Biofouling by Saccostrea cucullata - a major threat to mangroves of Vasishthi Estuary, Maharashtra

Abstract

Present work reports heavy biofouling by Saccostrea cucullata on mangroves of the Vasishthi Estuary. High heavy metal concentrations in the estuary could be the cause of proliferation of these oyster species. Field observations suggest physiological impairment of mangroves due to oyster biofouling, damaging their capacity to accrue sediments. Thus, biofouling by S. cucullata is not only a major threat to the mangrove forests in the Vasishthi Estuary, but also to the tidal flats which are a haven for diverse benthic community, organic carbon sinks and natural adsorbents of pollutants.