Seasonal and vertical distribution of macrofoulants in Kalpakkam coastal waters

Abstract

Vertical distribution and community succession of macrofoulants were studied in the coastal waters of Kalpakkam for 1 y. Studies were made with teak wood panels of 15 cm x 10 cm. For short-team series, panels were suspended at 1,3,5 and 7 m depths. Long-term panels were all suspended at 1 m depth. Fouling organisms observed were barnacles, ascidians, hydroids, polychaetes, bryozoans and mussels. Considerable faunistic and biomass variations were observed both with respect to season and depth. Biomass value was maximum in October at 5 m depth and minimum in February at 3 m depth. Barnacles were the most dominant group and were found occurring almost throughout the year. However, green mussels, a dominant group in MAPS subterranean tunnel, were absent on the experimental panels. Dominant community observed was either ascidians or barnacles. Patterns of ecological succession observed during different periods of the year were not significantly different.