| dc.description.abstract | Three transects T1, T2, T3 in the intertidal area of Colaba were sampled for macroalgal distribution, abundance, species composition, diversity and standing stock estimation during 1997-98. Transect T2 was in the vicinity of the sewage discharge point and T1 and T3 were on either side of T2 at a distance of about 800m. Comparatively, less number of species and different pattern of macroalgal assemblages were recorded at the discharge point, while transects distance from discharge point showed more number of species, luxuriant growth and well developed macroalgae. The opportunistic species such as Ulva fasciata, Enteromorpha spp., Cladophora vagabunda., etc. were abundant at the vicinity of the discharge point T2. Highly branched, coarse and calcareous species like Laurentia papillosa, Solieria robusta, Gracilaria corticata, Caulerpa spp, Cheilosporum spectabile, Amphiroa fragilissima etc. were found abundantly at T1 and T3. These species, although contribute substantially to the biomass, their composition differs at all the three transects and also at the littoral level. Highest biomass of 1.43 kg m-2 was recorded at T1 while lowest of 0.76kg m-2 was at T2. There was a shift in the composition of macroalgal species from biotically competent to stress tolerant and opportunistic at T2. The factors responsible for structuring macroalgal communities at Colaba were distance from the sewage discharge point, degree of tidal flushing and tolerance capacity of the macroalgae to sewage. | |
