| 1 | Ecology of mangrove swamps of the Mandovi estuary, Goa, India The mangroves in the Mandovi Estuary of Goa, India have distinct zones, which differ in environment, species composition and growth. A mangrove swamp at Orda and fringing mangroves at Ribandar has been studied during monsoon season from June to October 1972. Orda mangrove swamp is about 3 km from the estuary and is connected to it by an outlet. The substratum of the swamp is loose, with a black peat and humus. Tidal amplitude is 1.5 m and wave action is weak. Among phytoplankton, 19 different species were found and the average cell count was high. The density of mangrove species was 19 plants/10 m2. Ribandar mangrove has hard substratum, with lateritic sand mixed with silt. Tidal range is about 2 m, and wave action is mild. The density of mangrove flora is 7 plants/10 m2. The intertidal and benthic macrofauna are found in 5 different zones. There are 10 species of phytoplankton with lesser mean count. Thus the Orda swamp has higher productivity with a large number of associated plants and animals in contrast to the fringing mangroves where productivity is lower and the dominant species is Rhizophora only Source: Dwivedi, S.N.; Parulekar, A.H.; Goswami, S.C.; Untawale, A.G. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biology and Management of Mangroves. Vol. 1. Walsh, G.E. ; Snedaker, S.C.; Teas, H.J. eds. 1975; 115-125. 0071. | ||
| 2 | The Pitchavaram (India) mangrove ecosystem The mangrove biome brings together the terrestrial (forest), marine, freshwater and brackishwater ecosystems. The external sources of energy input to the mangrove ecosystems are (1) through solar radiation, (2) through the organic matter contained in the run off draining into it, (3) through rainfall, and (4) through the flow of tidal water from the adjoining seas. The dynamic functioning of the mangrove ecosystem depends upon energy inputs and the metabolism of the ecosystem components. The components respsonsible for community metabolism can be recognised: (i) the communities dependent upon or associated with mangrove vegetation (including the bird community, ant community, crab community, fouling and boring communities); (ii) the semiaquatic communities (such as intertidal and mudflat communities); and (iii) the aquatic-communities (include planktonic, nektonic and benthic communities). The links of energy flow in the ecosystem includes (1) the nutrient cycling and regeneration from additional source, like litter biodeterioration; (2) the quantum of freshwater drainage into the ecosystem and their regulation, and the effect of tidal energy input; (3) the organic matter and nutrient export to the neighbouring ecosystem mainly the marine ecosystem, through tidal ebb and flow; (5) gaseous exchange between the atmosphere and the biotic components of ecosystem chiefly through photosynthesis, and the energy transfer at the air-water interface; and (5) the harvestable living resources from mangrove forest and from the associated waterways Source: Krishnamurthy, K.; Jeyaseelan, M.mJ.P. Int. J. Ecol. Environ. Sci.. 9(2); 1983; 79-85. 0171. | ||
| 3 | Zooplankton of the mangrove ecosystem This paper describes the zooplankton community in Goa, India with particular reference to those found within and around the mangrove areas. Zooplankton abundance depends on the food availability. The estuarine zooplankton species are adapted to tolerate salinity and high sediment and detritus content. The first peak of zooplankton abundance occurs during September/October and the second peak in April/May. The true mangrove zooplankton shows eco-physiological adaptions. Zooplankton of the mangrove swamps served as an ideal nursery of commercial species Source: Goswami, S.C. 2nd Introductory Training Course on Mangrove Ecosystems, Goa, India, November 1 - 25, 1984: Report of the Training Course. UNDP/UNESCO Reg. Proj. RAS/79/002. 1984; 77-79. 0215. | ||
| 4 | Trophic relationships in mangrove ecosystems This paper summarises the tropical relationships of the mangrove community at three major levels. The mangrove originates detritus, the setritivores and omnivores and the carnivores. In addition there are intermediary levels like the decay stage where the microbial action on detritus and leaves take place and the primary, secondary production levels which occur in mangrove swamps. The structure and function of tropical mangrove food web and the details of the mechanism, the importance of various groups and percentage significance and conversion to the trophic levels are worked out Source: Rao, T.S.S.; Nair, S.R.S. 2nd Introductory Training Course on Mangrove Ecosystems, Goa, India, November 1 - 25, 1984: Report of the Training Course. UNDP/UNESCO Reg. Proj. RAS/79/002. 1984; 87-91. 0217. | ||
| 5 | Studies on mangrove ecosystems of Godavari and Krishna Estuaries Andhra Pradesh, India Mangroves are very specialized forest ecosystems found at the land-sea interface of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world bordering the sheltered sea coasts and estuaries. These forest systems are dominated by the salt tolerant halophytic seed plants that range in size from tall trees to shrubs and being restricted to the intertidal belts, which are exposed ability to function in poorly oxygenated, water-logged saline habitats. Mangrove ecosystems are economically significant and commercially important for their forestry products (ranging from firewood, timber and construction materials to tannins) and fisheries. Mangroves stabilize the coastal shoreline, render protection to the landmass from tidal surges, cyclonic storms and high winds. Mangrove ecosystems are inhabited by innumerable taxa of invertebrates and vertebrate fauna, illustrating the high productivity of the ecosystem. Mangrove forests provide nutritional inputs to adjacent shallow channels and bay systems that constitute the primary habitat of a large number of aquatic species viz. finfish, prawns, crabs, molluscs of commercial importance. Further the culture and capture fisheries are ultimately dependent upon a common resource sustained by the estuarine mangrove ecosystem, which is recognized as world's most potential nursery. It is now a realized fact that the mangrove ecosystems, if properly managed, can satisfy multiple resource made on a sustainable basis. With proper management, biologists believe that the economic benefits from these mangrove forests can be optimised Source: Murty, K.V.R.; Rao, B.K. Curriculum Workshop on Management of Mangrove Ecosystem and Coastal Protection. 1993; 1-33. 0827.
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