An appraisal of the biotic and abiotic factors of the mangrove ecosystem in the Cochin backwater, Kerala

In view of the significance of the mangrove areas for coastal aquaculture, a reconnaissance survey of the mangrove areas in the Cochin estuarine system was undertaken during 1976-78. The mangroves of Cochin are formative, mostly developing on small reclaimed or natural islands. Environmental characters showed considerable seasonal fluctuations, especially the salinity which in some of the natural ponds in the mangrove area varied from freshwater condition to high saline, mainly due to the monsoonal and tidal influence. The rate of primary production ranged from 0.02 to 2.0 gC/m'/ day which fluctuated from the ambient waters of the estuary.