AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SEAWEEDS ON COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

Seaweeds (macroalgae) play a key role in coastal ecosystems by providing space for marine microorganisms and higher organisms, as a nursery ground for fishes and maintain the overall biodiversity structure. Seaweeds are also considered as major primary producers in the reef ecosystems and form an important part of trophic structure. For environmental monitoring programme, seaweeds are used as good bioindicators to assess the pollutant level in marine waters. Besides, many seaweed species have phytochemicals and attain economic significance. This chapter describes the ecological significance of seaweed communities in coastal ecosystems and discusses the need for conservation of seaweed beds.