01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-06-0335 |
| Title of Abstract | Phaeocystis bloom: An Emerging Threat to Coastal Waters of India |
| Authors | Ignatious Joseph*, Jagadeesan, L., Garbhapu Naveen Sagar, Akshara C, Sreelakshmi, M.H, Krishna Murukan, Helna Treesa N J, Naveen Panda, Tadi Satyanarayana Reddy, Nihal P |
| Organisation | CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography |
| Address | CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography R C Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Pincode: 530017 E-mail: ajayjoseph207@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The Phaeocystis is a cosmopolitan prymnesiophyte; it belongs to the harmful algal bloom category because of its adverse effects on the ecosystem. We have witnessed an outbreak of Phaeocystis globosa for three consecutive years. Detailed time series observations indicate the bloom formation begins during the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) and peaks in the middle of the NEM. Cool temperature, polyhaline salinity and moderate nitrate likely triggered the Phaeocystis bloom formation. A maximum of 652 colonies/L was reported during the peak bloom period. Phaeocystis blooms are recurrently documented worldwide, with continuous reports from the North Sea since 1948, the China Sea since 1997 and the coastal waters of Vietnam since 2002. During our investigation, bloom recurrence was reported in three consecutive years in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Considering the negative impacts of Phaeocystis bloom on surrounding organisms, thick foam accumulation along the coast, substantial economic losses, and even human mortalities imply the importance of their regular monitoring. East India Coastal Current (EICC) transports water masses from the northwestern BoB towards the south during the Northeast Monsoon period. This could spread bloom-favorable conditions further south and facilitate the expansion of Phaeocystis bloom in Bay of Bengal. Continuous monitoring and in-depth studies are essential to monitor bloom and their impacts on sustainability and ecological balance in the Bay of Bengal. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Phaeocystis bloom, Harmful algal bloom, Northwestern Bay of Bengal, Northeast monsoon, Winter cooling. |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 20-01-1995 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0174 |