Primary productivity of seaweeds in the lagoon of Minicoy atoll of Laccadive archipelago

Net primary production (NPP) of 10 commonly available seaweeds varied from 2 to 10 g C/m³/day. The NPP of Enteromorpha compressa and Hypnea valentiae were the highest and that of Caulerpapeltata was the lowest. The mean of NPP of these 10 seaweeds when measured individually was 5.68 g C/m³/d and that of all seaweeds incubated collectively registered 5.32 g C/m³/d. Hence it is presumed that the probable rate of NPP of seaweed community contributing to Minicoy lagoon is approximately 5g/C/m³/d. Except for C.peltata E.compressa and Gelidiella acerosa. The NPP of other species was higher at bottom than at the surface of the lagoon. The results obtained are discussed in the light of distribution of seaweed in Minicoy Lagoon.