STUDIES ON ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE ARABIAN
SEA DURING THE WINTER MONSOON SPRING, 2004
REPORT
FORV SAGAR SAMPADA CRUISE # 224
Submitted to
Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology
(DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT)
Kochi.16
April-May, 2004
Agencies Participated
National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi. 14
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. 14
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORV Sagar Sampada Cruise No.224 report.
CONTENTS
 List of participants
 Highlights at a glance
 Summary
1. Introduction
2. Study Area
3. Parameters of Measurements
4. Results
4.1. Environment and Productivity studies
4.1.1. Physical Oceanography
4.1.2. Chemical Oceanography
4.1.3. Biological Oceanography
4.2. Survey of Marine Mammals
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORV Sagar Sampada Cruise No.224 report.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
ANNEXURE-I
National Institute of Oceanography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Dr. Rosamma Stephen,
Mr.Sabu.p
Mr. K.R.Muraleedharan
Mr.Rejomon George,
Miss.Josia Jacob
Miss. Jasmine.p
Mr.Habeebrehman.H
Mrs.Rajalekshmi
Miss.Priayaja.P
Chief Scientist
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow
Central Marine Fisheries research Institute
10. Mr.K.S.S.M.Yousuf. P
Research Fellow
Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology/DOD
11.Mr.K.A.Renjan
11.Mr. S.B.Prakash
12.Mr.V.Binoy
13.Mr.Pradeep Kumar.V.K
Fishing master (jr)
Fishing Hand
Fishing Hand
Fishing Hand
Norinco Private Limited
14. Mr.Biju V.Nair
15. Mr.Sudheesh Kurian
16.Mr.Benny J.Panakkal
17.Mr.Ratheesh
Service Engineer
Service Engineer
Service Engineer
Service Engineer
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORV Sagar Sampada Cruise No.224 report.
Highlights at a glance
Cruise details
Goa-Kochi (April 11 –May 4, 2004)
Total number of days of operation
19
Total number of Stations
18
Routine Stations
11
CTD operation
142 (Routine + Diurnal stations)
Primary Productivity (in situ mooring)
7
Plankton bio mass sampling stations (MPN)
47
Phytoplankton (WPN)
26
Bongo net operation
42
Grab operation
11
Marine mammal studies
all days through visual sighting
Meteorological parameters acquisition
(Wind speed, direction)
all stations
Species identification (Samples collected)
for bloom stations
Blooms observed
3 stations
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORV Sagar Sampada Cruise No.224 report.
SUMMARY
Cruise 224 began on 11-04-04 and the stations commenced from from 13-0404(Lat17° N, Long 69°E). CTD, MPN, Bongo, WPN, were operated 1505. In the
Diurnal stations primary production study was undertaken. At the coastal,
oceanic, and diurnal stations, WPN was operated as envisaged. Algal blooms
were observed in latitude off Goa and off Bombay. Preliminary identification was
not possible due to the absence of microscope. However, ostracods were
abundant in these samples.
Initial reports from the participants under different objectives are enclosed .By
the collective effort of the scientists. DOD personals and Norinco enabled quick
and effective samplings at all stations. The quick execution of operations at
each station and excellent time management of the Fishing master is
commendable. The master and other officers offered full cooperation and we
could complete the cruise as envisaged and could save time. The effective
participation is highly appreciated.
I. INTRODUCTION
The present Sagar Sampada cruise 224 aims to study Environmental
Parameters, Primary and Secondary Productivity in the Arabian Sea during the
Winter Monsoon Spring. In addition, data was also collected on Marine
Mammals as a part of studies conducted by Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute-Kochi. The cruise started on 11-04-04 at 1700 hrs from Goa. The vessel
reached first station (Latitude 17°N.Longitude 69°E) on 13th April at 1100 Hrs.
5
Till 01.05.04, observations envisaged four transects covering 18
stations (7 Diurnal in situ mooring and 11 Routine stations) and two additional
grab
stations
were
successfully
completed.
Studies
covered
measurements on physical parameters, Chemical parameters, and
Biological parameters.
CTD casts as well as the collection of water
samples at standard depths were made use to generate data. Primary
productivity studies were accomplished through in situ moorings to obtain
results of ambient conditions. Multiple Plankton Net (MPN) and Bongo nets
were operated at all stations for the collection of zooplankton. WP Net
was operated at diurnal station for the collection of bioluminescent
phytoplankton. Watching of marine mammals was done through out the
cruise
Collection of data on environmental parameters and productivity patterns
Physical
1.Collection of CTD data
2.Collection of Surface Met data.
3.ADCP
Chemical
1. PH
2. Dissolved Oxygen
3.Nutrients
Biological
1.Primary Productivity Studies.
6
2.Secondary productivity (Meso and Micro zooplankton).
3.Survey of Marine mammals
2. STUDY AREA AND STATION POSITIONS
22
15
21
15
15
20
24
GUJARAT
15
1 51 6
15
17
15
18
15
15
19
22
VERAVAL
10
12
11
15
15
15
13
15
15
14
20
BOMBAY
08
09
15
07
15
15
06
15
05
15
RATNAGIRI
g2
16
g1
LATITUDE(°N)
18
GOA
14
12
10
8
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
LONGITUDE(°E)
- Diurnal stations
 - Routine stations
g1&g2 - Grab stations
7
PARAMETERS FOR MEASUREMENT
Physical Parameters:
Temperature, salinity, density profile
Wind
Current
Chemical Parameters:
PH
Dissolved oxygen
Nutrients Analysis
Biological Parameters:
Primary Productivity (C14, POC & Chl a)
Zooplankton bio mass (Bongo &MPN)
Phytoplankton Species identification
Marine mammals observations
Qualitative and Quantitative distribution
8
4. RESULTS
4.1. Environment & Productivity Studies
4.1.1. Physical Oceanography
Mr. Sabu. P and Mr. Muraleedharan
During the cruise 224, 18collections from different stations (running & Diurnal)
were taken. CTD were operated in all stations and processed all the data with a bin
average of 1m depth. The wind speed and direction is calculated using Anemometer
and humidity is also found using the Psychrometer.Surface meteorological parameters
including SST were measured manually and compared it with the data from automated
Integrated Data Acquisition Software (IDAS). The data’s of wind speed and direction is
also correlated with the data from automated Integrated Data Acquisition Software
(IDAS). Also, values for Air temperature, Atmospheric pressure & Solar radiation are
retrieved from IDAS.The salinity values from the CTD were compared with values
obtained from the ship borne Autosal. By visual observation, the identification of
different layer clouds and its coverage was done for all the stations. The data of wind
speed and direction for the whole cruise at 3-hour interval is also tabulated separately
for the identification of wind track. The velocity and the direction of the surface currents
to a depth of 400 m are recorded by narrow band 150 KHz ADCP (Acoustic Doppler
Current Profiler) and data is retrieved.
Highlights Of Quick Results
The weather conditions during the cruise period were characterized by
Northerly with an average speed of 5.03 m/s. Air temperature shows a strong
diurnal signal, varying from 27.3°C during night to around 29.5.3°C at noon. The
atmospheric pressure varies from 1005.9 mb, to 1010.34 mb. The average sea
surface temperature was 28.5°c. The horizontal distributions of air temperature,
sea surface temperature, wind speed, mixed layer depth as shown in the figure
.
9
Sea surface temperature (°C)
22
21
21
LATITUDE (°N)
LATITUDE (°N)
Air temperature (°C)
22
20
19
18
17
66
20
19
18
68
70
72
74
17
66
76
68
LONGITUDE (°E)
72
74
76
Mixed layer depth (m)
22
21
21
20
Reference Vectors
3
8
19
18
LATITUDE (°N)
LATITUDE (°N)
Wind speed (m/s)
22
17
66
70
LONGITUDE (°E)
20
19
18
68
70
72
74
LONGITUDE (°E)
76
17
66
68
70
72
74
76
LONGITUDE (°E)
10
4.1.2. Chemical Oceanography
REJO MON GEORGE & JOSIA JACOB
Around 300 water samples were collected from different preplanned stations
with a two-degree latitudinal grid and one-degree longitudinal grid along the
Northern Arabian Sea. Sampling was done using CTD rosette sampler fitted with
1.8 liters Niskin bottles. Water samples for dissolved oxygen were collected first
and were fixed with Winkler A and Winkler B reagents immediately after
collection and were kept for more than 12 hours before titrimetric analysis
(Winkler’s method). Nutrients (Nitrate, Phosphate, Silicate and Nitrite) were
analyzed by using the segmented flow Autoanalyser (SKALAR) onboard. pH was
done by using a pH Meter.
4.1.3. Biological Oceanography
Mr.HabeebRehman.H, P.Priyaja, Jasmine.P and Rajalekshmi.S
The Cruise No. 224 (11-04-2004 to 3-03-2004) of FORV Sagar Sampada
commenced from Goa and ended at Kochi. During the cruise, 18 stations
(Includes 7 diurnal in situ mooring and 11 routine stations) were covered
spreading over 5 transects viz. 16°N, 17°N, 18 °N, 19°’N,20, 21& 22°N, and
longitude 66°- 73.° E, in the Arabian Sea of Indian EEZ during the winter monsoon
spring.
Primary Productivity - c14
The parameters studied were the estimation of primary production using
14C
– technique, Chlorophyll a, Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) and
phytoplankton samples for qualitative and quantitative studies. Primary
production by
14C
technique, Chlorophyll a, and Particulate Organic Carbon
11
(POC) were estimated by standard methods and the water samples were
collected from seven standard depths such as 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 & 120 meters.
Primary productivity studies were conducted at 7 stations using
14C
technique (in situ incubation-Mooring). Seawater samples were collected before
sunrise from seven depths, 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 & 120 meters using 1.8 liters Niskin
bottles and Water samples were immediately sieved through 200-µm plankton
net to remove large sized zooplankton and transferred to 300ml capacity
Nalgene bottles. After the inoculation 1ml of NaH14CO3 (activity 5µC) the light
and dark bottles were deployed in a mooring system for 12 hrs. The experiments
were terminated by filtering the samples on to 47mm Whatman GF/F filters
(nominal pore size 0.7 µm) and the filters were showed to HCl fumes to remove
inorganic carbon and kept in 5ml capacity scintillation vials for later isotopic
analysis in the lab.
For the estimation of chlorophyll a, one-liter seawater was collected
(seven depths 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 & 120 meters) and filtered after adding few
drops of Magnesium carbonate. This was filtered through 47mm Whatman GF/F
filters.
For the estimation of particulate organic carbon, 1 litter of seawater
(seven depths, 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 & 120 meters) was filtered. These samples will
be analysed in the shore lab.
For Particulate organic carbon one litre each water samples from the
above said seven standard depths, filtered through Whatman GF/F (Nominal
pore size 0.7µm) filter papers and wrapped with the aluminium foil for further
analysis in the onshore lab. 250 ml of water samples collected for qualitative and
quantitative study of phytoplankton, from the standard depths and fixed in 3%
Lugol‘s iodine and preserved in 4% formaline and kept it in a refrigerator for
identification and counting of different taxonomic groups in onshore lab at NIO.
12
Secondary Productivity
Zooplanktons samples were collected with a Multiple Plankton
Net (MPN – HYDROBIOS - mesh size 200 micron and mouth area 0.25 m 2). The net
is designed to take collections from five discrete layers depending on ones own
choice. It has a pressure sensor and motor unit attached to the net frame, which
can be triggered with the CTD cable with the help of a command unit, which is
onboard the vessel. Throughout the present study, MPN collections were made
at different slandered depths such as 1000 -500 m, 500-300 m, 300-BT (bottom of
the thermocline), BT-TT (top of the thermocline), and TT- 00 (mixed layer) where
ever depth permitted. The hauling speed of MPN was limited to one meter per
second. In shallow waters, mixed layer and sub bottom samples are alone
made. Horizontal tows were made using Bongo nets at subsurface layers in most
of the stations with a view to study the fish eggs and larvae of the area. Bongo
nets were operated at 2-knot speed for 10 minutes duration. Samples collected
were preserved in 4% formalin-seawater
Salient observation made onboard
Zooplankton
 Preliminary observation of the zooplankton samples reveal
that the
biomass distribution in general offer a pronounced decreasing trend from
mixed layer through thermocline layer, bottom of the thermocline-300 m,
from 300-500 m, and from 500-1000 m (Table). About 82% of the total
biomass volume was found to be supported by the mixed layer and
thermocline layer. Mixed layer alone accounted around 70% of the
secondary standing stock.
13
 Maximum bongo collection observed was observed in station No. 1495
(Latitude 13o 0.16N, Longitude. 73o 53.26E) in which there was a rich
collection of bioluminescence of Ostracods was noticed.
 The minimum collection of bongo net at station NO.1484 (Latitude 10o
0.03N, Longitude. 71o 0.15E), which may me be due to the vertical
migration, since the collection was made during the daytime.
 A big swarms Chaetognaths (Multispecies) were noticed at Latitude 21o
59.82’ N, Longitude66o 1.20’ E and Latitude 022o 0.11’ N, Longitude 67o
59.45’
 Bioluminescence of Ostracods were observed in both MPN and BONGO
net, in most of the night collections. Coincident occurrence of pteropods
with ostracods swarms also observed.
 Extensive Trichodesmium blooms were observed Off Goa& Bombay
Qualitative studies on Phytoplankton
The samples were collected from seven depths, 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 & 120
meters. The collected samples were For qualitative estimation, 250ml of seawater
was collected from 7 stations using CTD rosette. preserved in Lugol’s Iodine with
few of formalin. The qualitative and quantitative study of the Phytoplankton will
be done at the shore lab.
14
Collection of Micro zooplankton
Eight liters of seawater was collected from 7 stations each using CTD
rosette. The samples were collected from 9 depths, 0, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100, 120, 150,
& 200 meters. The collected samples were preserved in Lugol’s Iodine solution
with 3% formalin. The qualitative and quantitative study of the Micro zooplankton
is to be done at the shore lab.
Studies on Bioluminescence
Vertical Sampling for the study of bioluminescence were made with
the WP net from surface to 50m.. Collections were taken from diurnal stations.
The night collection showed blue bioluminescence.ostracods were abundant in
the
sample.
Other
components
included
copepods,
amphipods
and
chaetognaths. Detailed identification of the components was not possible
onboard due to the unavailability of microscope.
Table-1: Biomass distribution of zooplankton.
St.No.
Depth
Lat (N) Long (E) M
1505
17
70
1506
17.5
70
DH
2588 0-34
34-249
300-249
500-300
500-1000
3470 0-26
26-244
Biomass
1294
102
39
20
24
461
131
15
1506
1506b
1506C
1506D
1507
17
71
1508
17
72
1509
1510
17
18.5
73
71.5
1511
19
71
1512
19
70
1508B
1508C
1512 B
241-300
300-500
500-1000
0-30
30-233
233-300
300-500
500-1000
0-24
24-241
241-300
300-500
500-1000
0-15
15-214
214-300
300-500
500-1000
2540 0-33
33-222
222-300
300-500
500-1000
110 0-51
51-90
0-45
45-90
0-37
37-90
57 0-42
73 0-36
36-60
78 0-37
37-70
185 0-22
22-170
0-36
33.89
20
14
466
158
60
30
8
500
166
68
30
16
1333
141
47
20
12
363
63
26
10
8
235
154
1511
444
541
301
1619
1384
666
1405
242
272
81
166
16
1512C
1512D
1513
19
69
1514
19
68
1515
21
69.5
1516
21
69
21
68
1514B
1514C
1516B
1516C
1517
36-175
0-26
26-185
0-23
23-195
2700 0-34
34-286
286-300
300-500
500-1000
3500 0-29
29-289
289-500
500-1000
0-30
30-292
292-500
500-1000
0-26
26-292
292-500
500-1000
62 0-35
35-50
550 0-32
32-282
282-400
0-30
30-279
279-300
300-500
0-33
33-285
285-500
2500 0-37
37-334
334-500
173
308
151
173
186
882
95
142
4
12
1103
92
10
8
666
92
29
12
1384
38
9
8
114
3200
375
112
34
400
40
95
40
424
111
9
432
64
24
17
1517
1518
21
67
1519
21
66
1519B
1519C
1520
22
1520B
1520C
1521
22
67
1522
22
68
500-1000
2700 0-33
33-338
338-500
500-1000
4
434
79
12
4
2700 0-43
43-350
350-500
500-1000
0-40
40-332
332-500
500-1000
0-37
37-345
345-500
500-1000
66 2500 0-39
39-363
363-500
500-1000
0-37
37-377
377-500
500-1000
0-37
37-366
366-500
500-1000
1500 0-39
39-309
309-500
500-1000
121
0-26
26-90
372
130
13
4
600
96
60
8
756
130
13
8
769
185
5.8
2
1189
188
33
8
973
122
22
4
1641
133
10
60
769
187
18
Bongo collection-total number station covered
Station
No
1505
1506
1507
1508
1509
1510
1511
1512
1513
1514
1515
1516
1517
1518
1519
1520
1521
1522
Bongo A
3
34
27
13
55
18
120
10
30
32
78
7
22
12
62
6
14
5
Bongo B
Volume (ml)
3
32
23
7
37.5
13
90
8.5
34
36
76
5
16
8
70
22
16
8
4.2. STUDIES ON MARINE MAMMALS OF INDIAN EEZ AND CONTIGUOUS SEAS
K.S. Mohamed Yousuf, RF RC of CMFRI Visakhapatnam
As part of the project “Studies on marine mammals of Indian EEZ and contiguous seas,
Observation was carried out along the west coast of India. Observation was started at
Goa Sea on 12.13.2004 and ended at Mangalore coast on 01.05.04. The cruise in which
distribution of mammals, seasonal abundance, species compositions were observed
and so were environmental parameter such as depth, temperature, salinity and water
current. Very less No animals were sighted. Out of 20 days observation, about 8 days
19
only animals were sighted. Among mammals dolphin was only observed and other
mammal like whales, porpoise and dugong were not sighted. Approximately about
55dolphins of different species have been recorded at various coast located between
Goa and Mangalore
20
5. Table of operations
Station positions and parameters observed
Nos.
St. #
Lat & Long
Date
Met
CTD
PP
c14
Chl
A
POC
PHY
Nu
tri
MP
N
Bon
go
WPN
GRAB
1
1505
13.4.04











2
1506
A
1506
B
1506
C
1506
D
1507
16o59N
69o 82E
17°0.29N
69°59.11E
17°0.29N
69°59.11E
17°0.29N
69°59.11E
17°0.29N
69°59.11E
17°N
71°E
13.4.04










13.4.04










13.4.04










13.4.04











15.4.04











3
4
5
6



7
1508
A
16°59N
72°É
16.4.04











8
1508
B
16°59N
72°É
16.4.04











9
1508
C
16°59N
72°É
16.4.04











10
1509
17°N
73°E
15.4.04











11
1510
18°47N
73°E
18.4.04











12
1511
17.4.04











13
1512
A
1512
B
1512
C
1512
D
1513
19.4.04











19.4.04











19.4.04











19.4.04











21.4.04











27.4.04











27.4.04










27.4.04










14
15
16
17
18
19
20
1514
A
1514
B
1514
19°N
71°E
19°N
71°E
19°N
71°E
19°N
71°E
19°N
71°E
19°N
69°E
19°N
68°E
19°N
68°E
19°N


21
21
22
C
1515
25
1516
A
1516
B
1516
C
1517
26
1518
27
33
1519
A
1519
B
1519
C
1520
A
1520
B
1520
C
1521
34
1522
23
24
28
29
30
31
32
68°E
21°N
69°30E
21°N
69°E
21°N
69°E
21°N
69°E
21°N
68°E
21°N
69°E
21°N
66°E
21°N
66°E
21°N
66°E
22°N
66°E
22°N
66°E
22°N
66°E
22°N
67°E
22°N
68°E
21.4.04
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22.4.04
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22.4.04
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22.4.04
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23.4.04
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23.4.04
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24.4.04
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24.4.04
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24.4.04
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25.4.04
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25.4.04
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25.4.04
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26.4.04
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26.4.04
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1. Suggestions, Recommendations
The cruise was completed successfully all the stations may covered . Additional two
stations at latitude (15°N) were taken for grab and CTD. Initial sampling for
bioluminescence were done at the diurnal stations.
Overall, the working atmosphere was excellent. The master and the
officers rendered the maximum help. The fishing master was fully duty bound and
show a excellent time management and the fishing hands were very co-operative.
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The cruise went on excellently due to the dedication and hardwork of the NIO team
which enabled the coverage with the minimum loss of time.
 A good stereomicroscope is very essential in the ship.
 Chief scientist’s cabin the computer is not functioning. It is essential to
rectify it.
 The scientific equipment, logbook is all torn out and old. A new one may
be provided.
 Steps may be taken to computerize the log sheets and
available in the onboard computers.
 IDAS system may be upgraded from the Novell to the latest
Windows version.
 Deep sea Echo sounder may be installed for safe operation of
CTD, MPN etc.
 Computers may be provided in the EDP room for data
processing
 Refrigerator in the Chemical lab is not working and needs
immediate replacement.
 Binding of register kept in CS room
 Replies on action taken on CS’s reports
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7. Acknowledgements
The sampling operations went on extremely well thanks to the extra ordinary
support and co-operation received from the Master and his colleagues of FORV Sagar
Sampada, The fishing masters, Fishing Hands and the NORINCO people onboard. We
have to specially thank our colleagues from NIO for wasting no time at sampling
stations and making the collections at the minimum time that is possible and working
round the clock. The sea was rather calm throughout the cruising period favouring the
sampling operations. Overall, the cruise no 224 went on smoothly with out any major
loss of equipments. The credit goes to the entire team.
Chief Scientist
Dr.Rosamma stephen
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