Production Ecology of a Tropical Sandy Beach at Benaulim, Goa

Abstract

Species composition, biomass and available food of the intertidal fauna were studied at monthly intervals. Fluctuations in the production of macrofauna were related to environmental stress and availability of food. In the premonsoon months (February-May), faunal diversity and biomass were maximum with a marked zonation on the beach. During monsoon (June-September), the beach was characterized by the presence of tidal migrants which could withstand changing sea conditions. Three feeding types, viz. feeders on plankton and suspended matter, deposit feeders and scavengers and predators, were represented. Annual requirement of carbon for the macrofauna was estimated to be 2574.4 gC/m² transect. An attempt to understand trophic relationship indicated sufficient food from direct sources to meet the demand.