Ecology of Sandy Beach at Sancoale, Goa: Part I - Physical Factors Influencing Production of Macrofauna

91-97Physical factors limiting the production of the beach, especially during the monsoon season are discussed. Emerita holthuisi was the most important component of the macrofauna inhabiting this beach followed by Donax incarnatus and D. spiculum. Maximum biomass value of 160.6 g/m2 was recorded during the premonsoon month of March and the minimum of 0.26 g/m2 during the monsoon month of September. Population densities and distribution of the principal species are discussed and compared with other beaches. A low value for organic carbon in sand (0.09 to 0.15%) was recorded throughout the period of observation (October 1973 to September 1974). The beach was characterized by fine to medium sand (160 to < 300 µm) with no significant variation in the mean particle size during the year