Seasonal patterns of phytoplankton biomass and productivity in a tropical estuarine complex (west coast of India)

Abstract

Phytoplankton cell numbers and chlorophyll a determinations were made during the premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon periods in the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine complex (west coast of India). Primary productivity estimates agreed well with chlorophyll a and phytoplankton cell numbers. The consequent decline in salinity with the onset of monsoon was found to be an important factor controlling the distribution, abundance and productivity of phytoplankton. As compared to the Zuari estuary, the Mandovi retained typical estuarine conditions and a greater phytoplankton biomass. Based on primary productivity estimations, the potential fishery resource of this estuarine complex has been computed