K. Vareethiah
Abstract
Quantitative variations in zooplankton populations and their diversity indices against limited mixing was studied in Thengappattanam estuary, a bar-built system of SW coast of India during 1994. Sharp halocline during pre- and post monsoon and near-limnetic condition during monsoon were characteristic of the estuary. Annual mean zooplankton density was highest at the gradient zone (3.65 x 103 nos/m3). The species diversity varied between 0.92 and 5.62. Species richness and evenness indicated absence of single species dominance. The spatial variance in density and diversity of plankton fauna remained strongly influenced by salinity distribution.