Lobster sea cage farming and its influence on phytoplankton diversity in evolving aquatic environments

Tade, Mayur Shivdas and Divu, D and Mojjada, Suresh Kumar and Abdul Azeez, P and Swathi Lekshmi, P S and Subramanian, Aarsha and Gopalakrishnan, A (2024) Lobster sea cage farming and its influence on phytoplankton diversity in evolving aquatic environments. In: Book of Abstracts 13th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum 2024. ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, p. 710. ISBN 81-85482-62-4

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Abstract

Assessing the ecological impact of sea cage farming on phytoplankton diversity and water quality is crucial for sustainable cage culture production. Despite previous attempts, conclusive insights into these changes remain elusive. Our study focuses on the ecological impact of spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus) sea cage farming on water quality changes, particularly phytoplankton species and diversity. Study was conducted of for 1 year period (September 2020 to August 2021) at Veraval in Northwest coast of India, where spiny lobster capture-based aquaculture is being practiced. Identification of 47 phytoplankton species from 41 genera showcased dominance by Bacillariophyceae (76.5%) and Dinophyceae (23.5%). Phytoplankton diversity (Shannon) analysis revealed a decline during the cage culture period (H’=3.19) at the experimental site, in contrast to the reference location (H’=3.45). Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were recorded to significantly impacted diversity and abundance (P ≤ 0.05). Key species positively correlated with TSS included Chaetoceros sp., Cyclotella sp., Rhizosolenia robusta, Skeletonema costatum, Thallassiophyxix palmeriana, Navicula sp., and Thallasiothrix frauenfeldii. Conversely, Biddulphia sinensis, Coscinodiscus excentricus, Ditylum brightwelli, Lithodesmium sp., Rhizosolenia alata, and six others exhibited negative correlations. Understanding the impact of phytoplankton abundance on the sea cage culture site is crucial, as it significantly influences the ecosystem in which the mariculture activity been carriedout. The study emphasizes the need for meticulous assessments plankton diversity before intensifying sea cage farming activities for sustainable mariculture development.

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