Author(s): Sonali S Mhaddolkar, Jayasree Loka, KK Philipose and AP Dineshbabu

Abstract: A study was undertaken on the fouling pattern, monthly settlement and species dominance at marine cage culture during the year 2014-2015. The net panels deployed at three different depths during December 2014 and the study was carried out for seven months. The study revealed wide variations in colonization of the bio-foulers, the density varied between 2-260/cm². The overall density was found to be more in bottom panels (6mt) compared to the top (1mt) and middle panels (3mt). The overall dominant species were hydroids and barnacles throughout the culture period. In the top panels, hydroids were dominant (91.67%) during December, followed by barnacles and amphipods. Additionally, complete dominance of barnacles was observed in the middle panel during May. Barnacles were found dominant (93.75%) on the bottom panels during March, followed by hydroids and crabs. The study underscored that barnacles formed a major contribution of the fouling organisms throughout the culture period. Significant variation in the occurrence and abundance of fouling organisms was observed, between the depths at cage site.

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