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    Spatio-temporal variation in the distribution and community structure of mesozooplankton in Mandovi-Zuari estuarine complex

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    Date
    2026
    Author
    Desai, D.V.
    D' Costa, B.
    Ansari, S.
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    Abstract
    Mesozooplankton are tiny but mighty members of the marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in food webs, and serve as sensitive indicators of environmen- tal change. The present study delved into how these communities shift across space and time within the Mandovi-Zuari estuary in Goa, India, a vibrant trop- ical system significantly influenced by the southwest monsoon. Our observations revealed clear monthly variations and distinct differences in mesozooplankton communities between the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries. During pre-monsoon, mesozooplankton abundance was higher at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary, while in the Zuari, their abundance was higher in the in- terior stations. Whereas during the post-monsoon, higher mesozooplankton abundance was observed in the Mandovi estuarine mouth region. During the mon- soon, mesozooplankton abundance was lowest and was similar in both the Mandovi and Zuari estuar- ine regions. The copepods were the most dominant group, followed by decapod and cirripede larvae. We also found a higher abundance of gastropod and bi- valve larvae, especially in the Zuari estuary. The higher abundance of mollusc larvae in the upper es- tuarine regions suggests these areas are important spawning grounds for the molluscan community. The physico-chemical parameters of the water signifi- cantly affected mesozooplankton community compo- sition, e.g., a higher abundance of cladocerans in low-salinity regions during the monsoon season. By grouping stations by mesozooplankton community, we identified ecological similarities among them, largely determined by their location within the estuarine com- plex. This highlights how different parts of the estu- ary support unique communities. The present study offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of mesozooplankton in a tropical estuarine environ- ment, emphasising their sensitivity to seasonal changes and their vital role as indicators of estuarine health.
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    https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/130/03/0249.pdf
    http://drs.nio.res.in/drs/handle/2264/9624
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