After effects of a Dinoflagellate bloom on the hard bottom community in Kalpakkam coastal waters

Abstract

A bloom of the dinoflagellate, Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) was observed at Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu, east coast of India) during the second and third week of October, 1988. Associated with the incidence of the bloom, significant variations in the distribution of intertidal hard bottom communities were observed. Considerable difference in the dissolved oxygen content was also recorded during the bloom period. A sudden disappearance of grazers like limpets was observed after the onset of the bloom. Subsequent to this, there was a recolonization process, which showed a regular succession. Following limpet disappearance there was a rapid "greening" of the surface by Enteromorpha later, Dictyota dichotoma excluded Enteromorpha. Experimental teak wood panels also showed a decline in cyprid settlement during the bloom.