Species diversity and distribution of marine bivalves from coastal transitional ecosystem of Uran, Navi Mumbai, India

摘要

In the present study, survey of marine bivalves for species diversity and distribution was done along three substations; Sheva creek, Peerwadi coast and Dharamtar creek of Uran (Raigad), Navi Mumbai, west coast of India. Marine bivalves were collected during spring low tides from intertidal regions and shallow coastal waters monthly from June 2013 to May 2015. Total 26 species of bivalves belonging to 18 genera, 8 families and 4 orders were recorded from Uran coast. Bivalves belonging to families Arcidae, Ostreidae, Pectinidae, Placunidae, Corbiculidae, Psammobiidae, Trapezidae and Veneridae were recorded during the study. Number of species of bivalves distributed in each family reveals that 12 species belongs to family Veneridae, 5 species to Arcidae, 3 species to Ostreidae and 2 species to Pectinidae. One species each were reported from families Placunidae, Corbiculidae, Psammobiidae and Trapezidae. Maximum species diversity of bivalves is recorded during post-monsoon and pre-monsoon from rocky substratum of Peerwadi coast and Dharamtar creek than open mud flats of Sheva creek. This could be attributed to the breeding period of bivalves and abundance of juveniles in post-monsoon season, stable environment factors such as dissolved oxygen and salinity and decomposition of organic sediments, and an abundance of food from decaying seagrass and organic sedimentary material. The variation in abundance of bivalves at Uran coast could result from anthropogenic activities of Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), port related establishments, reclamation, sedimentation, disposal of domestic sewage, industrial wastes, overharvesting, habitat loss, overfishing and tourism. This study reveals that bivalves from Uran coast are facing threat due to industrial pollution and anthropogenic activities.