Gradual expansion in the cultivation of carrageenan yielding red alga, Kappaphycus alvarezii in the Palk Bay from the year 1996 reached its peak in 2012. Large scale introduction of numerous rafts bearing propagules of this marine alga within the bay area registered tremendous decline in the production due to decay of thallus and poor growth since August 2013. At present more than 50% of the rafts were abandoned in the shore due to drastic reduction in yield and for want of sufficient seed material required for subsequent crop. Analysis of data on SST and nutrient profile of seawater from Palk Bay area demands need for urgent carrying capacity studies for optimum biomass production. It is advisable to restrict the number of rafts (3 x 3 m size) to 225 and seed quantity of 5.4 to 6.0 tonnes per hectare.

Seaweed mariculture, Kappaphycus alvarezii, nutrient profile, carrying capacity, Palk Bay