Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

STUDY ON THE DIVERSITY OF MARINE MACRO FOULING ORGANISMS OF CUDDALORE COAST, INDIA

Mohamed Muhsin, Prashanth and Gyanakkan Ananthan

Abstract

The knowledge on diversity and distribution of fouler’s in southeast coast of Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu state, India is sparse as compared to other regions. There is a dire need of research regarding fouling species composition, distribution pattern so that their role in controlling marine boring sessile could be ascertained. Present study is a novel approach for documenting the diversity of fouling fauna in coastal region of Cuddalore, Tamilnadu, India. A regular survey of fouling fauna complex was conducted in extralarge size artificial boat structures made up of Wooden, Iron, Copper and resin. Maximum number of foulers was found in site 8 and 9 minimum numbers of foulers were collected and identified from site 4. Similarly, diversity indices viz., Shannon-Weiner (H’ and H max), Pielou’s index (J’) and Raunkiaer’s frequency law also indicated the maximum species richness in Perna indica and minimum in Oyster spp. In Over all, Mytilidae and Balanidae were found as most abundant families. Ostreidae and Archaeobalanidae were found as minimum in families.