Abstract

The diversity and abundance of common seaweeds from six different stations along the Quilon coast of Kerala state was carried out in the current investigation. The selection of sampling stations (Thangassery, Sarppakuzhi, Thirumullavaram, Ozhukkuthodu Seashore, Sakthikulangara and Neendakara Seashore) was on the basis of different environmental conditions and magnitude of sea weed colonization. A total of 24 species were recorded as commonly occurring in this coast. There were 12 species of green seaweeds, 8 species of red seaweeds and 4 species of the brown seaweeds. In general comparatively greater algal density was observed during the month of August (181.73g) and September (192.23g) for which the major contributors were Ulva intestinalis, Chnoospora minima and Ulva fasciata. In the case of algal diversity, the maximum number (14 species) was observed during the month of December. Pearson correlation coefficients between seaweed biomass and water quality parameters were calculated by using SPSS 16 software.