Continental shelf islands of the Konkan coast

Abstract

The Arabian Sea Islands are broadly divided into three groups: (1) Saurashtra group, (2) Konkan group, and (3) the Laccadive group. The Konkan group, comprising of 36 continental or nearshore islands, extend from Lat. 18° 55' N to 12° 51' N and Long. 71°, 50'E to 74° 50' E. The islands, in general, influence the coastal environments, hydrology, nutrient cycle, production at various tropic levels, distribution, abundance and reproduction of marine organisms. In spite of their importance and proximity to the mainland, the continental shelf islands of the Konkan have remained unexplored and very little scientific information is available. For the last two years, these islands are being studied under a special project, namely 'Investigations of the Arabian Sea Islands', sponsored by the Indian National Science Academy. The islands have been investigated as a single ecological unit in which the geological formations, floristic composition and faunal assemblages have been described. The paper suggests the broad classification of these ecosystems and also discusses the commercially important marine algae and animal resources.