Productivity of Estuarine ecosystem

Abstract

Estuarine ecosystem plays an important role in primary productivity. Phytoplanktons and mangroves show major contribution to balance ecosystem, on which many primary consumers are dependent. Primary productivity was investigated of three different estuaries, viz. Bhatye, Kalbadevi and Are as representatives of West Coast of Maharashtra. Productivity of phytoplankton was quantified via light-dark bottle experiments while mangrove productivity was measured by litterfall. Planktonic net primary productivity was high in the month of December- January (values ranged from 0.009 to 0.450 gC/m3/h). In Sonneratia alba maximum litter was contributed by fruits whereas in Rhizophora, it is the leaf which had major contribution. Though area under mangroves is comparatively less along West Coast, the ecosystem is vital and supports large variety of animal life.