Distribution of marine macro-algae at different salinity gradients in Chilika lake, east coast of India

Abstract

Biomass of macro-algal forms with their seasonal and sectoral distribution in the salinity gradient of Chilika lake was evaluated. Three macro-algae, Gracilaria verrucosa, Enteromorpha intestinalis and Chaetomorpha linum occured abundantly in the lake throughout the year. These organisms preferred moderate salinity of Southern and Central sectors and their biomass changed in response to the salinity levels during different seasons. Gracilaria verrucosa and E. intestinalis did not grow in the Northern sector where the salinity level was least in the lake. Maximum biomass was obtained in the winter followed by summer and rainy seasons. The total biomass of 26,963 tonnes dry weight in 7.63% of the total area surveyed showed richness of macro-algal resources in the lake. Of this, occurrence of 14,467 tonnes of the economically important alga Gracilaria verrucosa suggests its possible exploitation for agar production.