Marine National has grown in its lushness in the close proximity of the largest congregation of Indian oil refineries near Jamnagar in Gujarat. It is the first marine reserve of the country. It is spreading along the southern coasts of the Gulf of Kutch for nearly 170 km and amalgamates with its archipelago of forty-two islands. Further it rambles over 163 sq km of `inter tidal zone`.

Aligning to the coral beaches, marine life gets its glory leaving a luxuriant mark in the entire culture of Indian coastal region. . In Marine National Park, limestone reefs are created by innumerable polyps, tiny soft-bodied marine animals, dominate the reefs. Copiously varied in shape and size, and colored, the reefs are a retreat for myriad life forms. In the Marine National Park, flora and fauna are found nicely adapting with the marine life. Fish is widely prevalent. More than two hundred species of mollusks have been identified along with quite a huge number of offish and almost 60 coral fishes. Others include Starfish, Brittle stars, Sea urchins, and Sea cucumbers. Over fifty kinds of sponges are found in these waters, so much so dolphins and the rare Sea cow or Dugong. Sea turtles are also known to reside on the clean beaches of several islands. In the shallow waters too, wide varieties of fishes are found.

Multitude of Birds fling amongst the mangrove trees of the Marine National Park. It is located in the strategic locations largely mobbed by migratory birds. It is set apart with an ample tidal variety and nutrients. During winter, a legion of waders, such as flamingos, sandpipers, plovers and stints can be spotted in the park. Herons and terns and several other birds breed on the islands in the months of summer season.

Everyone has praised the Marine National Park over the years. James Hornell, the famous marine biologist who surveyed the region in 1905, remarked, "Never before in my life have I seen such a rich marine biota in so confined a place. It`s God`s own gift from heaven."

In this fragile marine ecosystem, the ever so attractive corals are a lure to the casual visitor. Marine National Park has grown as ideal spot for the tourists to make a visit through out the year. The reefs thus became weak due sedimentation and pollution. Over the past few years, refinery projects have also proliferated along the coast in the near by, only resulting in regular oil spilling occur thereby leading to huge imbalances in ecological system. As per the satellite data that are collected for 1975-85 gives a clear sign of warning. It indicates that, in the time period of only a decade, mangrove trees of the park have been decreased to half its number due to rampant sand mining for cement. Through out the year the tourists visit the place just to catch a glimpse of aquatic animals, birds. The dancing of Gangetic Dolphins in bounds and leaps make the tourists go frenzy. Dugong, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Black-naped Hare etc are also found. Varieties of reptiles like green Sea turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Common Monitor found to bask in the sunlit coastal beaches. Also near the water bodies, aquatic birds are seen. Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Crab-plover, Great Cormorant, Western Reef Egret, Great White Pelican {above), Dalmatian Pelican, White Stork, Demoiselle Crane, Common Crane, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Pallas`s Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Tern, Great Crested Tern are some of them. In open areas, the presence of numerous bird species is no less significant. These are namely Grey Francolin, Indian Courser, Great Thick-knee, Rufous-tailed Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, White-eared Bulbul, Variable Wheatear and Clamorous Reed Warbler. The serenity of the Marine National Park is juxtaposed by the husky voices of hunting birds like, Raptors White Tailed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Montagu`s Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Black-shouldered Kite, Common Kestrel, Eaggar Falcon, Peregrine Falcon etc.