Biological Fouling at Port Kakinada, Godavari Estuary, India

摘要

Results of fouling investigations conducted for the first time at the fastdevelopingudintermediate port of Kakinada in Godavari Estuary, Andhra Pradeshudduring 1983-1984 are presented. The fouling species collected fromuddifferent structures and craft were identified and listed. Several of the speciesudare reported for the first time from the area and some are new records to the Bayudof Bengal. The main species are: the serpulid, Mercierella enigmatica; theudbarnacle, Balanus amphitrite; and the bryozoans, Electra bengalensis, Membraniporaudamoyensis, A lderina arabianensis, and Victorella pavida. Panel testsud(timber and glass; short- and long-term) were conducted at two selected stationsud(Station I: Kakinada canal, port area; Station II: new fishing harbor)udwith widely differing hydrographical conditions. The data obtained for oneudyear are presented. Variations in the nature and composition of the foulingudcommunities were found between the two stations. Station I, subjected toudextreme salinity fluctuations, typically supported a low number of highlyudtolerant (estuarine) species, whereas a high number of species and a moreudcomplex community structure were found at the more stable Station II. Dataudon seasonal settling patterns, fouling biomass fluctuations, and growth ratesudof important species are given and relevant comparisons made with otherudIndian harbors.