Seasonal variation in the distribution of chlorophyll a
in the surface water of the study area showed maximum during
the summer and premonsoon seasons and minimum during the
monsoon season. Chlorophyll concentration and primary
productivity remained high during the summer months
coinciding with the maximum population density. The negative
correlation obtained between the nutrient and the
phytoplankton population density indicates the utilization of
nutrients by the phytoplankton. Though some nutrient load is
expected to be there in the coastal waters by the release of
aquaculture effluents, the levels of different nutrient were within
the normal limits probably due to the utilization by the
phytoplankton and other primary producers. However, if the
nutrient levels increase beyond the normal limits, there is
always the possibility for the initiation of harmful algal blooms.