Production at different trophic levels in the estuarine system of Goa

Abstract

Primary production in the estuaries of Goa has been measured during the monsoon period. This estuarine system sustains a high production having a maximum average production of 316 mgC m^-2d^-1 in Cumbarjua canal followed by Zuari (249) and Mandovi (247). The chlorophyll concentration is also maximum in the canal. In zuari only, the production increases linearly with the increase in chlorophyll a. Assimilation number varies at different places and depths. Relation between nutrients and production is poor. The 'transfer coefficient' varies from 1.7 to 39.9% and decreases with increase in production. With these data, the average tertiary production in terms of wet weight is 19 mg m^-2d^-1, a very close estimate with the corresponding figure of the Indian Ocean.