Ecology of Sandy Beach at Sancoale, Goa: Part I - Physical Factors Influencing Production of Macrofauna

Abstract

Physical factors limiting the production of the beach, especially during the monsoon season are discussed. <i>Emerita holthuisi</i> was the most important component of the macrofauna inhabiting this beach followed by <i>Donax incarnatus</i> and <i>D. spiculum</i>. Maximum biomass value of 160.6 g/m² was recorded during the premonsoon month of March and the minimum of 0.26 g/m² during the monsoon month of September. Population densities and distribution of the principal species are discussed and compared with other beaches. A low value for organic carbon in sand (0.09 to 0.15%) was recorded throughout the period of observation (October 1973 to September 1974). The beach was characterized by fine to medium sand (160 to &lt; 300 µm) with no significant variation in the mean particle size during the year.