Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Studies on primary and secondary production in relation to hydrography in the inshore waters of Tuticorin

Volume 27 Issue 1&2

R. Marichamy, C. P. Gopinathan and Pon Siraimeetan

Abstract

The results of hydro biological investigations conducted in the inshore waters off Tuticorin during 1983-84 have been presented. The primary production estimated by oxygen technique indicated three distinct peak periods, the first during January-March, the second during June-August and the third during October-December. The trend of secondary production closely followed that of primary production. Zooplankters were found to be abundant during May-September and again a short secondary peak was noticed during November-January. The occurrence of different zooplankters showed a definite seasonal fluctuation. The physico-chemical properties of the seawater showed variations in space and time. A general picture of the environmental conditions of the inshore area, based on the earlier observations along with the present observations of primary and secondary production are discussed in this account

Date : 31-12-1985