Marine Fish Biodiversity of Nellore District, South East Coast of Andhra Pradesh, India

Author: Chenji Venkatrayulu and Vardi Venkateswarlu

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Abstract

This study on marine fish diversity is aimed to assess and understand the composition, distribution and abundance of fish species in a specific marine ecosystem of Nellore coast. Marine species diversity was studied along the coast of the Bay of Bengal from two selected fish landing stations, Nelaturu and Krishnapatnam (Arcotpalem) in the Nellore coast of Andhra Pradesh, Southeast coast of India during the period October, 2020 to October, 2022. Andhra Pradesh has a diverse marine ecosystem and the state is one of the major fish producers in India. The most diverse fish communities are found in the shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons. The rich marine fish diversity in Andhra Pradesh highlights the importance of sustainable management and conservation of its marine resources for both ecological and socio-economic reasons. Throughout the study, various sampling methods were employed by the fishermen to collect fish samples and taxonomic identification was carried out to categorize the species. During the study period, 124 species from 33 orders and 58 families were identified except Deepsea fishes. The coastal areas of Nellore district, located on the Bay of Bengal, are also known for their abundant and diverse marine resources. The diversity of fish species in Nellore is influenced by a range of environmental factors, including temperature, salinity, ocean currents and nutrient availability. Anthropogenic disturbances and climatic changes have been identified as factors influencing fish population and diversity. As a result, it is critical to conserve marine biodiversity along Andhra Pradesh's Nellore coast. Biodiversity is part of fundamental research which helps the surveyors to analyse the migrating patterns and classify them under the various conservation lists. The current study also recorded the IUCN status of 124 marine species in various categories of conservation status.

Keywords

Marine fisheries, Marine organisms, Bio-diversity, Conservation, IUCN status, Nellore

Conclusion

The research on marine fish diversity on the Nellore coast has provided vital insights into the region's diverse aquatic ecosystems. We discovered a broad array of fish species through extensive sampling and analysis, demonstrating the importance of the Nellore coast as a hotspot for marine biodiversity. The study discovered a great diversity of fish species in coastal waters, ranging from small reef-dwelling species to huge migratory species. This diversity emphasises the significance of preserving and conserving maritime environments along the Nellore coast in order to ensure the long-term viability of these species. The study also gave light on the ecological interactions and trophic dynamics of the marine ecosystem. We gained a better knowledge of the functions of various fish species in maintaining the ecosystem's balance and stability by analysing the food web and examining their feeding habits. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective conservation strategies and management plans for the marine resources of the Nellore coast. The conservation of these coastal waters' biodiversity and habitats is critical not only for the health of the fish populations, but also for the lives of the local residents that rely on these resources. Overall, this work provides a platform for future research and emphasizes the significance of ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to protect the environment.

References

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How to cite this article

Chenji Venkatrayulu and Vardi Venkateswarlu (2023). Marine Fish Biodiversity of Nellore District, South East Coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 264-272.