Hydrodynamic variability and nutrient status structuring the mesozooplankton community of the estuaries along the west coast of India.

The influence of distinct tidal characteristics and nutrient status on mesozooplankton community was studied in six major estuaries along the west coast of India during the late-monsoon (MS) and post-monsoon (PM) periods. The macro-tidal estuaries in the north (Amba and Thane) exhibited higher nutrient concentration compared to the micro- and meso-tidal estuaries located in the south (Cochin and Nethravati) and central (Zuari and Mandovi) west coast of India. The markedly higher nitrate and phosphate levels in the macro-tidal estuaries during PM indicated anthropogenic contributions from domestic and industrial effluents, which significantly impacted the mesozooplankton community structure.