Swarmer production and cultivation of <i>Ulva fasciata</i> delile in intertidal regions at Okha, West Coast of India

Abstract

Profuse production of swarmers in <i>U. fasciata</i> was near new and full moon periods, being more near full moon than new moon. Production of spores started when moon passes equator and ended when it attains last quarter position. Field cultivation of this alga was carried out using artificially seeded nets along the coast of Okha, Gujarat, India. Maximum biomass (829.9 g.m^-2 fresh or 190.76 g.m^-2 dry weight) was achieved at 2.2 m level during the 11th week of growth, while minimum biomass (4.4.20 g.m^-2 fresh or 93.81 g.m^-2 dry weight) was observed on the net at 0 m level. Good growth and yield of alga were dependent on the level at which the net was planted. For successful field cultivation of this alga, an average exposure of 7-8 h and 23ᵒ to 24ᵒC seawater and air temperatures were important.