Nowshad, M; Dr.Kuttyamma, V J; Dr.Menon,N R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, January , 1998)
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Abstract:
The present study aims at surveying the coral lagoons of four islands viz.
Kavarathi, Kalpeni, Kadmat and Agathi, which include quantitative survey of the
major benthic forms using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) technique and
hydrographical study of these lagoon waters The distribution of PHC in the
lagoons has also been followed to understand, the effects of introduction of flat
bottomed ferry boats to the islands.From a biological monitoring stand point for the assessment of manmade disturbance of the coral reefs, it IS highly essential to identify faunal assemblages which will contain 'flag-stones' specIes as indicators of such disturbances. Among the known faunal assemblages In coral reefs the most
diverse groups of sensitive species belongs to bryozoan assemblage. Therefore, the
most common species of bryozoans distributed along the atolls and reef flats
were collected and described in this work Along with this, bryozoans
associated with coral from other parts of Indian ocean have also been added so as
to provide a comprehensive picture of the distribution of bryozoans in the coral
reefs.
Description:
Department of Marine Biology, Cochin University of Science and Technology