Abstract
The marine environment of the Andaman Islands is characterized by warm tropical conditions varying at the surface temperature between 25°C and 31°C, stable salinity regimes and moderately high nutrient levels from terrestrial runoff. The semi-diurnal tidal regimes vary from 1.5 to 4 m amplitude from neap to spring tides, creating extensive intertidal platform and rocky-shore communities exposed twice daily during low tides. Fringing reef and barrier reefs dominate the Andaman Islands (960 km2) forming a natural barrier to the wave energy from the Bay of Bengal. Coral reefs form the dominant ecosystem creating habitats for sea grasses and mangroves in the lagoons and creeks protected by the reef. The mangroves in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are estimated to occupy about 115,000 ha.
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