Publications

Kumar, PS; Kumaraswami, M; Ezhilarasan, P; Rao, GD; Sivasankar, R; Rao, VR; Ramu, K (2020). Blooming of Gonyaulax polygramma along the southeastern Arabian Sea: Influence of upwelling dynamics and anthropogenic activities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, 151, 110817.

Abstract
The influence of upwelling on the phytoplankton community was examined during the upwelling-relaxation period in the southeastern Arabian Sea. Elevated upwelling intensity during the summer monsoon season of 2016 resulted in the re-suspension of harmful dinoflagellates into the surface water. Further, the surplus of phosphorus (P) inputs into the coastal waters from estuarine runoff during the upwelling-relaxation period induced blooming of Gonyaulax polygramma (4.9 x 10(6) cells L-1). Results from canonical correspondence analysis revealed that elevated upwelling intensity, P and salinity during the year 2016 likely triggered the bloom of G. polygramma in the study region. HABs like G. polygramma threaten fish stocks such as sardines which have a vital role in the ecosystem. Studies on phytoplankton communities and nutrient dynamics in upwelling systems would be useful in predicting the incidence/toxic effects of harmful algal blooms as these regions have a high potential for fisheries.

DOI:
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110817

ISSN:
0025-326X