Numbers
5500
Total Area (In Hector)
26000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: brackish water fish, prawns, crabs
Birds: migratory shorebirds, herons, egrets, sandpipers
Notable species: estuarine and coastal fauna
Amphibians & reptiles: frogs, turtles
Aquatic plants: mangrove associates, salt-tolerant vegetation
Ecosystem Services
Coastal protection & storm buffering
Fisheries and aquaculture production
Flood control & drainage
Carbon sequestration (coastal wetlands)
Water purification and nutrient cycling
Seasonal Hydrology
Coastal protection & storm buffering
Fisheries and aquaculture production
Flood control & drainage
Carbon sequestration (coastal wetlands)
Water purification and nutrient cycling
Socio Economic Importance
Major hub for fisheries and aquaculture economy
Supports coastal livelihoods and employment
Provides irrigation and domestic water
Important for tourism (Digha coastal belt)
Strong dependence of communities on wetland resources
Wetland Converted
Aquaculture expansion (conversion of natural wetlands)
Coastal erosion and climate change impacts
Cyclones and saline water intrusion
Pollution from agriculture and settlements
Tourism pressure in coastal areas
Name of Wetlands
Information
Haldi River estuarine wetland
Haldi River estuarine wetlands are dynamic ecosystems where freshwater from rivers meets saline water from the Bay of Bengal. These wetlands support rich biodiversity, including fish, crabs, prawns, migratory birds, and estuarine vegetation. They play a vital role in nutrient cycling, water purification, and coastal protection. The wetlands are crucial for fisheries and aquaculture, sustaining local livelihoods. Seasonal variations in salinity and water flow shape their ecology. However, industrial pollution, port activities, and land-use changes pose significant threats to their ecological balance.
Mandarmani coastal wetlands
Mandarmani coastal wetlands are part of the coastal ecosystem along the Bay of Bengal, characterized by sandy shores, mudflats, and low-lying marshy areas. These wetlands support coastal biodiversity, including crabs, fish, shorebirds, and salt-tolerant vegetation. They play an important role in coastal protection by reducing wave energy and preventing erosion. The wetlands also contribute to fisheries and tourism-based livelihoods. However, rapid tourism development, unplanned construction, and coastal erosion are major threats affecting their ecological sustainability and long-term stability.
Subarnarekha estuarine fringe wetlands
Subarnarekha estuarine fringe wetlands are located near the river’s confluence with the Bay of Bengal, forming a transitional zone between riverine and marine ecosystems. These wetlands support diverse aquatic species, including fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds. They are important for nutrient exchange, coastal stabilization, and fisheries productivity. The wetlands also provide livelihoods through fishing and aquaculture. Seasonal tidal influence and freshwater inflow shape their hydrology. However, pollution, upstream water diversion, and coastal changes pose threats to their ecological health.
Rasulpur River wetlands
Rasulpur River wetlands are tidal wetlands influenced by both river flow and sea water intrusion. These wetlands support rich biodiversity, including fish, prawns, birds, and aquatic plants. They play a significant role in flood control, water storage, and nutrient cycling. The wetlands are important for local livelihoods, especially fisheries and aquaculture. Seasonal changes in water level and salinity influence their ecological characteristics. However, increasing salinity, pollution, and conversion of wetlands for aquaculture are affecting their sustainability.