Ecology of intertidal benthic algae of Northern Karnataka coast

Abstract

The intertidal benthic marine algal flora has been studied for distribution, phenology, biomass and zonation along with the environmental conditions. About 65 species belonging to 42 genera of Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta have been recorded. Rhodophyta is dominant followed by Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta. Biomass of the dominant and perennial algal species is monitored. Maximum biomass is obtained during December to February. Ulva fasciata, U.lactuca, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Padina tetrastromatica, Spatoglossum asperum, Stoechospermum marginatum, Dictyota dichotoma, Sargassum spp, Porphyra vietnamensis, Gracilaria corticata and Amphiroa fragillissima are dominant. About 26 species have been recorded for the first time from this coast.