholders, visitors and users.
m) Emergencies and emergency planning
1. An emergency situation requires prompt action beyond normal

procedures to prevent or limit injury to persons or damage to
physical property or the environment.
2. Emergency planning may overlap with public safety questions
(such as risk assessment and prevention, and search and rescue
services) and need developing proactive and reactive responses to
high frequency-low impact/consequence events.
3. Through the risk evaluations described above, these types of events
can be identified, and emergency plans will be developed.

4. Regular staff training, Inspection and identification of risk areas,
Networking with legal advisors, insurance and other agencies will
be undertaken involving expert agencies.
10.5 Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism
a) Action Points for Underwater Tourism
1. The District Administration is required to regulate all

underwater tourism operations to ensure that environment-
friendly, sustainable practices are adopted by the tour
operators, and safety standards are not compromised.
2. The District Administration is required oversee licensing of
underwater tourism operators, including SCUBA diving and
snorkelling activities. The permits must be issued only to those
operators who can abide by the Regulatory Framework for
Underwater Tourism.
3. Businesses operating without valid permits should be STRICTLY
PROHIBITED from taking the tourists to the sea. This is to
ensure tourist safety and prevent any destruction to the marine
biodiversity.
4. Businesses operating without valid permits need be penalised.
5. Businesses violating the Regulatory Framework will be liable for
cancellation of their registration, beside any legal action that is
applicable for offence.
6. A capable scientific institute may be engaged to assess the
carrying capacity of diving sites. All tourism activities must
comply with the carrying capacity. Any violation of the same
must result in imposition of fine or legal action or both.

7. The above information and the Regulatory Framework should be
given wide publicity for the benefit of tourists as well as tour
operators.
8. The SAFETY NORMS FOR WATERSPORTS issued by the
National Institute of Water Sports could also be made available
to all underwater tourism operators.
9. For overseeing and monitoring the regulations that may be
brought in by the District Administration as well as providing all
necessary equipment and facilities, related to safe and
sustainable underwater tourism on chargeable basis, it may be
necessary to set up diving centres at the selected sites either by
the District Administration or IISDA.
b) Action Points for Dolphin Tourism
1. The District Administration needs to regulate all Dolphin tour

operations to ensure that environment-friendly and sustainable
practices are employed by the tour operators.
2. The District Administration is required to oversee licensing of
dolphin tour operators.
3. Businesses operating without the required permits should be
STRICTLY PROHIBITED from taking the tourists to the sea. This
is to ensure tourist safety and prevent any destruction to the
marine biodiversity.
4. Periodic monitoring of dolphin tour operators could be
undertaken to ensure that all tour operators have valid permits.
Businesses operating without valid permits should be penalised.
5. Businesses violating the Regulatory Framework for Dolphin
Tourism could be liable for cancellation of their registration,
beside any legal action that is applicable for offence.
6. The above information and the Regulatory Framework for
Dolphin Tourism should be given wide publicity for the benefit
of tourists as well as tour operators.

c) Action Points for Turtle Tourism
1. The beaches frequented by turtles during the breeding seasons

should be free from any permanent barricades preventing the
free movement of turtles.
2. No high mast lights should be installed on the beach front on
turtle nesting beaches which are known to distract turtles from
visiting the beaches.
3. The District Administration may encourage the forest officials to
build a network of point persons along the nesting beaches for
reporting sighting of nesting and make arrangements for their
protection with fencing, etc. with the help of local communities.
4. Facilitate data collection on nesting, egg laying and release of
hatchlings and their monitoring on annual basis.
5. Relocation of the nests should be avoided in most
circumstances. However, in case of inundation of the nest due
to high tide, the nest may be shifted to safer areas beyond the
high tide level.
6. Gill nets should not be used around the known turtle nesting
beaches during the season.
7. Removal of ghost nets and beach cleaning should be done prior
to the turtle breeding season.
d) Guidelines for Tourists on Turtle Nesting Beaches
Guidelines for Turtle Tourism is given as follows:
How to View Olive Ridley Turtles

Olive Ridley Turtles are a globally significant species found along the
Sindhudurg coast. They commonly visit the Sindhudurg beaches for
nesting, during their breeding season which usually begins in late
October and extends to late March. Olive Ridley Turtles prefer laying
eggs during the night, between 11 pm to 5 am. Considering that
nocturnal nesting pattern of the turtles, avoid walking on the beach at
night. If you do choose to walk on the beach at night, keep your torches
or mobile flashlight pointed to the ground close to your feet so as to
not disturb any Olive Ridley turtle in the distance. The turtle is very
sensitive to light and any excessive light or movement can deter the
turtle from coming to the beach to lay her eggs.
What to do if you come across a Nesting Sea Turtle
1. If you spot a turtle emerging from the water and moving up the
beach, do not go close to the turtle, and do not flash any bright light
on the turtle. Stop where you are, turn your light off and remain still.
2. Do not touch the turtle or her eggs.
3. Flash photography must be strictly prohibited around nesting

turtles or turtle hatchlings. Olive Ridley turtles are very sensitive to
light. Turtles, which come on the beach for nesting may even go back
to the water if there is excessive light or movement on the beaches.
Hatchlings may also get disoriented around bright lights, lose their
way to the water, and get predated upon.
4. If you spot a possible nesting site along the beach, do not disturb
that area.
5. Do not walk up close to the turtles.
6. Allow the turtles to nest without disturbing them. Allow them to

cover the nest with sand and walk back to the beach.

Chapter 11
Sustainable Eco-Development Plan for Community

Involved Livelihood Generation
11.1 Introduction
The seven fishing villages falling within the boundaries of zone of influence
are Dhuriwada, Gawandiwada, Rajkot, Makarebag-Medha, Dandi
(under Malvan Nagar Parishad), Wairy, Tarkarli and their seaward
side. The major fishing activities are carried out by the fishers where
accessibility of landing sites/ jetties for catch and mooring of vessels are
available.
11.2 Objectives behind Eco-Development Plan
1. Involving the local communities and other stakeholders that are

associated with the MMS so as to generate long term support to the
Sanctuary area and sense of ownership within the communities.
2. Generating direct and indirect employment opportunities to local
community as to boost income generation.
3. Creating awareness and knowledge of the rich biodiversity at MMS
among local communities.
1. Village Eco-Development Committee (VEDC) will be constituted

consisting of a forest staff (Forester/Forest guard as a Member Secretary
of VEDC) and the representatives of village communities under the
leadership of Range Forest Officer, Mangrove Cell, Malvan for
conducting various awareness programs and giving additional livelihood
to the dependent population.

2. Preparation of micro-plans for understanding the potential of livelihood
activities to be undertaken in respective villages. Accordingly, VEDC
plans will be made for respective villages and implemented especially in
the villages where communities are still dependent on fishing and other
livelihood activities in MMS area.
3. Increase enforcement of existing laws while ensuring that

populations are not deprived of livelihood options.
4. Involving Colleges, Research institutes and NGOs in Capacity building

programs.
5. In-house training programs and exposure visits will be conducted for
strengthening the knowledge of the staff for enhancing sustainability of
the outreach programmes.
6. Periodic evaluation and necessary review of implemented works and
their expected outputs will be carried out both by in-house agencies as
well as independent specialised agencies or a group or individuals.

Chapter 12
Solid Waste Management and Pollution Control
12.1 Introduction
Sindhudurg is considered as one of the cleanliest districts in

Maharashtra and several initiatives have been taken for pollution
management in the region. Being a coastal tourism district, the
administration has focused on the cleanliness drive with community
participation. The district has been recognized as completely Open
Defecation Free (ODF). There have been several awards given for
cleanliness, such as Nirmal Gram Puraskar, Paryavaran Santulit
Smrudh Gram Yojna, Sant Gadge Baba Gram Swachata Abhiyan. The
success of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) in Sindhudurg is
also well documented.
12.2 Objectives
1. To document discharge of any type of effluents, cooling waters etc., to be

monitored accurately as the temperature is a crucial parameter in the
survival of marine organisms. Similarly details of other physico-chemical
parameters for the development of necessary strategies.
2. To regulate Solid waste entering the Sanctuary area.
Concerned Municipal Corporations & Maharashtra Pollution Control Board

should be insisted to take preventive measures & actions on the following
points-
1. A large number of areas in the Sanctuary are subjected to pollution

from domestic sewage, solid waste and other effluents. Similarly,

fertilizer and pesticide run-off from agricultural lands also augment
the pollution load. It will be the responsibility of the nearby Municipal
Corporations to ensure the proper functioning of the treatment plants
and release the treated sewage water to the MMS.
2. Natural streams used as sewage canals should be stopped immediately

and restoration should be carried out to recover the beauty of the
Sanctuary.
3. Management of pollution should be carried out as per the guidelines of

the relevant authority for the development of new industries/projects
and for the existing industries, projects, treatment etc in and around the
Malvan that is notified as the Sanctuary.
4. Monitoring of the pollution levels should be carried out as per the

guidelines laid down by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
(MPCB).
5. All sewage and industrial wastewaters should be treated at the source

itself and then released into the waterbody. This will be taken up with
appropriate authorities for implementation.
6. Concerned Municipal authority should ensure the Sanctuary area is

Plastic free zone. It is recommended to install ‘Trash Boom or Trash Trap’
for collection of floating plastics and other wastes and its disposal,
increase the number of waste collection bins along crowded
beaches, increase the frequency of collection vehicles to ensure the
bins don’t overflow, at source segregation of waste to be made
compulsory.
7. Conduct joint awareness programs for the local communities

explaining the problems of using single-use plastic and other solid
waste on marine life. Citizen patrolling would be the best way to
reduce the amount of littering done by locals and tourists.
8. To undertake joint programmes involving various stakeholder such

as periodic beach clean-up, awareness campaigns, installation of
signages, wall paintings etc.

9. Fines should be levied by the local governing body for littering
within the Sanctuary boundary and along the coast.
Local administration should ensure waste processing with proper

equipment setup wherever possible.

Chapter 13.
Disaster Management Plan
13.1 Introduction
Malvan Marine Sanctuary is prone to various sea originated disasters

such as floods, cyclone, oil spillage, etc.
13.2 Objectives
1. Identify all possible disasters occurring in the area, preferably on a

decade timescale to gain thorough understanding
2. Prepare a site-specific disaster management plan in compliance
with district disaster management plan
1. Preparation of hazard map of occurrence of tropical cyclones,

floods, oil spillage, etc.
2. The map is prepared with data inputs off past climatologically
records, history of wind speed, frequency and intensity of flooding,
etc.
3. Possibility of oil spillage is more due to the existence of Malvan Port
close to the Sanctuary. Proper strategy should be developed with
the help of Maharashtra Maritime Board and Disaster Management
Cell to minimise it.
4. As the water sports activities are permitted in the sanctuary
capsizing of boats/vessels is highly likely due to the shallow rocky
bottom nature of the MMS seascape which could be life threatening
also. Hence, proper standard operating procedures for the risk
management should be in place and followed.

5. Weather Forecasting should be followed daily before permitting any
adventurous water sport activities. Tourist shall be guided properly
to avoid any mishap.
6. All the Disaster management activities should be in compliance
with the District Disaster Management Plan
7. Park management should co-ordinate the activities as per the
directions from the District Disaster Management Cell. (Annexure
9, Page no 240)

Chapter 14
Research, Monitoring and Capacity Building

Plan
14.1 Introduction
Research and Monitoring of the marine biodiversity, water quality and

socio-economic condition of dependent communities of the Sanctuary, Eco-
sensitive zone of MMS are required at uniform intervals. This would ensure
the ecological services of MMS to the people and also help to evaluate and
review the management effectiveness of this Management Plan. The main
consideration would be to have a holistic approach to monitoring and
involve as many locals as possible as they are the driving force to ensure
conservation.
14.2 Objectives
1. Documentation of existing data to describe the resources and provide

baseline information.
2. Establishment of a framework and procedures for administering a

research program and regular biodiversity and water quality monitoring
to ensure that projects are responsive to management concerns.
3. To incorporate research results into an Interpretive Education Program

in a format useful for the general public.
4. Monitor the spread of invasive species for better management strategies
5. Monitoring will also focus on the understanding the ecological services

of all coastal and marine habitats/ecosystems for better management
and sustainable use of bio-resources and to study the impacts of human
use on these ecological services.
6. Documenting and analysing the impact of infrastructure projects (ports,

power plants, etc.) on the communities and their livelihoods.

7. Baseline data collection import and use of banned fishing gear and craft.
8. To encourage research on fishing and tourism.
1. Appointment of Scientific bodies/agencies to conduct a monitoring

program to assess the biodiversity of coastal, estuarine, nearshore,
open ocean and deep-sea ecosystems.
2. Identification of the impact of invasive species in the region.
3. Make a detailed report on socio-economic status of the dependent

communities on MMS and ESZ.
4. Special training programs for capacity building for various stakeholders

to highlight the conservation of important species in the MMS and ESZ
area. Preparation of species recovery plan as per the need of the hour.
5. Procurement of important report about water pollution and another

related report from concerned municipal authorities.
6. Preparation of periodic monitoring report by involving the expertise of

competent agencies and undertaking appropriate measures.
7. Documentation of types of fishery practices and their impacts on

habitat and species.
8. Restoration models for coral reef habitats. Stock enhancement of

these species will help restoring the Malvan marine biodiversity and
provide tangible benefits to local communities in a sustainable
manner with higher economic gains.
9. Documentation, promotion and extension of eco-compatible
alternate/ additional livelihood options. Identification of various
stakeholders and assessment of the impact of their activities on the
ecological resources.

10. New sites should also be explored and monitored along the coast.
There are rich biodiversity hotspots along the Malvan coast with
numerous species of corals, algae, sponges, sea fans, crustaceans,
fish, etc. These sites also need to be protected or added in the
Sanctuary boundary.
The current Sanctuary boundary is difficult to get around, monitor and

manage due to the inclusion of the Sindhudurg fort in the core zone of
the Sanctuary, which acts as a physical barrier. A revision in the
boundary would help facilitate better management and protection of
these biodiverse marine habitats along the Malvan coast.

Chapter 15
Organisation and Administration
15.1 Introduction
MMS comes under the administrative control of APCCF Mangrove Cell,

Government of Maharashtra. At present Range Forest Officer,
Mangrove Cell, Malvan with the help of Forest Guard is looking after
the management of the Sanctuary apart from his responsibility of
mangrove protection in the district. However, considering the extent of
the Sanctuary and threats more manpower and logistics are required
for the effective management of the Sanctuary.
15.2 Requirement of Staff and Vehicle
Staff requirement: Integrated Management of MMS requires a dedicated

team to implement prescriptions given in the Management For this purpose,
additional post of field staff should be created which includes permanent
and contractual staff. As the present staff is inadequate, restructuring in
the existing system is recommended. Range Forest Officer will report to DCF
Mangrove cell.
1. Tentative plan is given in flowchart below-
DCF Mangrove Cell

Accountant
RFO-Malvan /Clerk (1)
Malvan Round Officer
Beat Guard (Malvan) Beat Guard (Ecotourism)

A. Existing and Proposed Permanent staff
Table 15: Details of Permanent and Proposed staff
Post Existing (Nos) Proposed (Nos) Total (Nos)

Range Forest Officer 1 0 1
Forester 0 1 1
Forest Guard 1 1 2
Accountant/ Clerk 1 0 1
Peon 0 1 1
Total 3 2 6
B. Contractual staff
Table 16: Details of Proposed Contractual Staff
Sr No Staff Requirement (Contractual) Total No of Staff
1 Interpretation Centre
Receptionist and Souvenir shop attendant 2
Ticket booking operator 1
Cleanliness and Housekeeping 3
Software and Hardware technician 1
2 Marine Sanctuary and Ecotourism
Driver (RFO, Malvan) 1
Boat Drivers 2
Boat Helper 2
Sailor 2
Research officer 1
Marine biologist 1
3 Security and Maintenance of Sanctuary
Beach Guards 2
Total 15

15.3 Staff Amenities
For effective management of the Sanctuary it is proposed to have

following amenities: -
Table 17: Details of Required Staff Amenities
Sr.No. Buildings Nos
1 RFO Office 1
2 RFO residence (Type III) 1
3 Round Officer Residence (Type II) 1
4 Beat Guard Residence (Type I) 2
5 Peon Residence (Type I) 1
15.4 Evaluation and Review Committee
Members of the committee will include: -

Sr.No. Designation Members
1. District Collector, Sindhudurg Chairman
2. DCF, Sawantwadi Member
3. Honorary Wildlife Warden, Sindhudurg Member
4. Deputy Director - Research and Capacity Member

Building, Mangrove Foundation
5. Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Member

Sindhudurg
6. Chief Officer, Malvan Nagar Parishad Member
7. Representative of CMFRI Member
8. Representative of BNHS Member
9. General Manager, IISDA, MTDC Member
10. NGOs Representatives (1) Special Invitee
11. Community members (3) Special Invitee
12. DCF, Mangrove Cell Member Secretary

• Impact assessment through concurrent and terminal evaluation
after every five years by the committee members of MMS.
• Selection of an external agency for evaluating the progress of the

work to be carried out under the activity.

Chapter 16
Budget
16.1 Introduction
Detailed budgetary requirement has been worked – out and prescribed with
annual physical and financial targets for various components of the plan
such as-
1. Development and Maintenance for Sanctuary and a marine

ecosystem
2. Salary, allowances and amenities for staff
3. Research, monitoring and training
4. Eco- development related activities
The budget provision for proposed Management plan for MMS will work out
for ten years. Funds for this plan would be made available through State
plan, District Plan, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, CAMPA, CSR, Mangrove
Foundation, Revenue generated through tourism in MMS etc. (Annexure
10; Page no 240)
The maintenance works are to be continued regularly otherwise it is highly

prone to degradation due to natural coastal weather conditions.
16.2 Financial Implications
Aggregate expenditure for the entire plan period of 10 years is Rs

35,77,00,000.00 (Thirty-Five Crore and Seventy-Seven Lakhs Only).
Component wise details of the same are annexed herewith at Annexure-
10.1 to 10.5 (Page 241- 248)

Bibliography
1. Assessing the biodiversity of marine mammals along the

Sindhudurg coastline and to estimate the population size of
coastal cetacean species: Final Report, Konkan Cetacean
Research Team, GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project:
‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Conservation
into Production Sectors of Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra’, 2015
2. Assessing the current status of the Coral reef ecosystem and

formulating a long-term monitoring protocol for Sindhudurg
Coast: Final Report, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, GoI-
GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and
Coastal Biodiversity Conservation into Production Sectors of
Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra’, 2016
3. Baseline data creation of avifauna and their conservation, Salim

Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History, GoI-GEF-UNDP
Sindhudurg Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal
Biodiversity Conservation into Production Sectors of Sindhudurg
Coast, Maharashtra’, 2016
4. Critical Habitat Information System of Malvan, MH, India,

Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project
Directorate, Dept. of Ocean Development Chennai, 2001
5. De K, Nanajkar M, Mote S, Ingole B, Coral damage by

recreational diving activities in a Marine Protected Area of India:
Unaccountability leading to ‘tragedy of the not so commons’,
2020, Marine Pollution Bulletin 155 (2020) 111190
6. Development of Alternative Tourism Destinations along

Sindhudurg Coast, Sindhudurg District: Final Report, Indian
Institute of SCUBA Diving & Aquatic Sports, GoI-GEF-UNDP
Sindhudurg Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal
7. District Socio-economic analysis of Sindhudurg, 2015, District

Statistical Department, Sindhudurg
8. Effects of fishing practices on species assemblages of sea snakes

off the Sindhudurg coast of Maharashtra, India: Final Report,
Dakshin Foundation, Bangalore, GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg
Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

Conservation into Production Sectors of Sindhudurg Coast,
Maharashtra’, 2016
9. Hardikar R, Haridevi C K, Chowdhury M,Shinde N, Anirudh

Ram, Rokade M A, Rakesh P.S. Seasonal distribution of
phytoplankton and its association with physico-chemical
parameters in coastal waters of Malvan, west coast of India,
Environment Monitoring and Assessment 189(4), 2017
10. K. Diraviya Raj, Mathews G, Selva Bharath M, Sawant R D,
Bhave V, Apte D, Vasudevan N and J. K. Patterson Edward,
Climate change-induced coral bleaching in Malvan Marine
Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India, Current Science, Vol. 114, No.
384 2, 25 January 2018
11. Landscape Level Plan for Sindhudurg Coastal Marine

Ecosystem: Final Report, National Centre for Sustainable
Coastal Management, Chennai, GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg
Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal Biodiversity
Conservation into Production Sectors of Sindhudurg Coast,
Maharashtra’, 2017
12. Marine Fisheries Census 2010, Central Marine Fisheries

Research Institute
13. Parulekar A H, 1981, Marine Fauna of Malvan, Central West

Coast of India, Mahasagar-Bulletin of the National Institute of
Oceanography, 1413344
14. Patil A, Rao B, Quadros G, Record of a Few Pelagic Bird Sightings
along Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra, Ambient Science, 2019:
Vol. 06(2); online.
15. Qasim S Z, Wafar MVM, 1979. Occurrence of living corals at
several Places along the West Coast of India. Mahasagar-Bulletin
of the National Institute of Oceanography. 12: 53-58
16. Rode S, Sabale A, Diversity of Seaweeds from Malvan and
Kunakeshwar in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra, Indian
Journal of Applied Research, Vol 5, Issue 9, 2015
17. Sensitive Coastal Ecosystems of Malvan :A Special Case Study,

Shodhganga
18. Studies on rehabilitation of coral communities and setting up of

artificial reefs in Sindhudurg coast, Maharashtra: Final Report,
Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin TN
and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Mumbai, MH, GoI-
GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and
Coastal Biodiversity Conservation into Production Sectors of
Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra’, 2017
19. Survey of Otter Species and Bengal Monitor Varanus

bengalensis in Mangrove Habitats of Sindhudurga District,
Maharashtra: Final Report, Ela Foundation, Pune, GoI-GEF-
UNDP Sindhudurg Project: ‘Mainstreaming Marine and Coastal
20. Tike M J, Samant J S, Mohite S, Diversity Status of Minor Fish

and Shellfish of Malvan Coast, Maharashtra, Research Gate
2009

Annexure 1: Notification of MMS

Annexure 2 : SDO Report

Annexure 3:Letter by the CCF (WL) MS, submitted
to the Government by his letter dated Nov. 22,
1994.

Annexure 4: Data of overall stranding reported at
Malvan Coast
Sr. Date/Year Species Location

No.
1 2012 Unidentified whale Unconfirmed
2 2013 Unidentified whale Talashil, Malvan
3 30-05-2014 IOHD Tambaldeg,
Devgad
4 Jun-14 Unidentified whale Devgad
5 June-July 2014 IOHD Navabag, Vengurle
6 20-10-2014 IOHD Sarjekot, Malvan
7 25-10-2014 FP Navabag, Vengurle
8 19-11-2014 FP Devbag, Malvan
9 26-11-2014 FP Shiroda, Kerwadi
10 Dec-14 FP Shiroda, Velagar
11 30-01-2015 Unidentified baleen whale Devbag, Malvan
12 20-03-2015 FP Nivti, Vengurle
14 17-04-2015 FP Malvan
15 15-04-2015 FP Malvan
17 17-04-2015 FP Malvan
19 16-05-2015 IOHD Sarjekot, Malvan
20 20-05-2015 FP Devgad
21 17-09-2015 Unidentified whale Bhogwe, Vengurle
22 Date unconfirmed Sperm whale Talashil, Malvan
23 Date unconfirmed Unidentified baleen whale Talashil, Malvan
24 Date unconfirmed Spinner Dolphin Talashil, Malvan
25 17-12-2015 FP Sarjekot, Malvan
26 26-04-2016 IOHD Mithmumbri,
Devgad
27 07-12-2016 Blue whale Tambaldeg,
Devgad
28 15-02-2017 IOHD Vengurla
29 08-04-2017 IOHD Ubhadanda,
Vengurla
30 09-04-2017 IOHD Ubhadanda,
Vengurla
31 29-05-2017 FP Sarjekot, Malvan

32 10-12-2017 FP Kalvi Bandar,
Vengurla
33 01-04-2018 Unidentified whale Talashil, Malvan
34 05-04-2018 FP Wairy, Malvan
35 23-04-2018 FP Tarkarli, Malvan
36 11-05-2018 Juvenile green turtle were Chivala beach,
rescused from ghost nets Malvan
and released
37 23-09-2018 Unidentified whale Nivti, Vengurla
38 21-09-2019 FP Malvan jetty
39 02-04-2019 2 Olive ridley turtle Vengurla light
injured, rescued from house
Ghost net by IISDA divers
40 31-08-2019 Unidentified whale Taramumbri creek
41 21-11-2019 Green turtle rescued by Devbag, Malvan
fishermen
42 20-04-2020 IOHD Kelus-kalvi,
Vengurla
43 30-04-2020 IOHD Chivala beach,
Malvan
44 02-06-2020 Unidentified whale Talashil, Malvan
45 14-06-2020 Unidentified whale Christian-wadi,
Devbag, Malvan
46 13-Jun-20 Green turtle rescued by Taramumbri,
fishermen Devgad
47 20-Jun-20 Olive ridley turtle Baagwadi,
stranded without injuries, Mithmumbri
released back by
fishermen
48 20-Jun-20 Olive ridley turtle injured Taramumbri,
Devgad
49 23-06-2020 FP Malvan
50 05-06-2020 Olive ridley turtle injured Taramumbri,
Devgad
51 06-06-2020 Olive ridley turtle Mithmumbri,
stranded without injuries, Devgad
released back by
fishermen
52 05-07-2020 Injured Olive ridley turtle Devgad beach
rescued by fishermen
53 06-07-2020 Rescued and released Kunkeshwar beach

Olive ridley turtle
entangled in fish net by
the locals

54 06-07-2020 Injured Olive ridley turtle Devgad beach
rescued by locals
55 06-07-2020 Injured Olive ridley turtle Taramumbri,
rescued by locals Devgad
56 06-07-2020 Injured Olive ridley turtle Taramumbri,
rescued by locals Devgad
57 11-07-2020 Rescued and released Mithmumbri creek
Olive ridley turtle
entangled in gill net by the
Fisherman
58 13-07-2020 Rescued and released Mithmumbri
Olive ridley turtle
entangled in fish net by
locals
Key
1. IOHD: Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
2. FP: Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
Data source:
1. GoI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project

2. RFO Kudal (for Vengurla and Malvan)
3. Hon.Wildlife Warden, Sindhudurg
4. http://www.marinemammals.in/database/sightings-and-strandings/

Annexure 5: MEE Report

Annexure 6: Guidelines for use of Square mesh cod-
end nets for trawlers

Annexure 7: Guidelines given in the Maharashtra
Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981

Annexure 8: Implementation of Guidelines for
Coastal Water Sports Given by NIWS (National
Institute of Water Sports)

Annexure 9: Disaster Management Plan Guidelines

Annexure 10: Proposed Budget for Implementation of the Plan from 2020-21 to 2029-30
Anexure no Particulars Amt in lakhs

Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details
Anexure 11.1 of staff requirement 1390.4
Anexure 11.2 of staff quarter/ building requirement/ Maintainence 163
Anexure 11.3 of Vehicle and Equipments 430.5
Anexure 11.4 of Habitat improvement works 1094
Anexure 11.5 of site protection and outreach 500
3577.9

Annexure 10.1: Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details of staff requirement
Sr Particular
No s Yearwise Budget (inlakhs) Total
Permanent Staff
in
2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 lakhs
ph ph ph ph
Salary wages/month phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin y fin y fin y fin y fin phy fin
11. 12. 13. 15.
1 R.F.O 0.65 1.0 7.8 1.0 8.6 1.0 9.4 1.0 10.4 1.0 4 1.0 6 1.0 8 1.0 2 1.0 16.7 1.0 18.4 124.3
10.
2 Forestor 0.45 1.0 5.4 3.0 5.9 3.0 6.5 3.0 7.2 3.0 7.9 3.0 8.7 3.0 9.6 3.0 5 3.0 11.6 3.0 12.7 86.1
18. 20. 22. 24.
3 Beatguard 0.35 2.0 12.6 7.0 13.9 7.0 15.2 7.0 16.8 7.0 4 7.0 3 7.0 3 7.0 6 7.0 27.0 7.0 29.7 200.8
Accountant/ 10.
4 Clerk 0.45 1.0 5.4 1.0 5.9 1.0 6.5 1.0 7.2 1.0 7.9 1.0 8.7 1.0 9.6 1.0 5 1.0 11.6 1.0 12.7 86.1
5 Peon 0.26 1.0 3.1 1.0 3.4 1.0 3.8 1.0 4.2 1.0 4.6 1.0 5.0 1.0 5.5 1.0 6.1 1.0 6.7 1.0 7.4 49.7
Total 547.0
Contractual Staff
Interpretation
Centre
6 Receptionist 0.16 1.0 1.9 1.0 2.1 1.0 2.3 1.0 2.6 1.0 2.8 1.0 3.1 1.0 3.4 1.0 3.7 1.0 4.1 1.0 4.5 30.6
Souvenior
Shop
attendent 0.16 1.0 1.9 1.0 2.1 1.0 2.3 1.0 2.6 1.0 2.8 1.0 3.1 1.0 3.4 1.0 3.7 1.0 4.1 1.0 4.5 30.6
Ticket
booking
Operator 0.16 1.0 1.9 1.0 2.1 1.0 2.3 1.0 2.6 1.0 2.8 1.0 3.1 1.0 3.4 1.0 3.7 1.0 4.1 1.0 4.5 30.6

in
2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 lakhs
ph ph ph ph
Salary wages/month phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin y fin y fin y fin y fin phy fin
Cleanliness
and
housekeepin
7 g 0.13 3.0 4.7 3.0 5.1 3.0 5.7 3.0 6.2 3.0 6.9 3.0 7.5 3.0 8.3 3.0 9.1 3.0 10.0 3.0 11.0 74.6
Software and
HardwareTec
hnician 0.2 1.0 2.4 1.0 2.6 1.0 2.9 1.0 3.2 1.0 3.5 1.0 3.9 1.0 4.3 1.0 4.7 1.0 5.1 1.0 5.7 38.2
Malvan Marine
Sanctuary
Driver 0.2 1.0 2.4 1.0 2.6 1.0 2.9 1.0 3.2 1.0 3.5 1.0 3.9 1.0 4.3 1.0 4.7 1.0 5.1 1.0 5.7 38.2
10. 11.
14 Boat drivers 0.24 2.0 5.8 2.0 6.3 2.0 7.0 2.0 7.7 2.0 8.4 2.0 9.3 2.0 2 2.0 2 2.0 12.3 2.0 13.6 91.8
15 Boat helper 0.2 2.0 4.8 2.0 5.3 2.0 5.8 2.0 6.4 2.0 7.0 2.0 7.7 2.0 8.5 2.0 9.4 2.0 10.3 2.0 11.3 76.5
16 Sailors 0.16 2.0 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.0 4.6 4.0 5.1 4.0 5.6 4.0 6.2 4.0 6.8 4.0 7.5 4.0 8.2 4.0 9.1 61.2
Research 10. 11.
17 officer 0.5 1.0 6.0 1.0 6.6 1.0 7.3 1.0 8.0 1.0 8.8 1.0 9.7 1.0 6 1.0 7 1.0 12.9 1.0 14.1 95.6
Marine
biologist 0.4 1.0 4.8 1.0 5.3 1.0 5.8 1.0 6.4 1.0 7.0 1.0 7.7 1.0 8.5 1.0 9.4 1.0 10.3 1.0 11.3 76.5
Security and maintenance of Sanctuary
Beach 18. 20. 22. 24.

18 guards 0.13 2.0 12.5 2.0 13.7 2.0 15.1 2.0 16.6 2.0 3 2.0 1 2.0 1 2.0 3 2.0 26.8 2.0 29.4 198.9
Total 843.4
Total of Permanent and Contractual 1390.4

Annexure 10.2: Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details of staff
quarter/ building requirement/ Maintainence
Unit
Sr No Particulars Cost Yearwise Budget Total
in 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
lakh ph ph ph ph ph fi ph ph ph ph ph
s y fin y fin y fin y fin y n y fin y fin y fin y fin y fin
RFO Office 50 1 50 50
Staff
quarter
s
R.F.O (type 3) 1 45 45
Forestor (type
2) 1 20 20
Beatguard(type
1) 2 18 18
Accountant(typ
e 2)/ Clerk 1 15 15
Peon(type 1) 1 15 15
Total 163

Annexure 10.3: Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details of Vehicle and
Equipments
Sr
No Particulars Yearwise Budget Total
per
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
unit
cost phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin
Four
wheeler
1 with carrier 12 1 12 1 12 24
Patrolling
2 Boat 110 2 110 1 110 220
Speed boat
3 (7 seater) 35 1 1 35 1 35 70
Marine
4 GPS 0.3 6 1.8 6 1.8 3.6
Marine
5 Binocular 0.5 6 3 6 3 6
Underwater
6 torch 0.35 10 3.5 10 3.5 10 3.5 10 3.5 14
Search
7 Light 0.08 10 0.8 10 0.8 10 0.8 10 0.8 3.2
Under
water
8 Camera 1.8 4 7.2 4 7.2 14.4
LCD
9 Projector 0.6 1 0.6 1 0.6 1.2
10 Computer 0.4 3 1.2 3 1.2 2.4
11 Laptop 0.65 3 1.95 3 1.95 3.9

Sr
No Particulars Yearwise Budget Total
per
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
unit
cost phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin
12 Dingi 3.5 1 3.5 1 3.5 7
13 Drone 4.5 1 4.5 1 4.5 9
Walky
14 Talky 0.25 10 2.5 10 2.5 5
Satellite
15 phone 2 3 6 3 6 12
scuba
diving
16 equipment 2.5 4 10 4 10 4 10 30
Snorkelling
17 equipment 0.3 4 1.2 4 1.2 4 1.2 4 1.2 4.8
Total 430.5

Annexure 10.4: Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details of Habitat
improvement works
Sr Tota
No Particulars Yearwise Budget l
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ph ph ph ph fi ph ph fi ph fi ph fi
y fin y fin y fin y n phy fin y fin y n y n y fin phy n
Marine
habitat
restoration
(Corals reef
and sea 200
weed) and (1sqkm 1sqk 20
monitoring ) m 0 200
Underwater
cleaning 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 50
Garbage
removal
onsite/
Beach
Cleaning 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 2 10 100
Tourism
constructio
n of
alternative
jetty (Fish
landing 10 20 20
jetty) 1 0 0 0 500

ph ph ph ph fi ph fi ph fi ph fi ph fi ph fi
y fin y fin y fin y n phy fin y n y n y n y n y n
Const, of
watchtowers 1 14 14
Constracutio
n of
interpretation
centre,
Souvenior 10
shop 1 50 0 150
Establishmen
t of Transit
cum
treatment
centre for
marine 2
stranding 1 60 1 0 1 80
1094

Annexure 10.5: Statement showing yearwise physical and financial details of site
protection and outreach
Sr
No Particulars cost Yearwise Budget Total
per 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Unit phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin phy fin
Rs
Pillars 5000/pillar 100 5 100 5 100 5 100 5 100 25
Boundary
demarcation/
floating
Buoys 100
Signages 50 25 25 100
Publications
and
advertisement
and website 50 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 140
Research
monitoring,
outreach and
training 30 30 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 160
500

Annexure 11: Approval of Management Plan of Malvan Marine
Sanctuary Plan period- (2020-21 to 2029-30)

Control Forms
Form 1: Restoration of Habitat: Coral Transplantation and Artificial Reef development
Sr. No Location & Year Extent Species Planting Spacing Operations Total Cost Remark
Name of of Stock Cost Per
Site Area Ha
(Ha)
Note: Location: gps readings, landmarks
Operations: substrate fixing, transplantation technique, protection measures
Remarks: Operational problems, any other useful information

Form 2: Marine Stranding Report
Sr. No Location & Year Species Status Operations Total Remark

Name of Site Cost
Note: Location: gps readings, landmarks
Operations: treatment method and techniques, protection measures
Remarks: Operational problems, any other useful information

Form 3: Marine species Corals, Seaweeds, Fish etc New Record
Sr. No Family Species Year Location Habitat Status Remarks
Note Habitat: Description of where the species has occurred and any other specific observations
Status: A broad idea on its frequency, national status e.g. endangered, rare, endemic etc
Remarks: Any specific information

Form 4: Diseases, Mortality, Coral bleaching, Spread of Invasive species
Sr. No Species Location Year Particulars of diseases morbidity & Area affected Remarks
mortality
Note: Location: By compartment or landmarks

Particulars of disease: In cases of marine, the mortality by diameter classes and number, symptoms, or
any other external indicators if visible, none if not seen. No mortality but infestation detected, mention
that as morbidity
Area affected: in hectares
Remarks: Any specific environmental condition, or site factors you may suspect as being related to the
problem or any other information

Form 5: Construction/ Maintenance of infrastructure: Buildings (Existing/New)
Year :________________
Sr. Range Nature Of Location Type Of Numbers Total Cost Numbers Total Cost Status
No The Construction
Building
Note: Nature of building: eg, residential, office, watch tower, jetty etc
Location: By compartment or village or landmark as appropriate
Type of construction: Masonry, log or wooden, metal etc
Status: Complete or ongoing

Form 6: Development/ Maintenance of infrastructure: Vehicles (Existing/New)
Year :______________
Sr. No Kind of Vehicle Number HQ if any Intended Use Cost Remarks
Note: Kind of vehicle: Jeep, trailer, tractor, bicycle etc

Intended use: Management support, patrolling/ antipoaching, tourism etc
Remark: Any other useful information

Form 7: Developing Infrastructure: Boundaries, Fences, (Existing/New)
Year :______________
Sr. Category of Range Location Length(meters) Numbers Specifications Remarks
No construction
Note: Category: Kind of boundary such as RCC, Chain link fence, Pillars etc
Location: By Compartment or suitable landmark
Numbers: In case of number of pillars etc as applicable
Specifications: As applicable to the construction: dry rubble, chain link, local material, height, area, depth, etc
Remarks: Any other relevant information

Form 8: Tourism
Total number of visitors all categories
Total Revenue earned
Year :________________
Sr. Month No. of Amt No. of Amt No. of Amt Camera Amt Souveni Boat Amt Total
No Adult Children Sr. er shop ride Amt
Citizen Amt

Form 9: Scuba diving/ Snorkelling and other watersports
Year :________________
No of times the activities are
Sr. No. Range Location Extent(ha) held per month Remarks
Note: Location: By Compartments

Remarks: Any other useful information.

Form 10: Offence/ Marine trade of Scheduled Species Cases Detected
Year:________________
Sr. No. Range Category Numbers Number of Extent(ha) Number of Number of Remarks
cases decided cases under cases
process compounded
Notes: Category: illegal harvesting of corals, seashell, finfishes etc, encroachment, etc.,
Remarks: Any other useful information. This should also include the number of cases pending
decision with the department.

Form11: Research Projects Under Implementation Through PA Manpower with or
without Collaboration with External Agencies
Year:________________
Sr No Title Completed Ongoing New Status Financial Expenditure Remarks
Outlay (Rs) incurred (Rs)
Note: Completed: State date of completion and the status of project report
Ongoing: State since when the project in under operation and expected period of completion
New: State the date of commencement and duration
Status: State the progress towards achievement of objectives
Remarks: Any other relevant information

Form 12: Ecodevelopment Programme: Targets and Implementation
Year :________________
Sr No Nature of Sector Target set Achievements Village Remarks
the (Central/State) (Buffer/enclaved)
programme or NGO
Sponsored
Physical Financial Physical Financial
Note: Nature of the programme: capacity development programs, livelihood generation etc
Village: Site where program is implemented whether buffer or inside PA
Remarks: State problems, failures, and reasons thereof. State whether it is on right tracks in context of
achievement of objectives

Form 13: Progress of All Strategies Under the Zone and Theme Plans
Year
:________________
Sr no Zone/Theme Nature of Target as per the Achievement Location Remark
strategy schedule of
operations/APO
Physical Financial Physical Financial
Note: Zone/Theme plan: Mention title

Nature of strategy: e.g. demarcation of boundary, based on theme plans of TCFS Management plan etc
Location: mention name of the village and GPS readings
Remarks: State problems, Failures and reasons thereof, shortfall and reason, deviations if any
APO: Annual plan of operation

Form 14: Format for Deviation Proposal
Year Division-
Serial No. of Control book name, Reference to working plan Nature of Deviation
deviation form no. page requiring sanction
Paragraph Nature of prescription
1 2 3 4 5

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Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Malvan Marine Sanctuary

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Dr. Sheetal Pachpande, Assistant Director, Projects, Mangrove Foundation

Mr. Rohit Sawant, Biodiversity and Livelihood Specialist, Mangrove Foundation

Ms. Durga Thigale, Biodiversity and Livelihood Specialist, Mangrove Foundation

Mr. Sanjeevan Shilwant, Forest Guard, Mangrove Cell, Malvan

Rohit Sawant, Mangrove Foundation

Durga Thigale, Mangrove Foundation

Pranay Sawant, Researcher

GOI-GEF-UNDP Sindhudurg Project Team

Vandan Jhaveri, Assistant Director – Ecotourism, Mangrove Foundation

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Chapter Subject Page No.

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

6.1.1 Management Philosophy 92

6.1.2 Participative Decision Making 92

6.1.3 Degree of Intervention 93

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30

hence has a good potential for tourism development. It is famous for

Sindhudurg Fort, standing in open sea constructed by the Maratha

King Chatrapati Shivaji in the 16th century. The fort is declared as a

national monument and is under the control of the “Archaeological

biodiversity in the region has been reported to be relatively rich and

hence the Government of Maharashtra has declared port of Malvan

coastal waters as Marine Sanctuaries in 1987

Malvan Marine Sanctuary consists of myriad of biodiversity comprising

undisturbed coral reefs, several marine organisms comprising many

scheduled and protected species like Dolphins, Fishes, Molluscs,

Pearl Oysters, Sea Anemones,Polychaetes (Earthworm Like Species),

Sea grass etc. , The declaration of the Sanctuary ensured the

conservation of this unique marine environment through preservation

and through regulated exploitation.

ensuring sustainablemanagement of the area in a scientific way.

Preservation, conservation and regulated economic exploitation of the

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 1

Marine Sanctuary. Various measures such as habitat improvement,

Species recovery programes, ecotourism, capapcity building and

awareness creation are recommended in this plan to achieve the

targeted outcomes. It is the maiden attempt in this regard and this

document will certainly guide the park management in the sustainable

management of the Sanctuary.

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 2

At the very outset I place my deepest sense of gratitude to Shri.

I am indebted to Shri. N. Vasudevan IFS, Additional Principal Chief

I sincerely thank Shri. Jayaram Gowda IFS, the then Deputy

The preparation of this management plan would not have been

The preparatory work done by Dr. Manas Manjrekar, Deputy Director-

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 3

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 4

Annex. Title Reference Page

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 5

Management Plan of Malvan Marine Sanctuary 2020-21 to 2029-30 6

Table no. Particulars Page no

1. GPS Coordinates for Core and Buffer Zone of The 20

2. Average Values for the Water Parameter studied 23