Tidal and diel influence on zooplankton occurrence in the Mandovi estuary, Goa

Distribution and abundance of zooplankton over the tidal cycle were studied in the Mandovi estuary, Goa, during August and December 1971 and May 1972. Tide induced salinity fluctuations were obvious with high values during spring tides. Salinity was low during August, apparently due to precipitation and land run off but increased subsequently. The mean biomass values for the day and night collections were 13.6 and 19.8 ml/100 m super(3) respectively. Occurrence of most of the zooplankton taxa and species was related to diel rhythm and tidal oscillations. However, overall mean zooplankton standing stock at both the stations were same (16.3 ml/100 m super(3)) indicating that estuarine zooplankton maintained their position during tidal exchanges. Variations in occurrence of common groups and species of zooplankton over the tidal cycle are discussed.