Marine plants of the Arabian Gulf and effects of oil pollution

Abstract

The primary producers in the Arabian Gulf include the macroalgae, phytoplankton, mangroves and intertidal vegetation. Their study is essential to understand the impact of oil pollution; however, few such studies have been done in the Arabian Gulf. A total number of 1485 species of primary producers are reported from this region. Important oceanographic features of the Arabian Gulf influencing species diversity, standing stock, seasonal and spatial variations are discussed. The effects of oil pollution from spills in the Arabian Gulf from the start of large-scale commercial extraction 60 years ago are also discussed