Collection and identification of marine macroalgae in the rocky shores of coastal Karnataka, India
Chippalakatti, P.; Thangadurai, D.; Sangeetha, J.; Waghmode, A.V. (2025). Collection and identification of marine macroalgae in the rocky shores of coastal Karnataka, India. Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries 13(1): 66-78
In: Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries. University of Kerala: India. ISSN 2321-340X, more
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| Keywords |
Flora > Weeds > Marine organisms > Seaweeds
Chlorophyta [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
Marine biodiversity, Phyophyceae, Red algae, West coast |
| Authors | | Top |
- Chippalakatti, P.
- Thangadurai, D.
- Sangeetha, J.
- Waghmode, A.V.
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| Abstract |
Diversity of the seaweeds is threatened by the interplay of climate change and anthropogenic activities by expanding population and their demands. Apart from their economic values, they play an ecological role being the biggest carbon sinks. Thus, it is necessary to study and survey the diversity of marine algae in a timely manner. Moreover, the study of seaweeds from the Karnataka coast is very limited. Thus, the current study attempted to study the diversity of marine macroalgae along the coastal Karnataka. This study was conducted from April 2022 to December 2023, collection of marine macroalgae was done by a random pick method in rocky pools during low tides. Specimens were identified using morphological characters by referring flora, monograph and e-tools. Among the total 65 collections, 20 species belong to 6 genera of green algae, 27 species belong to 15 genera of red algae, and 18 species belong to 7 genera of brown algae were identified from 11 talukas belonging to 3 coastal districts, namely Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada. The Uttara Kannada coast is rockier and has richer marine macroalgal diversity than Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. Ulva, Chaetomorpha, and Sargassum are dominant genera among the collection. Lesser diversity was recorded in the present study compared to earlier reports. Due to seasonal changes, strong wave action that causes seaweed drift during senescence, coastal erosion, sedimentation, and pollution factors, the macroalgal diversity along the Karnataka coast is declining. |
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