Coastal sensitivity mapping of Gulf of Kachchh and Gulf of Cambay, India

Abstract

In this study, two major Gulf regions (Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Cambay) along the west coast of India have been selected for their coastal sensitivity. These two gulfs region have the highest number of ports in the country which handle 20 % of India’s cargo. There are many environmental problems associated with increased port development and maritime activity including tanker spills and accidents as well as sediment deposition on corals due to dredging activities. Gulf of Kachchh is very high sensitive and covers a wide range of ecosystems such as sandy beaches, mud, sandy regions, rocky foreshore, sea grass beds, salt marshes and mangroves. The area covered by mangroves at Kachchh is estimated around 968.20 sq. km whereas the tidal area was 1187 sq km. The intertidal biomass is very high at Vadinar and Sikka compared to Bedi and Okha. According to satellite data, the total reef area in the Gulf is 139.72 sq km. It has decreased from 217 sq km in 1975 to 139.7 sq km in 2011 which amounts to a net loss of 43%. Gulf of Cambay is also sensitive area to the oil spill. The total mangroves found within 2 km buffer area along this gulf is 187.86 sq km. The Mudflats of Gulf have extended to the total area of about 1086.71 sq km include tidal flats and mudflats. There is a need of comprehensive contingency plan to protect the resources.