A total of 78 foraminifera1 species have been identified from sediment samples collected from the estuarine area of Cochin during faunal surveys representing different seasons. Abundance and total number of species (live + dead) are poor during SW monsoon season when the area becomes less saline due to influx of freshwater through riverine input, but fairly rich in other seasons for prevalence of marine conditions. Further, it has been noted that texture of the sediments has a bearing on the faunal density.
Also, an environmental assessment study of the deepening of the navigation channel on Foraminifera at the study site has been undertaken. From foraminifera] data of the last two decades, it is concluded, based on total number of species present that it seems probable there are no adverse effects on the organisms, especially Foraminifera due to deepening of the channel by dredging. It is also predicted that total number of species present in the estuary will likely increase further as more nearshore foraminiferids migrate into it in the coming years, with more deepening of the channel as it will enhance speed of the water currents.

Foraminifera, taxonomy, abundance, sediment texture