Temporal variations in phytoplankton assemblages at dol net fishing grounds of major tidal creeks of Maharashtra, India

Phytoplankton dynamics plays a vital role in determining the productivity of any coastal ecosystem. In this study, temporal variability in phytoplankton composition and diversity was assessed with respect to the physico-chemical parameters of water in major dol net fishing grounds of two spatially adjacent tidal creeks (Thane and Vasai) of Maharashtra. The phytoplankters identified belonged to 84 and 69 species in Thane and Vasai creeks, respectively.