A survey of seaweeds in intertidal areas along the Veraval coast, of India

The western coast of Gujarat, India, specifically the Veraval coastal area, was the site of the present study, which is situated at ۲۰˚۵۴ N latitude and ۷۰˚۲۱ E longitude. It has a flat, rocky inter-tidal belt with numerous tidal pools and crevasses. Seaweeds were noticed intermittently; some species were only seen for brief periods, whereas others were obtainable for two to three months. From October ۲۰۲۰ to February ۲۰۲۲, seaweed was harvested from the inter-tidal zones during the experiments. Seaweeds were found during the study period, but they weren't always there. Some species were only observed for a brief time, and other species only appeared during a particular season. The species that were collected were taxonomically identified and categorized. A checklist of the species available was prepared along with their potential utilization. A total of ۸۳ species were identified throughout the investigation, with Rhodophyta having more species than Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta collectively. During the diversity survey, economically important species like Ulva lactuca, Ulva fasciata, Sargassum sp., and Caulerpa sp., were reported. Among them, Ulva lactuca, Sargassum sp. was highly dominated followed by Gracilaria spp.

Keywords:

species diversity , potential utilization , SEAWEEDS , checklist , Veraval