Climate changes influence the phytoplankton bloom (prymnesiophyceae: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">phaeocystis</i> spp.) in North Andaman coastal region

Abstract

Phytoplankton bloom occurred during the period of June 2011 pre monsoon in Andaman waters. Total four classes of bloom are identified as such as; Bacillariophyceae (Diatom), Dinophyceae (Dinoflagellate), Cyanophyceae (Cyanobacteria or Blue-green algae) and Phaeocystales. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Phaeocystis </i>spp. were observed with following seawater physio-chemical parameters between surface to 15 m depth. Numerous anthropogenic activities such as eutrophication caused by water discharge in this region and high nutrient enrichment in the water column, as well as effects from precipitation, upwelling and wind stress, could have favoured the outbreak of this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Phaeocystis</i> spp. Due to the physio-chemical parameters which are induced by climate changes may be the reasons for phytoplankton blooms in the coastal waters of north Andaman regions. As per the review of algal blooms off India²⁸ suggested that till date, nowhere in Indian coastal stretch noticed the bloom of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Phaeocystis</i>.