CONTEXT

• Karnataka’s inaugural marine wildlife sanctuary—Apsarakonda–Mugali—is on the cusp of official designation.
• The sanctuary spans approximately 838 ha of land and 5,124–5,960 ha of marine area, extending up to 6 km off Honnavar coast to Kasarkod, covering an 8.2 km coastline.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Biodiversity & Protected Species

• Safeguards 11 IUCN‑threatened species like Olive-Ridley turtles, seahorses, rays, coral reefs, sharks, groupers, etc.
• Includes nesting areas at Kasarkod beaches for Sea turtles and rich coral diversity near Netrani Island.

2. Sanctuary Coverage

• Land cover ~838 ha; marine coverage ~5,124 ha to ~5,960 ha, incorporating a laterite plateau of ~835 ha and ~5,400 ha of mangroves.

3. Approval & Status

• Initially proposed in 2020 (former CM Bommai’s tenure); approved by Karnataka Wildlife Board but deferred at cabinet-level for political credit.
• Now cleared by Wildlife Board under present govt, awaiting final cabinet approval.

4. Environmental Concerns & Laterite Mining

• The proposal includes significant laterite plateaus—ecologically important due to unique biodiversity and heritage value.
• Ongoing laterite mining in coastal areas (e.g., Moodabidri, Kallamundkuru) has triggered environmental harm: soil erosion, biodiversity loss, water instability.
• Declaration of sanctuary and laterite conservation zones could effectively curb mining in the region.