Diversity and composition of phytoplankton around Jaitapur coast, Maharashtra, India

The average phytoplankton density was observed to be highest during post-monsoon at inshore as well as offshore stations. Overall phytoplankton was comprised of Bacillariophyceae (81.4%), Dinophyceae (12%), Chrysophyceae (3%), Cyanophyceae (1.8%), Desmophyceae (2.9%) and Chlorophyceae (3.9%). A total of 86 species of phytoplankton belonging to 56 genera and 6 classes were recorded from offshore and inshore stations. A massive bloom of cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum was also sighted during the winter season. Dinoflagellates showed a peak during monsoon at inshore stations. Maximum values of diversity indices were recorded during winter at offshore and during pre-monsoon at inshore stations.