Diversity of Green Seaweeds along the Coast of Karachi

Abstract

The seasonal diversity and species richness of marine benthic green algae or seaweeds belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta found at Karachi coast were studied in present study. At Karachi coast the green seaweeds occupy a large area and show great variation in their types and species composition. Total 48 green species of seaweeds belong to 9 genera 7 families 6 orders and 2 classes were collected from intertidal areas of Karachi coast (Buleji, Manora, Hawks Bay, Sandspit, Korangi Creek, Cape Monze, Paradise Point, Pacha and Rehri) during January 2009 to December 2009. Total 500 individuals examined, representing 9 genera i.e., Enteromorpha, Ulva, Chaetomorpha, Bryopsis, Codium, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Udotea, Valoniopsis. From the present observation it is clear that Buleji and Manora are the more productive sites as compared to other sites. There was great variation in number of species in different genus. All these forty eight studied species were found attached and in epilithic condition. There is much monthly variation found in species richness at Karachi coast during study period. The present study showed that the high values of species richness and abundance of seaweeds were observed during winter season (December to February).