Study of Intertidal Sediment Pattern along with Macrobenthos Diversity at Bhavnagar Coast, Gujarat

The study examined intertidal sediment patterns and macrobenthos diversity along the Bhavnagar coast in Gujarat, India, from July 2022 to February 2023, highlighting the importance of the coastal ecosystem in supporting diverse macro-benthic communities. Based on the intertidal zone habitats and coastal morphology, the following sampling sites were selected - Hathab (muddy), Sartanpar (Estuary), Gadhula (mangrove), Gopnath (rocky) and Mahuva (sandy). During the study period, 59 species were recorded from five different sites in the selected site, including 1 Cnidaria species, 42 molluscan species, 13 arthropod species and 3 Helminths species. The species frequency, density and abundance showed significance difference across three seasons. Gadhula having highest species frequency, density and abundance all over the other study area. The fauna's frequency, abundance and density were positively correlated with soil electrical conductivity, pH, organic carbon, organic matter and nitrogen content, but negatively correlated with soil moisture, temperature and exchangeable calcium. Research on ecological role and the contribution to ecosystem of key macrobenthic species is important for coastal management and its protection. It tells about the present monitoring effects and conservation measures taken for both sediment pattern and macrobenthic diversity to make Bhavnagar coast system sustainable.