Gujarat Coast Research Articles

Additional Report and Taxonomic Description of Common Pike Conger Muraenesox bagio (Hamilton, 1822) from Dholai Fishing Harbour, Gujarat, Northwest Coast of India

Muraenesox bagio was identified and described from Dholai fishing harbour on the Gujarat coast, northwest coast of India, marking the first recorded occurrence of this species in the region. Muraenesox bagio, a member of the family Muraenosocidae, shares significant morphological and genetic similarities with its closely related species, Muraenesox cinereus. This report confirms the presence of Muraenesox bagio along the northwest coast of India and provides a comprehensive account of its taxonomy and detailed morphological descriptions.

Satellite imagery-based tropical cyclone impact assessment on LULC and vegetation: a case study of cyclone Biparjoy.

Cyclones pose significant threats to coastal regions, triggering widespread ecological and hydrological changes. This study presents an impact assessment of cyclone Biparjoy, which originated in the Arabian Sea and made landfall on the Gujarat coast of India on June 16, 2023. The research encompasses flood delineation and vegetation impact assessment in the Kachchh and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts of Gujarat, India. Sentinel-1A (VV polarized) imagery is used to precisely map the extent of inundation caused by cyclone Biparjoy. The total flooded area for Kachchh and Devbhoomi Dwarka was calculated to be 6556.73 km2 and 104.49 km2, respectively. The most affected LULC class in Kachchh is found to be bare ground (38.95%) and rangeland (38.94%) which is the major part of the Northeastern Rann region. In Dwarka, most waterlogging has been seen in the cropland (33.04%). The classification of the water and non-water pixels for the pre- and post-images is validated using the ROC curve. The accuracy was 93.2% and 89.5% for pre- and post-images classifications, respectively. Furthermore, vegetation impact was investigated to estimate the cyclone's ecological consequences. Alterations in vegetation density and overall health were estimated by calculating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from both pre- and post-cyclone Landsat-8 OLI images. The cyclone-induced damage is further assessed for the mangrove trees in Kori Creek. This work contributes to understanding the ecological repercussions of such extreme weather events.

Adaptation of functional traits in Gracilaria dura with the local environment: implications for resource management and exploitation

Seaweed functional traits provide insights on natural populations, their adaptations to the local environment, which can be utilized for commercial exploitation. Here, we analyzed the functional traits of Gracilaria dura from two intertidal populations in Veraval and Adri, from the coast of Gujarat, India, over a period of three months. Functional traits were measured by analyzing growth rates, respiration, primary production, antioxidant activity and the content of plant growth hormones. The weight-to-length allometric exponent ≈3 indicated that G. dura grew almost isometrically. Furthermore, frond shape was not significantly different. Fronds in Veraval, resting submerged, grew faster than the fronds in Adri, which, lay exposed in the flat bare rock during low tide. Accordingly, the simultaneous increase in antioxidant activity, O2 production and chlorophyll content in fronds from Adri suggests that stress from desiccation and UV led to the detrimental accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species, leading to decreased growth and decreased production of growth hormones. The increased Chl-a may indicate enhanced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) for the dissipation of excess absorbed light. These results aid in establishing the best practices for maximizing biomass yield or the yield of specific molecules. For maximized biomass yield, fronds should not be subject to emersion nor cultivated on the sea-surface. On the other hand, fronds grown subject to emersion or at the sea-surface yield less biomass but more content on molecules such as antioxidants (flavonoids, phenolics, enzymes), that fight stress from desiccation high temperatures and UV. In this case, stress should still be avoided during the initial growth, at the onset of the growth season, in order to not disrupt the production of growth hormones. The increased O2 production at Adri was initially mistakenly perceived as enhanced Net Primary Production. Only a posterior holistic perspective over the whole data allowed to conclude that it was likely the stress-induced detrimental accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species. More robust experiments are required to establish if the differences observed between locations have led to the evolution of genetic strains specific to each habitat that may show different performances and yields when cultivated in similar environments.

Gujarat’s plastic plight: unveiling characterization, abundance, and pollution index of beachside plastic pollution

Plastic pollution poses a pervasive threat to ecosystems worldwide, jeopardizing marine life, contaminating water sources, and perpetuating a global environmental crisis. Spatial and temporal distribution of beach debris was quantitatively assessed on three recreational beaches in Gujarat State, India. A total of six debris categories were recorded with a mean of 0.9 items/m2 in number and 3.62 g/m2 in weight. A total of Mean debris concentrations and weight per debris item did not vary significantly between study sites. Highest debris concentrations were observed in October 2021 at all sites. Around 90% was macro-debris (2.5–100 cm), with white and transparent colours most frequently encountered. Based on Clean Coast Index findings, all sites were categorized as "dirty". Plastic Abundance Index revealed that all sites had a very high abundance of plastics compared to other beach debris. Recreational activities on beaches, tourism, and extensive fishing can be the possible source of marine debris on Gujarat State. The findings of the current investigation is vital to understanding its pervasive environmental impact, encompassing threats to biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystems, while guiding effective policies to mitigate these repercussions on a global scale. It can be helpful to establish mitigation strategies urgently required to reduce marine debris pollution along the Gujarat Coast. It is recomanded to implement urgently needed mitigation strategies to diminish marine debris pollution along the Gujarat Coast.

Correlating Distribution Patterns of Intertidal Gastropods with Physicochemical Parameters along the Adri Coast of Gujarat, India

The present study was carried out to assess the impacts of various physicochemical parameters on the distribution patterns of gastropod species in intertidal zone of Adri coast of Gujarat. Intertidal zones along the Adri coast are rocky and sandy, with small to large pools and puddles as well as rock crevices. Ecological attributes such as the density, abundance, and frequency of the common gastropod species were studied along with the physicochemical parameters of seawater. The result indicates that all the species have distinct spatiotemporal variations for different seasons in the different intertidal zones i.e. upper, middle, and lower zones. Different physicochemical parameters are tolerated to some extent by the gastropod species. Both salinity and temperature specifies a direct positive correlation with the density, abundance, and frequency of intertidal gastropod species. Conversely, pH shows a moderately negative correlation with the distribution pattern and diversity attributes of gastropod species.

Publisher Correction: Trapped in a gulf of hope and despair: the Wagher small scale fisheries on the Kutch coast of Gujarat, India

Publisher Correction: Trapped in a gulf of hope and despair: the Wagher small scale fisheries on the Kutch coast of Gujarat, India

Accounting intra-annual variability in mortality and recruitment in stock status evaluation of Parapenaeopsis stylifera fishery of north-eastern Arabian Sea under moderate data scenario

Length-based integrated mixed effect (LIME) approach was applied for the assessment of Parapenaeopsis stylifera stock, the most prominent penaeid resource along Gujarat coast. Month was selected as a temporal step size to improve estimate precision and capture intra-annual variation in population dynamics. Catch was provided as an additional input to create a moderate data scenario and reduce bias in estimates of reference indices. The values of key life history priors Linf, K, M, t0, Lm50, Lm95 were 160.59 mm total length (TL), 1.68 yr−1, 2.406 yr−1, −0.01 yr, 89.1 mm TL, 95.06 mm TL, respectively. The LWR was established as W = 0.0117*TL2.652. The estimated SPR ranged between 0.33 and 0.70. The monthly fishing mortality was estimated between 0.06 and 0.31. In 37.5% of the observed month, the fishing mortality was above optimum, which by and large coincides with the peak fishing months. The recruitment is continuous, with a coefficient of variation of only 18.5%. Based on these indices, the stock can be considered as healthy or sustainable. A continuous monitoring and collection of abundance data through experimental surveys are recommended as a future course of action.

Additional Record and Taxonomic Description of the Arabian Carpet Shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum, from Dholai Port, Southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Additional Record and Taxonomic Description of the Arabian Carpet Shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum, from Dholai Port, Southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Microplastic contamination in filter-feeding oyster Saccostrea cuccullata: Novel insights in a marine ecosystem

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a pressing global concern. Oysters are well-known filter feeders who ingest food by filtering microscopic particles suspended in the surrounding water. Along with organic matter, filter-feeding also causes accidental ingestion of MP by oysters. Hence, the aim of the current investigation is to understand the MP contamination in filter-feeding oysters. A total of 500 specimens of oyster Saccostrea cuccullata collected from the intertidal zone of five sampling locations on the Gujarat coast, India. Specimens underwent analysis following established protocols. Each specimen was found to exhibit MP contamination, showing an abundance of 2.72 ± 1.98 MPs/g. A negative relationship was found between shell length and MP abundance. Predominantly, fibers were documented across all study sites. Black, blue, and red-colored MPs with 1–2 mm sizes were most dominant. MP polymer composition was identified as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Findings provide baseline information on levels of MPs contamination, which can be used to monitor future effects of MP pollution.

Analyzing policy interventions to stimulate suitable energy sources for the most polluted states of India

The power sector and environment cordially affect each other throughout the economic growth journey of a developing country. It is high time to take care of the power demand, considering the environmental effects and the physical health of Indians. Power generation using renewable energy sources (RESs) can be a great alternative on behalf of the power sector in contributing to a cleaner environment. In this paper, a model has been developed to opt out the best energy-producing source for most polluted Indian states to combat hazardous air pollution. Multiple criteria, i.e., technical, economic, environmental, and resource availability factors and their sub-criteria, are considered to determine the best-suited RES. The priority of the energy source is established by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to ascertain the relative value of different sub-attributes for the selected state. The findings indicate that, with priorities of 39.04% and 33.06%, respectively, photovoltaics (PV) predominates in Delhi and Haryana. The PV priority of 34.43% in Uttar Pradesh is in line with this trend. Punjab gives PV a 36.73% significance as well. Bihar prioritizes PV at 38.37%, mirroring Punjab's preferences. Tidal energy is given 51.80% priority in coastal Gujarat, whereas CSP is preferred by Rajasthan with 37.26% priority. For Maharashtra, tidal energy is the preference, with 33.70%. The primary goal behind this research is to plan and model a way out for the national electricity planners that aids in fulfilling the power demand in the most polluted Indian states without making a burden on the environment.

Records of three gobioid fishes (Actinopterygii: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Gujarat coast, India

We report for the first time three gobioid fishes: Amblygobius semicinctus (Bennett, 1833), Istigobius diadema (Steindachner, 1876), and Yongeichthys nebulosus (Forskål, 1775) from the Gujarat coast of India. We present short descriptions with species diagnostic characters, habitat and present distributions.

Trapped in a gulf of hope and despair: the Wagher small scale fisheries on the Kutch coast of Gujarat, India

Trapped in a gulf of hope and despair: the Wagher small scale fisheries on the Kutch coast of Gujarat, India

On population structure and breeding biology of burrowing crab Dotilla blanfordi Alcock, 1900.

The present study investigated the population structure and breeding biology of the burrowing brachyuran crab species Dotilla blanfordi Alcock, 1900, which is commonly found on the sandy beach of Bhavnagar, located on the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat coast, India. Monthly sampling was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022 at the time of low tide using three line transects perpendicular to the water line, intercepted by a quadrate (0.25 m2) each at three different levels of the middle intertidal region: 20 m, 70 m, and 120 m. The quadrate area was excavated up to 30 cm and sieved for specimen collection. The collected specimens were categorised into different sexes viz., male, non-ovigerous female, or ovigerous female. For the fecundity study of D. blanfordi, the carapace width (mm) as a measure of size as well as their wet weight (g), size, number, and mass of their eggs were also recorded. The study revealed sexual dimorphism among the population, with females having significantly smaller sizes as compared to males. The overall population was skewed towards females, with a bimodal distribution of males and females. The occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year suggests that the population breeds incessantly throughout the year, with the highest occurrence in August and September. A positive correlation was observed between the morphology of crabs (carapace width and wet body weight) and the size, number, and mass of eggs.

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

The coastal zone is an interface between land and sea. The interaction between land and sea involves physical and chemical processes, which produce characteristic shapes of coast line. Thus, in a coastal zone the terrestrial ecosystem has its influence on the sea and vice versa. Veraval is one of the important port cities located along the western coast of Gujarat in India. The Veraval coast is situated in Gujarat state and its water is polluted by the discharge of Fish processing industry effluent. The intertidal area of Fish processing industry at Veraval coast was selected for the study and the investigation was carried out at Veraval at Lat 210 35’N; Long 690 36E’. Survey was conducted during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons during the year of 2018. In order to achieve the aims of the present study, following parameters were studied to assess species diversity of seaweeds along increasing distance from the discharge point. Number of seaweed species showed a trend similar to that of species diversity was more related to species richness. Ratio of species number for Green, Brown and Red algae indicated that red algae were in greater proportion than green and brown algae. Seaweed species diversity was minimum near Chemical industry effluent discharge point during post-monsoon, pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, whereas the diversity increased as the discharge point from the outfall increased.

Assessment of heavy metals retention in sediments and mangroves along the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat

This study aimed to investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on the mangrove ecosystem on the Gujarat coast, which is facing pressure due to rapid industrialization. The concentrations of 5 heavy metals, including Pb+2, Cd+2, Zn+2, Cu+2, Fe+2 and Mn+2, were measured in the sediments and tissues of 4 mangrove species, Avicennia marina (Family: Acanthaceae), Rhizophora mucronata (Family: Rhizophoraceae), Ceriops tagal (Family: Rhizophoraceae) and Aegiceras corniculatum (Family: Primulaceae), in 8 habitats along the coast of Gujarat, India. The results indicated that the sediments in the study sites had relatively high heavy metal accretion (Pb+2 > Cu+2 > Fe+2 > Zn+2 > Mn+2 > Cd+2), but A. marina selectively accumulated only Cu (3.59 ppm) and Zn (0.63 ppm), while avoiding other heavy metals. The morphology of the plants did not show any visible impact from heavy metals stress. These findings highlight the significance of comprehending how industrial pollution affects mangrove ecosystems and the potential processes by which these plants can adapt to survive in such settings. Another advantage of mangroves is their capacity to absorb pollutants from many environments. Mangrove stems play a major role in absorbing pollutants.

Additional report and taxonomic description of Paranibea semiluctuosa, Half-mourning croaker (Cuvier, 1830) from Umargaon fish landing center, southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Additional report and taxonomic description of Paranibea semiluctuosa, Half-mourning croaker (Cuvier, 1830) from Umargaon fish landing center, southwest Coast of Gujarat, India

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of selected seaweeds from Okha coast of Gujarat

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of selected seaweeds from Okha coast of Gujarat

Detecting Tropical Cyclone from the basic overview of life cycle of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, Tauktae

The Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS) Tauktae, which made landfall on the Gujarat coast on May 17, 2021, is discussed in the current study. The analysis is based on INSAT-3D and passive microwave (PMW) images, fo-cusing on the cyclone’s eye characteristics and intensity. The satellite imag-es and products are utilized to determine the cyclone's intensity and the spe-cific characteristics of its eye. The study showcases the variations in intensi-ty and eye features of the cyclone throughout its life span, providing insights into the process of tropical cyclone intensification. The paper is structured to cover the methods for analysis, an overview of ESCS Tauktae's life cycle, the regulation of intensity based on Dvorak's technique, intensity estimation us-ing ADT9.0 and comparison with SATCON method and Indian Meteorologi-cal Department (IMD) provided best track data. Furthermore, the formation of Tauktae's eye, timeframes for eye scenes, comparison with sea surface temperature data, and concluding thoughts are also discussed.

Numerical Modelling of tsunami wave to assess the possible impacts along western coasts of India

Numerical modelling of tsunami waves has been made for the western coasts of India using TUNAMI N2 code. In this study the fault parameters are considered from earlier published literatures. Bathymetry data and possible tsunami generation locations have been obtained from the ETOPO2 (Global Relief Model) and General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) satellite data. For tsunami run-up the land topography data Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) is used. The present simulation consists of a duration of 6 hours (360 min). Possible arrival time with amplitude at various locations have been estimated. The paper also analyses the changes in the directivity of the generated tsunami waves towards western coasts of India by changing the dip and strike angles as different scenarios. Time series and height along the different parts of Gujarat coast and hourly travel-time chart of the tsunami wave are also discussed. After the earthquake and initial tsunami wave generation, it reaches at all the locations along the Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat) in nearly 2 hrs to 5.30 hrs with amplitudes from 1 to 2.5 m, Mumbai in around 4.45 hrs with amplitude 2 m, Goa in around 3.08 hrs with amplitude 1 m, Karwar (Karnataka) in around 3.12 hrs and Mangalore in around 3.36 hrs with amplitudes 1 m each. The authenticity of the estimated tsunami phases of the 1945 tsunamigenic earthquake along the MSZ are corroborated with the available reports and published literatures.

First Record of Parasitic Isopod Renocila bijui Aneesh & Bruce, 2020 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) from the Arabian Sea

Renocila bijui Aneesh & Bruce, 2020 was described as a new species from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. After its description, no studies confirm its distribution to any other places of India. Here we report Renocila bijui Aneesh & Bruce, 2020 for the first time from the Arabian Sea, near Okha coast of Gujarat. This paper also reports the species for the first time from the west coast of India as well as from Arabian Sea with its morphological characters. This fish parasitic isopod has a specific host fish, namely Acanthurus triostegus [1], and A. mata (Cuvier, 1829) which are common in coral reef areas in Indian coast. As isopods are associated with many species of commercially important fishes and shell fishes and causes significant losses to fisheries by the way of killing, stunting or damaging the fishes and thereby limiting aquaculture production and its economic viability, the report of this isopod from Gujarat coast has a significance in respect of marine fisheries.