The significance of nannoplankton in primary production in Porto Novo waters

Abstract

The relative significance of nannoplankton production in the Vellar estuary, Killai backwater and Pichavaram mangrove was studied, during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons of 1974. Of the total production, nannoplankton contributed between 55.4 and 100% in the mangroves, 32.9 and 100% in the backwater and 44.8 and 100% in the estuary. The higher rate of nannoplankton production in the mangrove waters could be attributed to restricted light penetration. Relatively higher percentages of nannoplankton production were observed in the monsoon period than in the pre-monsoon period