L - Cochin University of Science and Technology

5.1. Introduction
5.2. Results
5.2.1. Biomass of macro be nth os
5.2. J. 1. Post-monsoon
5.2.1.2. Pre-monsoon
5.2.2. Density of macro be nth os
5.2.2.1. Post-monsoon
5.2.2.2. Pre-monsoon
5.2.3. Biomass ofmeiobenthos
5.2.3.1. Posl-monsoon
5.2.3.2. Pre-monsoon
5.2.4. Density ofmeiobenthos
5.2.4. I. Post-monsoon
5.2.4.2. Pre-monsoon
5.2.5. Seasonal comparison
5.3. Di!i'cussion
5.4. References
5.1. Introduction
Chapter 5.
Standing Stock
It is well recognized that benthic production is a tool for measurmg the
hiological productivity of an area. Estimation of standing stock of henthos is
important for the assessment of demersal fishery resources, as they form an important
source of food for demersal fishes and shellfishes. Benthic organisms have an
important role in the food chain, either at secondary level as feeding detritus and
plant material or at tertiary level as food for predators. Hence, the availability of
benthos at any region can be an indicator of demersal fishery potential of that area.
The standing crop of macrobenthos is not only important to the demersal fishes
which directly feed on them, but also to many pelagic species that restrict to shallow
waters during some period of their life. Also, benthic organisms have been regarded
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