Environmental studies on mangrove cover changes in Goa and its resident Crassostrea population

Abstract

Mangroves form one of these major habitats, sustaining various types of fauna and flora of socioeconomic values. The physical structure of fishes and invertebrates is greatly influenced by mangroves. These habitats support small scale fisheries and produce nearly one million tones of fin fishes, mollusks, crabs and shrimps. Oysters form edible and economically feasible source of commercial importance. Mangrove forests along with its ambient environment are conducive for oyster and their larval settlement. This study would be of a great help in detecting the changes in mangrove ecosystems of Goa in the last decade, as well as its present situation and distribution. This would also aid in monitoring and management of mangrove resources. The investigations would greatly help in understanding the environmental characteristics and productivity of the oyster beds associated with the mangrove ecosystems, and to evaluate their potential bioindication ability for trace metals pollution in these habitats.