Abstract

Primary Productivity is the process by which inorganic forms of carbon are synthesized by living organisms into simple organic compounds. Most carbon on Earth is in inorganic oxidized forms such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), bicarbonate (HCO₃-), and carbonate (CO₃). Inorganic carbon must be chemically reduced to form the organic molecules which are the building blocks of life and the mechanism by which energy is stored in living organisms. Eritrea’s coastal and marine ecosystems are characterized by rich and diverse coral reefs, isolated mangrove forests, sea-grass beds, bays, beaches and pristine unpolluted waters that are at the critical juncture between development and conservation. These ecosystems represent a physical resource base for the potentially rich and unexploited marine fisheries. This study is basically aimed at the measurement of primary productivity in relation to fisheries. The study results will also high light the plankton assemblage of a coastal environment and this study will also examine the productivity of the coastal environment.

Keywords: Primary production; Phytoplankton; Winkler method; Massawa coast