Distribution and abundance of seaweeds on a coral reef at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

Abstract

Macroalgal distribution and abundance in different regions of a coral reef was studied for a period of one year in 1998 at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep. The biomass distribution of algac on the seaward side of the reef varied from 620.2 g wet wt/m2 in September to a maximum of 2800.6 g wet wt/m2 in August. Reef flat had a minimum in July (251 g wet wt/m2) and a maximum in December (2074.9 g wet wt/m2). Significant seasonal differences were noticed in the three regions with maximum biomass during monsoon on the seaward side and in the postmonsoon at reef flat and lagoon side of the reef. Laurencia ceylanica ornate (32.0%) were major algae of he reef flat and lagoon side of the reef. Minor algae observed on the reef were Gelidiella acerasa. Bocrgesenia forbesil, Sargassum duplicatum and Cladophoropsis zollingeri. Hydrographical parameters such as water temperature, salinity, nutrients, rainfall and hours of exposure of algac were monitored.