Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 26, Issue 4, 2020; Page No.(1693-1701)

SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN PRODUCTIVITY AND BIOMASS OF SEAGRASSES IN THE ANDAMAN GROUP OF ISLANDS, INDIA

Dilipan, E., E.P. Nobi, T. Thangaradjou and D. Arulbalachandran

Abstract

Productivity and biomass of seagrasses (E.acoroides, T.hemprichii, H.ovalis, H.ovata, C.rotundata, C.serrulata, H.uninervis, H. pinifolia and S.isoetifolium) in the Andaman group of Islands were evaluated during November - December 2007. Higher productivity was recorded in E. acoroides (14.7 (±1.28) gCm-2d-1) at Henry Lawrence Island whereas lower productivity was noted in H. ovata (0.23 (±0.01) gCm-2d-1) at Red Skin Island and Kalipur coast. The lower productivity of seagrasses in the Andaman Islands directly reflects biomass in all sampling sites. The minimum biomass value was recorded in H. ovata (79 (±1.52) gfr.wt.m-2) at Havelok Island and the maximum value was recorded in E. acoroides (2800 (±247.19) gfr.wt.m-2) at Henry Lawrence Island. The productivity and biomass of seagrasses showed apparent spatial and interspecies variations within the same location. The present study proved that the local ecology plays a vital role in determining productivity and biomass of seagrasses in the Andaman group of Islands.