Studies on Zooplankton Ecology from Kodiakkarai (Point Calimere) Coastal Waters (South East Coast of India)

Abstract

The spatial, temporal and ticial dynamics of the zooplankton COffiffillllity of the Kodiakkarai (also knmvn as point calimere ) was studied [ram September 2006 to August 2007. The monthly sampling procedure included the measurement of hydrological parameters salinity, temperature, pH and the collection of zooplankton with plankton net (0.35 m mouth diarneters), made up ofbolting silk (Cloth No. 10; mesh size 158) for 20 mino The hyc1rographical parameters were fOlllld to very month-wise and statioll-wise. Air temperature showed swnmer peak and pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and monsoon decline and the variations were associated with the seasonal changes of meteorological events. Salinity was high during the post monsoon and swnmer seasons and low during the monsoon season at both stations and was mainly influenced by the rainfal1 pattern. pH was high during the monsoon and Slllllmer seasons and low during the monsoon and post- monsoon seasons at both stations and the rainfal1 mainly influenced the variation. Dissolved oxygen concentration was high during the monsoon season and low during the Slllllmer season at both stations. Distribution of dissolved nutrients also exhibited considerable seasonal due to the flooding and land nmoff. The silicate concentration was especial1y fOlllld to be much higher than other nutrients. Among the 121 zooplanktonic fonns recorded, the Copepoela fonned the dominant group followed by larvae.