Tuticorin Coast Research Articles

First report on the occurrence of Gonyaulax polygramma bloom during the onset of Noctiluca scintillans bloom along the Tuticorin coast, southeast coast of India

Dense and green-coloured patches were encountered on the sea surface waters of the Tuticorin coast on 22nd October 2022. Microscopic investigation revealed that the discoloration is caused by plankton, green Noctiluca scintillans. In order to find out the causes that trigger the bloom of N. scintillans, plankton samples were collected for 5 days in fourteen days duration from 22nd October to 4th November. During the peak bloom period, the abundance and biovolume of N. scintillans reached 1.56 × 104 cells/L and 21.8 × 1010μm3/L, respectively. The highest concentration (73.65 mg/m3) of chlorophyll-a was recorded during blooming period that was caused by Gonyaulax polygramma and endosymbiont, Pedinomonas noctilucae in N. scintillans. Formation of G. polygramma bloom is being reported for the first time in Tuticorin, southeast coast of India, with a species abundance of 36.9 × 104 cells/L. Present study concluded that besides the optimum hydrological conditions and eutrophic nature of the system, abundant prey (G. polygramma) facilitated the N. scintillans bloom.

De-novo exposure assessment of heavy metals in commercially important fresh and dried seafood: Safe for human consumption

The heavy metals (HMs) in seafood are alarming due to their biomagnification in the food chain. The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Ni in both fresh and dried fish were quantified, and the potential exposure and safe intake levels for human consumption were assessed by the European Commission (EC) and the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). HMs concentrations ranged from 0.003 mg/kg (Cr) to 2.08 mg/kg for (As) and 0.007 mg/kg (Hg) to 2.76 mg/kg (As). Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in fresh and dried fish were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the EC and FSSAI, which were 0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. Cr and As concentrations were also below the MRLs of 12 mg/kg and 76 mg/kg for aquatic products specified by FSSAI. The concentration of HMs in fresh and dried fish was found in the order of As > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg and As > Cd > Cr > Ni > Pb > Hg, while the fresh and dried fishes contained HMs in the following order: E. areolatus > S. longiceps > L.lentjen > S. barracuda > E. affinis > S. javus and DA > DS > DR > DB > DSF. The metal pollution index (MPI) validates seafood is HMs free, while the single (Pi) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (Pnw) indicate that concentrations of Cd and As in fresh and dried fish have exceeded the threshold value. The target hazard quotient (THQ<1), hazard index (HI < 1), and target cancer risk (TCR<10−4) indicate that there are no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks through the consumption of seafood and seafood products collected from the Tuticorin coast and marketed at the domestic and international levels. The preliminary findings emphasize the importance of formulating domestic legislation/government initiatives to promote seafood and its consumption. The attainment of this objective shall be facilitated by examining the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seafood and evaluating its potential risk to consumers.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli identified in resistance mapping of β-lactam drug-resistant isolates from seafood along Tuticorin coast.

The ubiquity of pathogenic E. coli isolate possessing antimicrobial resistance was investigated in seafood samples procured from major seafood supply chain markets established for export and domestic consumption along Tuticorin coast. Out of 63 seafood samples examined, 29 (46%) were found to be contaminated by pathogenic E. coli harbouring one or more genes of virulent potential. Based on virulome profiling, 9.55% of isolates belonged to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), 8.08% to enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), 7.35% to enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), 2.20% to enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and 2.20% to uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). All the 34 virulome positive and haemolytic pathogenic E. coli have been serogrouped as O119, O76, O18, O134, O149, O120, O114, O25, O55, O127, O6, O78, O83, O17 and clinically significant O111, O121, O84, O26, O103, and O104 (non-O157 STEC) serotypes in this study. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) (≥ 3 antibiotic classes/sub-classes) was exhibited in 38.23% of the pathogenic E. coli, and 17.64% were extensive drug resistant (XDR). Extended spectrum of β-lactamase (ESBL) genotypes were confirmed in 32.35% isolates and 20.63% isolates harboured ampC gene. One sample (Penaeus semisulcatus) collected from landing centre (L1) harboured all ESBL genotypes blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM, and ampC genes. Hierarchical clustering of isolates revealed the separation of ESBL isolates into three clusters and non-ESBL isolates into three clusters based on phenotypic and genotypic variations. Based on dendrogram analysis on antibiotic efficacy pattern, carbapenems and β-lactam inhibitor drugs are the best available treatment for ESBL and non-ESBL infections. This study emphasizes the significance of comprehensive surveillance of pathogenic E. coli serogroups that pose serious threat to public health and compliance of AMR antimicrobial resistant genes in seafood that hinder seafood supply chain.

HABITAT USE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF MARINE MOLLUSCS ALONG THE TUTICORIN COAST, GULF OF MANNAR, INDIA

Molluscs are considered the largest marine phylum, comprising about 23% of all marine organisms. Numerous molluscs also live in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Gastropods and bivalves were collected from different stations in the coastal area of the Gulf of Mannar on the Tuticorin Coast, Tamil Nadu, India. In the present investigation, 30 species of gastropod fauna and 13 species of bivalve fauna were recorded from January 2021 to June 2021. During the study period, the bivalves Babylonia spirata and Pinctada fucata were abundant among the gastropods. The maximum density of gastropod and bivalve fauna was recorded at Therespuram. This research is an attempt to gain a better understanding of the possibility of ecological value and ecosystem conservation of molluscan fauna.

Resolving the taxonomic ambiguity of Sepia ramani using integrative taxonomy

ABSTRACT Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, 1831 is a commercially important cuttlefish species in India and other countries. Researchers have found that Sepia pharaonis populations in different regions show morphological and genetic differences, and some have suggested that Sepia pharaonis should be considered a species complex. Sepia ramani Neethiselvan, 2001 was described from the southeast coast of India, but subsequent phylogenetic analyses of molecular data suggest that S. ramani is part of the S. pharaonis species complex. In this study, we conducted detailed morphological and molecular examination of specimens of S. pharaonis and S. ramani from the Tuticorin coast, and suggest that Sepia ramani is a valid species within the Sepia pharaonis species complex.

Hatchery production of juveniles of pharaoh cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis (Ehrenberg, 1831) from stranded eggs and sea ranching along the Thoothukudi coast

Accidentally entangled and stranded egg masses of Sepia pharaonis in fishing gears were collected from various landing centres of Thoothukudi district. The stranded egg masses were incubated, hatched and larval rearing was carried out at the Molluscan Fish Hatchery of Tuticorin Research Centre of CMFRI. The average hatching rate of S. pharaonis was 95 % for the eggs collected from the fishing nets. The size of day 1 paralarvae of S. pharaonis was 5.46±0.06 mm and reached the average size of 40.10±1.15 mm length and 9.6±0.20 g weight on day 60 with the average survival rate of 70 %. Maximum weight gain (%) was noticed between 20 – 40 days. The paralarvae of S. pharaonis fed with suitable live feeds until 50 days, after which fed with dead fish and shrimp. The juveniles were transformed as broodstock with an average length of 137.4±8.08 mm and weight of 229.7±21.54 g on 180 th day of culture. In the hatchery, the first captive spawning was witnessed on 167 th day and the eggs laid by the females ranged from 46 – 118. However, the captive bred egg masses failed to hatch out. Therefore, the hatchery technology needs to be perfected through the development of nutritionally improved broodstock diet to ensure better hatching. During the years 2016 – 2018, altogether 8400 numbers of hatchery reared 60 days old juveniles of S. pharaonis were ranched into the fishing grounds off Tuticorin coast. The biological significance of sea ranching activities to replenish the natural stocks requires further research and evaluation.

A study on groundwater quality and its characteristics in Tuticorin coastal region using geo-statistical approaches, Tamil Nadu, India

The aim of the present research is to identify the factors and processes to manage groundwater susceptibility using geostatistical techniques. Shortage of freshwater and drinking water are the major problems in the southeast coast of Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, India. Due to the different landscape and geological frame work across the coastal area, ever increasing population and manmade activities there is a necessity to check the groundwater quality in drinking and domestic water supply. Geostatistical analysis has been carried out through the field samples (24 nos) which were analyzed and visually interpreted in a graphical representation. The quality characteristics of the samples analysed using multivariate statistical analysis in the study area have been identified to be abnormal (EC, TDS, Cl and Na). The values are approximately 3 times exceeding the WHO standard for the villages of Sahupuram, Kayalpattinam, Arumuganeri, Vaalasamuthram and Arasadi spread over 300 km2. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) indicates that the field of groundwater quality is predominantly associated with geogenic (rock-water interaction) and anthropogenic sources and domestic sewage. Findings of factors, cluster analysis (CA) and correlation matrix (CM) were also found to be consistant with the PCA results. It has been evident from the statistical analysis that the major groundwater quality is significantly influenced by EC, TDS, Cl and Na due to the inland salinity caused by seawater intrusion. Results of the study are expected to provide insights into taking effective action for groundwater quality protection by decision-makers on the Tuticorin coast of southern Tamil Nadu.

Health risk assessment and bioaccumulation of metals in brown and red seaweeds collected from a tropical marine biosphere reserve

In the present study, we have assessed the degree of contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in ten species of red and brown seaweeds, the seasonal variations in the concentration of metals, and the health risk due to the seaweeds. Overall metal concentrations for red and brown seaweeds followed the order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd and Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were found to be elevated in both the red and brown seaweeds. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the sources of Cd and Pb are mainly anthropogenic. Despite the high concentrations of the non-essential metals (Cd and Pb) in the seaweeds, the health risk assessment revealed that they have a lower hazard index. Hence, consumption of edible red and brown seaweeds from the Tuticorin coast may not pose health hazards in humans for the time being.

Heavy metal concentrations in the macroalgae, seagrasses, mangroves, and crabs collected from the Tuticorin coast (Hare Island), Gulf of Mannar, South India

This study investigates the concentration of heavy metals in the macroalgae, seagrasses, mangroves, and crabs collected from Hare Island, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve. The concentration of heavy metals ranged between 0.06 (Hg)-259 (Fe) μg/g in macroalgae, 0.09 (Pb)-377 (Fe) μg/g in seagrasses, 0.112 (Cd)-122 (Fe) μg/g in mangroves, and 0.11 (Cd) -240 (Fe) μg/g in crabs. The levels of heavy metals in the analyzed samples were found below the maximum residual limits (MRLs) prescribed by various National and International agencies. The result suggests that exposure to the analyzed metals through macroalgae consumption does not cause potential health risks to consumers (target hazard quotient (THQ), estimated exposure dose (EED), and hazard index (HI) <1). Hence, this study concludes that macroalgae that grow in the Gulf of Mannar regions are safe for human consumption and are suitable to prepare food supplements and bioceutical products.

Intense bloom of the diatom Hemidiscus hardmanianus (Greville) in relation to water quality and plankton communities in Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar, India

The present study reports a dense bloom of the marine-diatom Hemidiscus hardmanianus observed off the Tuticorin coast in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM), India. The surface water discoloration (pale green) was observed during a coastal survey conducted in the initial period of the northeast monsoon (October 2018). The bloom extended over an area of approximately 5 km2 around the Tuticorin harbor. Distribution and relative abundance of the phytoplankton and zooplankton species together with the water quality and Chlorophyll-a were studied in the area of bloom. H. hardmanianus density was maximum (10.57 × 104 cells L−1) in the bloom site, which was almost 97% of the total phytoplankton population. The present report is the first record of H. hardmanianus bloom in the Gulf of Mannar. The chain-forming diatom Biddulphia biddulphiana was also observed in strong numbers (802 and 432 cells L−1), which has been rarely reported from the Indian coastal waters.

Ecological risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southern India

ABSTRACT The concentration of toxic metals due to manmade activities in Tuticorin coastal zone in the surface water and sediment samples was estimated and summarised. Toxic metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were analysed trimonthly for a continuous period of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 consisting four seasons. The outcomes uncovered that higher concentration of metals was recorded throughout the mid-year season in the water and sediment samples. Likely, the order of metals is as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd in the water, and Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd in the sediment samples. The dataset was dissected through multivariate statistical examination to comprehend the relationship, occasional circulation, and source of pollution. Geo-accumulation index indicated that the study sites were moderately contaminated. Ecological risk assessment showed that the study area is under moderate risk. The main sources of metal pollution in the study area are due to industrial wastes, chemical fertilisers, shipping activities, and sewage dump from the municipal waste, which predominantly pollute the Tuticorin coastal zones. The present investigation has uncovered that sources of metal contamination have aggravated in the Tuticorin coastal zone.

Physicochemical characteristics and benthic faunal constituents of a few seagrass and mangrove habitats of Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar

Rapid industrialisation and coastal developmental activities have caused considerable damages to the coastal habitats and their associated fauna and flora of Tuticorin coast. The status of the physicochemical and biological aspects indicating the healthiness of selected seagrass and mangrove habitats of Tuticorin coast was studied during 2013-15. The water and sediment quality parameters and the benthic in-faunal constituents were assessed monthly adopting the standard procedures. Our study indicated that the mangrove habitat was profoundly impacted due to the influence of high saline effluents from neighbouring salt pans. The mean values of most of the water quality parameters like salinity (37.87±1.86ppt); chlorophyll-a (8.2±2.95mg.m-3); TSS (529.6±47.13mg.L-1) ammonia (0.12±0.02µg.L-1); nitrite (1.96±0.92µg.L-1); phosphate (8.67±2.58µg.L-1) were reported abnormal from the mangrove habitats. The seagrass habitat was impacted mainly by the activities of the neighbouring port, causing comparatively higher total suspended solids and dissolved solids in the water. Parameters like, DO, salinity, chlorophyll, TSS, NH3 , NO2 , SiO3 in seawater and coarse and fine sand proportions of sediments were significantly varied between habitats (p<0.05). The lower density and less diverse in-faunal constituents also proved the harshness of the sediments of both the habitats. The study also warrants the need for effective management strategies for conservation and the sustainable utilisation of these resources.

Bioaccumulation of metals in mangroves and salt marshes collected from Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar marine biosphere reserve, Southeastern India

Three species of mangroves and six species of salt marshes were collected from various locations along the Tuticorin coast for the estimation of metals like Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The bioaccumulation of metals in mangroves is in the order of Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd, and the season-wise accumulation was higher in monsoon followed by summer, post-monsoon, and pre-monsoon seasons. The accumulation of metals in mangroves showed higher in Rhizophoraapiculata followed by Avicenniamarina, and Rhizophoramucronata. The concentration of metals in salt marshes is in the order of Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd, and the species-wise accumulation showed in the order of Suaeda maritime > Ipomoea sp. > Suaeda sp. > Spinifix littoreous > Sesuvium portacastrum > Ipomoea pes-capras. BAF in salt marhes and mangroves is as Cd < Pb < Cu < Zn and Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn, respectively.

Health risk assessment and bioaccumulation of toxic metals in commercially important finfish and shellfish resources collected from Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India

The present study was mainly focused on the distribution of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in commercially important marine finfish and shellfish resources collected from the Tuticorin coast of the Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India. Sixty-six species were collected in all four seasons for the analysis of metals. The order of bioaccumulation of metals in fishes is (Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd), in Crustaceans is (Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd), and in mollusks is (Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd). The human health risk assessment factors such as BCF, THQ, and HI were higher in most of the tested animals. The outcome of the present study will sound the alarm to the community about heavy metal contamination of sea foods. We conclude that continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is essential to the maintenance of the pristine ecosystem and quality of the seafood.

Monitoring of microplastics in the clam Donax cuneatus and its habitat in Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar (GoM), India

Microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment are ubiquitous. The ingestion of these pollutants by marine organisms has drawn global attention. This work studies the distribution pattern and characteristics of MPs found in the body of the clam Donax cuneatus and its environment in order to understand the possible relationship between the MP concentration in the environment (water and sediment) and that in the clam’s body. Samples of D. cuneatus were collected from the coast between Vembar and Periyathazhai in Tuticorin district along GoM. MP concentrations range from 0.6 to 1.3 items/g (wet weight) in clams, 10–30 items/l in water, and 24–235 items/kg in sediment. Small-sized clams contain the highest concentration of MPs. Hence it is hypothesised that allometric relationship exists between body size and MP concentration, depending on the surface-area to volume ratio. MP abundance in clam body has a clear, positive, significant correlation with MP abundance in sediment but not with abundance of MP in water. Microplastics of fiber type with size 100–250 μm have a predominant presence in clams. The study identified ten types of polymers, of which polyethylene is the most common polymer in all sample types. FTIR-ATR spectra and surface morphology indicate that most of the microplastics have been strongly weathered. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis detected heavy metals associated with MPs like Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe. Filter-feeding clams like Donax sp. can provide valuable information on the spatial patterns of MP distribution, and so can act as bio-indicators in monitoring MP pollution in coastal areas.

Trace elements in Endectyon fruticosa collected from a sewage outfall site, Therespuram, Tuticorin coast, India

Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve extends from Rameswaram to Tuticorin coast supporting a large biodiversity of marine organisms especially corals and sponges. During recent past, Tuticorin has become a major recipient of contaminants from both domestic and industries surrounding the coast. The sewage outfall site located close to the sea which is directly dumping its effluents into the open sea has resulted in the significant enrichment of trace elements (TEs). Samples of seawater and Endectyon fruticosa were collected at three different stations (S1, S2 and S3) along a gradient of distance from sewage outfall site, and the six TEs Pb (lead), Mn (manganese), Ba (Barium), V (vanadium), Mo (molybdenum) and Sb (antimony) were measured in seawater and tissues of E. fruticosa using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Station S1 close to the sewage outfall site has shown high concentration of Pb, Mn, Ba, V, Mo and Sb when compared to far regions (S2 and S3). The decreasing order of accumulation of TEs in both seawater and E. fruticosa was same order of magnitude in all the collected three stations (S1, S2 and S3) Pb > Mn > Ba > V > Mo > Sb. The concentration of TEs in seawater and E. fruticosa were relatively more near the sewage outfall site when compared to the other far regions. Thus, E. fruticosa can be used as an effective biomonitor to evaluate the concentration of TEs from point source (S1) to far regions (S2 and S3).

Profiling microplastics in the Indian edible oyster, Magallana bilineata collected from the Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India.

The objective of this study is to quantify the extent of microplastic (MP) contamination in the Indian edible oyster (Magallana bilineata) and to understand how this relates to the MP contamination in its surrounding marine environment. Samples of water, sediment and oysters of different sizes were collected from three sites along Tuticorin coast in Gulf of Mannar in Southeast India. The mean abundance of MP in oysters was found to be 6.9 ± 3.84 items/individual and the mean concentration to be 0.81 ± 0.45 items/g of tissue. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fibers were the dominant MP types in oysters (92% and 4%, respectively) and in seawater (75% and 25%, respectively), with PE fibers, ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 mm, being the most common. Both PE and PP are low-density polymers which are slow to sediment to the seafloor. This increases the potential of their availability in the environment and ingestion by the oysters. The largest oysters (14-16 cm) contained the highest abundance and concentrations of MP, suggesting a greater proportion of MP in the water column is ingested with increasing size. The calculated microplastic index (0.02 to 0.99) also indicates that MP bioavailability increases with increasing size of oysters. The distribution patterns of MP abundance, shape and size in oysters more closely resemble those in water than in sediment. The surface morphology of the MPs reveals the characteristic pits and cracks which result from partial degradation through the weathering processes. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis shows the presence of Ni and Fe in association with MP, and this probably indicates the fly-ash pollution and the petroleum-related activities in the surrounding area. Being sessile animals the oysters are good candidates for use as sentinel organisms for monitoring MP in specific marine environments.

Extending Geographical Distribution Range of Reef Needlefish Strongylura incisa (Valenciennes, 1846) (Teleostei: Beloniformes: Belonidae) in the Eastern Indian Ocean with a Key to the Species of Needlefish Occurring in the Area

Present study deals with new distributional records of Strongylura incisa (Belonidae) based on five specimens collected from the Andaman Islands and Tuticorin Coast (Tamil Nadu), India during 2016–17. Specimens were identified by absence of scales at bases of dorsal and anal fins, 19–20 dorsal fin rays, 21–23 anal fin rays, 102–113 predorsal scales, dorsal fin origin over 4–5 anal fin rays, prominent elongate spot on cheek between opercle and preopercle, and double lobe of gonad. Strongylura incisa can be distinguished from its most similar congener S. leiura based on number of predorsal scales (100–125 in S. incisa versus 130–180 in S. leiura), dorsal fin origin over anal fin rays (4–6 in S. incisa versus 7–10 in S. leiura), number of gonad lobes (2 in S. incisa versus 1 in S. leiura) and colour characteristics (prominent elongate spot on cheek between opercle and preopercle in S. incisa versus black bar on cheek between opercle and preopercle and anterior region of the body in S. leiura). Present study provides the first documented record of S. incisa from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and East Coast of India with an updated key for Strongylura species. Further, it is an addition to the ichthyofaunal biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and East Coast of India.

Occurrence of microplastics in fishes from two landing sites in Tuticorin, South east coast of India

Microplastics pollution of the marine environment has been reported worldwide. Here, we investigate the occurrence of microplastics in two species of fishes namely Rastrilleger kanagurta and Epinephalus merra bought from Thirespuram and Punnakayal fish landing sites at Tuticorin. Out of the total 40 fish, 12 fish showed the presence of microplastic particulates in the intestine. The particulates included microfibers (80%) in red, black and translucent colors and irregularly shaped microplastic fragments (20%). The microplastics were identified as Polyethylene and Polypropylene by Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation analysis. Though microplastics were detected in the gut of the species, the risk of transfer due to consumption can be safely ruled out as the fish are degutted prior to consumption here. Presence of microplastics in the Tuticorin coast is a matter of concern due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mannar, a sensitive coral reef patch already threatened by marine pollution.

Occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes on the seafood contact surfaces of Tuticorin Coast of India.

Listeria monocytogenes was screened from different seafood contact surfaces in five sampling sites of fishing harbour, fish landing centers, seafood processing plants, fish market, and fish curing yards of Tuticorin Coast of India. 115 swab samples were collected and tested for the occurrence of L. monocytogenes by conventional and molecular methods. Overall, 5.22% of swab samples collected were positive for L. monocytogenes. The fishing harbour had high incidence (10.3%) of L. monocytogenes followed by fish landing centers (5.9%), and seafood processing plants (4.1%). Boat deck, fish transport tricycle were the two seafood contact surfaces in fishing harbour, which had the occurrence of L. monocytogenes. The swab samples from fish market and fish curing yards were negative for L. monocytogenes. All the isolated colonies of L. monocytogenes were confirmed by PCR assay targeting virulent hlyA gene. The DNA of all the isolates yielded a product of 174bp on PCR amplification in comparison with L. monocytogenes Type culture (MTCC 1143). The results clearly indicated the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in seafood contact surfaces along the Tuticorin Coast of India.