Ecology of a tidal pond in an estuarine environment, Karwar

Abstract

The ecology of a tidal pond in the Mavinahole estuarine creek, Karnataka, India has been worked out during the pre-monsoon period of 1979, and results on hydrological and biological factors have been presented. The study encompasses; plankton, macroalgae, seagrass- Halophila sp., mangroves, benthos, nekton and the vertical zonation. The value of the tidal pond as a nursery and breeding ground for phytal and faunal populations, many of which are of commercial importance, has also been made clear. The prevalence of larval forms within this ecosystem, and its importance in the maintenance of local population is implied. The role of such ecosystems in the productivity of estuarine and inshore waters through aquaculture and fisheries is also briefly discussed