Effect of Pollution on Mudskipper Fishery in Ulhas River Estuary

1
EFFECT OF POLLUTION ON MUDSKIPPER FISHERY OF
ULHAS RIVER ESTUARY WITH A SPECIAL REFERENCE
TO THE BIOLOGY OF BOLEOPTHALMUS DUSSUMIERI
(CUV. & VAL.)
A MINOR PROJECT IN
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Report Submitted on July 2005
MR. S. D. RATHOD
Lecturer
B. N. BANDODKAR COLLEGE
OF SCIENCE, CHENDANI,
THANE (W)-400 601.
Sanctioned by
University of Mumbai Fort, Mumbai- 400 032.

2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author sincerely thank the University of Mumbai for accepting the
proposal and sanctioning the amount of Rs. 15000/- for this project. He also
records his gratitude to the Principal of B. N. Bandodkar college of Science,
Thane, Dr. (Mrs.) Madhuri Pejaver for allowing him to use the infrastructure for
conducting the laboratory work at the Zoology Department, using the library and
computer facilities and for the administrative assistance. He is indebted to Dr.
(Mrs.) N. N. Patil, Dr. R. P. Athalye, Dr.(Mrs.) M. U. Borkar, Mr. Hemant
Karkhanis, Mr. Amol Patwardhan, Dr. V. V. Bedekar, for extending their hands
generously during the project period. He also expresses his gratefulness
especially to his colleagues, fishermen community, the non-teaching staff and
research students Mr. Sameer and Mr. Adesh from Advance Study Centre of the
B. N. Bandodkar college of Science without their help project wouldn’t have
been a success. Author also acknowledges with thanks to everyone who was
involved in the project work, directly or indirectly.
Mr. Sudesh D. Rathod

3
PREFACE
The coastal inward waters such as creeks, estuaries, lagoons and other
wetlands are the productive and diverse waterbodies. India has a long coastline
of 8118 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million km2
. Recent
estimates of the total area of wetlands without mangroves in India include the
brackish water suitable for fish culture 2,000,000 ha, Estuaries 3,900,000 ha and
Back waters of 3,540,000 ha. Ramsar convention bureau has declared about 19
important wetlands, covering 648,507 hectares, in the country. These extremely
interesting sites range geographically all over the country, from three sites in
Kerala in the southwest and another in Tamil Nadu in the southeast to another
at 4,595m (15,075 feet) altitude in the Himalaya. They include coastal estuaries,
dammed reservoirs, and lots of mangroves.
The coastal zone of the country is rich in natural resources. They are
influenced greatly by human activities. Much of this wealth is often exploited in
an unprecedented manner, resulting in rapid degradation of the environments
which in turn deplete the natural resources. The seasonal variations in the water
quality as well as the biological component of these systems are influenced
heavily by anthropogenic stress exerted by the developmental activities carried
out along the coastal waters.
Estuaries are one of the most productive zones on our planet with the
gross primary productivity amounting to approximately 10 K cal/m2
/yr of organic
matter and also the most heavily utilized area. An estuary is a very dynamic and
fragile ecosystem with unique physico-chemical and biological features. Since it
is influenced largely by tidal cycle and the seasonal influx of land run off, it
behaves variedly during the months or the seasons. Being transitional the
estuary establishes the link between land, freshwater and seawater rendering
‘edge-effect’ and hence harbours the diverse fauna and flora. Several species
complete their entire life cycle within the brackishwater of estuaries. Some
coastal species find estuaries as very essential at least for a part of their life
cycle. In addition, estuaries serve as critical reproductive and nursery grounds
for a wide variety of fishes and important habitats for numerous benthic and

4
planktonic organisms. They also serve as migratory routes for the anadromous
species or for the catadromous species. The substratum of an estuary is always
covered with silt and mud which is the most common type of bottom where the
organic detritus is rich in floral and faunal populations. Heterotrophic
microorganisms are a major component of estuarine ecosystems and are
predominant in the estuarine sediments. Some terrestrial species find their
refuge in the premises. Therefore it is comprised of a typical food chain amongst
aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Various endemic finfish and shellfish species
comprise the important fisheries. Most of these species are seasonal visitors,
visiting the estuaries, for breeding or feeding purpose hence the seasonal
fisheries are observed predominantly. Fishermen community residing in the
vicinity relies on the estuarine fisheries for their wellbeing.
Hence it is very important to discuss about the estuarine ecosystems
giving due consideration to pollution problems. Because of the convenience of
sea transport, many major cities of the world are located on the shores of
estuaries. The concentration of population and of industries on the banks has
inevitably led to the discharge of the waste materials into the estuaries so that
many have become seriously polluted water bodies. The other anthropogenic
activities such as construction of bridges, dams, roads, railways, solid waste
dumping, sand dredging, mining, tunneling, reclamation, mangrove cutting,
agriculture etc. affect these aquatic environments greatly. Moreover, the
enrichment of estuaries with organic and inorganic nutrients has contributed to
the eutrophication problems in numerous estuarine systems. In many cases,
domestic and municipal sewage wastes as well as nonpoint source run-off have
been the principal sources of nutrients to estuaries. It causes acute and chronic
pollution in estuarine and coastal marine environment leading to a severe threat
to the inhabiting aquatic communities. Due to these activities the existence of
rich biodiversity in the estuaries is under threat. Already many coastal inward
waters have become either unproductive or unharvestable for a variety of finfish,
shellfish and other marine living resources due to indiscriminate entry of
domestic and industrial pollutants. The fishermen communities thus affected
looking for other earning sources may lead to the local financial crisis.

5
Strict monitoring and corrective measures have to be undertaken to
safeguard their existence. This needs urgently a thorough knowledge of the
pollutants, their entry, source, nature of toxicity on biota, monitoring of the
ecosystem, remedial measures, management, legislation etc.
This project work discusses the status quo of pollution and problems and
need for protection of Ulhas River estuary of Thane district situated in
Maharashtra State.
Mr. Sudesh D. Rathod
Associate Professor
Zoology Deptartment
B. N. Bandodkar College of Science
Thane, Maharashtra, India

6
CONTENTS
Chapter I INTRODUCTION ………………………..…….. 1-- 4
Chapter II POLLUTION STATUS OF THE ………..……. 5--11
ULHAS RIVER ESTUARY AND
SOME ANTHROPOGENIC
ACTIVITIES INVOLVED
CHAPTER III BIOLOGY of Boleopthalmus………………… 12---17
dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
CHAPTER IV FISHERY of Boleopthalmus ………………… 18--19
dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
CHAPTER V DISCUSSION ………………………………… 20--23
CHAPTER VI BIBLIOGRAPHY
WEBSITES SITED &
ABBREVIATION………………………………. 24--30

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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
The Ulhas River estuary is one of the inward waters characteristic in its
environmental conditions due to the shallow depth, tidal currents, mangrove
vegetation, salinity gradient, diurnal temperature variation etc. It is one of the
important waterbody in Thane District. Ulhas River originates at Budhemal Lake
near Rajmachi Fort, 8216.55 meters above the sea level, traverses through
Sahyadrian ranges of hilly tracks of Western Ghats and meets the Arabian Sea
at Vasai Fort in Thane District. The upper stretches of the Ulhas River is fed by
fresh water from the Raigad and Thane districts. It receives a number of
tributaries carrying runoff water from their respective catchment areas namely
Pej, Chilar, Pashri, Kalu, Bhatsa, Murbadi, Varna and Kamwadi. It runs for about
122 kms. before joining the sea at Vasai. The estuarine part of the river
commences from S-E near Kalyan –Dombivli railway station headwards,
meanders for about 40 km. before it joins the Arabian Sea towards N-E at Vasai
creek situated between the latitude 180
.45’ to 190
.16’ N and longitude 720
.42’ to
730
.20’, E on the world map. The river is shallow having sandy basin since the
land runoff carry huge sediments from its catchment area.
There are number of industries situated along the either river’s banks,
adding their effluents at various localities namely Ambivli, Ulhas Nagar,
Dombivli, Bhiwandi and Thane City and loading the waterbody with pollutants
heavily. There is a considerable load of the domestic waste water is also added
to the estuary since the Thane city requires over 280 MLD (Lala,2004) of water
which in-turn must be used variously and ultimately added to the Thane creek
and Ulhas River estuary daily. Archeivala (1969) has observed that the heavy
pollution at the upper reaches of the estuary has lost the spawning ground of the

8
Hilsa fishery. It has been observed that the fisheries of the estuary have been
dwindling to the threatening status (Rathod et al., 2002). It is evident that the
heavy pollution, due to industrial and domestic effluents, affects the aquatic
organisms inhabiting the ambient water. Nath et al. (2003) observed the
degeneration in the ovarian cells of Clarias batrachus due to the altered physico-
chemical parameters of the wetlands. Moreover mass kill of the fish occurs
frequently in the coastal waters of Mumbai and Thane cities.
The conditions observer at one instance will change at the other, as the
estuaries are dynamic in nature. Therefore despite of earlier findings,
reinvestigation of the hydrological conditions is essential. An effort has been
made to ordained pollution status of the Ulhas River estuary and to determine
the fate of mudskipper fishery, one of the major fisheries from the Ulhas River
estuary on which the poor fishermen communities, residing in the vicinity, rely.
The important fish species being Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) (See
plate no1) of the mudskipper fishery has been considered for the study. It is one
of the most relished and highly demanded fish in the local market. It is
consumed in fresh condition.
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuvier & Valencienne, 1837) is the
amphibious estuarine fish found flourishing in the mudflats of the of Ulhas River
estuary. It is a benthic and burrowing type of fish inhabiting on the neretic
mudflats of the Ulhas River estuary. They construct the burrows in the mud and
feed on the mudflats. Although they often come out of water they restrict
themselves close to the water for breathing and other activities. Therefore their
burrows are always constructed in the limits of intertidal zone (Mutsaddi, 1964;
Chung et al. 1991; Clayton, 1993).
The salient features of the ambient mudskipper B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
are described as follows:
i. Fin Formula: B.V; D.5/27-28, P.19, V.1/5, A.26, C.13, L.1.ca 125.
ii. Pseudobranchiae present, single rayed dorsal fin with flexible spine,
eyes placed dorsally.

9
iii. Smaller black blotches on 1st
dorsal, 2nd
dorsal; contains 2-3 rows of
oblong white spots.
iv. Three teeth on the either side of middle of upper jaw pointed and
directed downwards. A pair of posterior canines, on lower jaw and
about 25 truncated and notched sub-horizontals on either aside of the
lower jaw.
v. Caudal pointed, lower rays are shorter than the dorsals.
Systematic position of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuvier & Valencienne,
1837) is as follows:
i. Family- Gobiidae
ii. Sub family- Oxudercinae
iii. Genus- Boleopthalmus
iv. species- dussumieri
The fishermen communities residing in the vicinity of the Ulhas River
estuary dependant on available fisheries of the same are suffering for their daily
needs due to the depleted fishery. Many fisher-folks have therefore shifted to the
other available occupations. As the river is moderate source of sand, few
fishermen have adopted sand dredging activities.
Besides some anthropogenic activities such as solid waste disposal,
mangrove cutting, reclamation, construction etc. are also observed to be
influencing the estuarine environment of the ambient waterbody (Athalye et al.,
2003).
I.1. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:
The project involves an attempt to determine the pollution status of the
ambient water through the hydrological study and certain anthropogenic
activities affecting the same.
To correlate the biological studies of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. &
Val) with its health status.

10
To ordain the status quo of the Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.),
fishery of the Ulhas River estuary.
I.2. PLAN OF WORK:
Since tidal water oscillates from Vasai Fort to the Dombivli-Kalyan and
back, it was taken up as the estuarine region of the Ulhas River. The estuary
was imagined for the three zones as study areas as follows.
Zone I – From Dombivli to Kolshet, this zone is highly affected due to the
domestic activities as there are several human habitations viz. Mumbra,
Kharegaon, Vehele, Alimghar, Diva, where fragmented of mangrove
vegetation and the fishery is seldom occurred. The zone is constricted at its
seaward proximity due to two major bridge constructions of Bhiwandi bypass
and the Kasheli.
Zone II – From Kasheli village to Gaimukh Sand landing centre traversing
from the lustful mangrove vegetation. The zone is demarcated by moderate
depth and prevalent mudflats. It is influenced largely due to the Bhiwandi
MIDC area, Bayer Pharmaceutical Company, ColorChem Dyeing industry and
sand dredging activities.
Zone III – From Gaimukh to the Bhayandar made-up of rocky basin and
gradually increasing in depth at its greatest as it approaches the Arabian Sea
towards Vasai Fort. Mudskipper fishing is predominant in this zone as it holds
a number of wider mudflats throughout.
The study was carried for nine months, from the month of July 2004 to
March 2005. The seasons were designated as
Monsoon- July to September
Early Post Monsoon (EPM)- October to December
Late Post Monsoon (LPM)- January to March
The hydro-sedimentological studies were performed zone-wise on
monthly basis. Sample collection stations, one station from each zone, were
decided for the sampling purpose.
-Kharegaon station (KS) in the vicinity of Thane city from Zone-I,
-Gaimukh station (GS) at Gaimukh jetty from Zone-II and

11
-Versova-bridge station (VS) near Bhayandar Village. (see plate 1 &
Map, annexure I)
-Whereas the fishery and the biology of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv.
& Val.), were studied zone-wise and recorded according to season in the
entire estuary. Entire investigation was carried from the months of July 2004 to
March 2005. A pooled data of the biology of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv.
& Val.), has been produced.

13
CHAPTER II
POLLUTION STATUS OF THE ULHAS RIVER
ESTUARY AND SOME ANTHROPOGENIC
ACTIVITIES INVOLVED
Numerous experts have instantaneously studied the hydrological
parameters of various waterbodies in the country. It has been found that the
water quality of the water bodies lying in the vicinities of urban areas is heavily
polluted due to industrial and domestic wastes. It influences aquatic environment
heavily and put adverse effect on the organisms living therein (Mishra, 2002,
Athalye et al. 2003, CPHERI, 1971, Tandel, 1884, Durve, 1961, Metcalf et al.,
1979, Zingde, 2002, Mohapatra et al., 2000, Patil, 1982). The study of water
quality and the sediments indicate the pollution status of the aquatic
environments. The Ulhas River estuary hydrology was corroborated by Qamrul
Hasan (1984), Shahoo et al, 1985, 1987), Mathew (1989), Mukharji (1993).
Hence the hydrology was considered for the study.
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
The study of hydrological parameters was carried in the three zones at
their corresponding stations KS, GS and VS, every month from July 2004 to
March, 2005. Sampling was done between the 2nd
and 3rd
week of every month
during full tide. Samples were assessed using the standard methods as per
APHA, AWWA, WPCF, 1981; sediments as per the Buchanan’s settling rate
method, 1984 and Organic carbon by Walkley and Black, 1934 method.

14
The water parameters assessment such as water colour, water
temperature, light penetration and dissolved oxygen were assessed on site
during the collection. Water samples required for remaining parameters such as
water pH, salinity, BOD, SiO3-Si, NO3-N and PO4-P were collected in the
‘washer-stoppered’ polyethylene bottles of one liter capacity and brought to the
laboratory and were examine on the same day.
II.1 WATER PARAMETERS
II. 1.i WATER COLOUR:
Water colour changes due to the seasonal or artificial alteration, such as
planktonic growth, land run-off, industrial effluents etc. the study some how
helps in water condition interpretation.
The greenish colour of water showed the rich growth of phytoplankton,
brownish colour showed either river influx during the rainy season or the sand
dredging activity and the blackish colour showed the pollution along the Ulhas
River estuary.
II.1.ii WATER TEMPERATURE:
Due to the shallowness of the basin and influx of the river, the temperature
varies diurnally and seasonally. Several other manmade factors such as the
particulate matter, thermal pollution, exothermic chemicals etc also affect the
temperature regime of the estuarine ecosystem. Therefore water temperature
plays an important role in the estuaries. The endemic organisms being
eurythermic can tolerate the temperature fluctuation but the occasional visitors
are greatly affected. Temperature fluctuation also affects the phytoplankton and
zooplankton and hence affects the fish.
The surface water temperature ranged from 24o
C to 33o
C with an average of
26.3 0
C in the Ulhas river estuary (Graph 1.). The temperature rises gradually
from early post monsoon to the late post monsoons throughout the estuary.
II.1.iii LIGHT PENETRATION:

15
The light penetration has importance regarding the primary productivity of the
ambient water. Being shallow the light can reach the bottom but due to the
particulate matter it is greatly obliterated. The particulate matters may be the
plankton or the suspended solids. Certain other sources like turbulence, run-off
water, water added from the domestic and industrial wastes, mining or dredging
activity increase the particulate matters which in turn hinder the light penetration.
Light penetration ranged between 1.5 cm in September 2004 at GS and 38 cm
in October 2004 at VS and the average being 10.33 cm. (Graph 2.) in Ulhas
River estuary. Light penetration remained in concurrence with the water colour
i.e. When water was greenish (revealing the high phytoplankton) the light
penetration was also greater.
II.1.iv SUSPENDED SOLIDS (SS):
The plankton population imparts the suspended solids in aquatic habitat
like estuary. The upwelling of the sea and land run-off water during winter and
monsoon respectively causes the increase in SS. Human activity such as
mining, sand dredging may bring about considerable change in the SS of small
waterbody like Ulhas River estuary. Alam, (1992) observed that detrital particle
generally form a major component of suspended matters in sewage polluted
aquatic environment. Suspended particles obliterate the light penetration hence
lowering the photosynthetic rate. These also hinder the vision and clog the gills
of animals.
Present study exhibited the suspended solids in the Ulhas River estuary
was fluctuating between 0.4 mg/l (in Jan. 2005 at GS and VS) and 15.0 mg/l (in
Nov. 2004 at VS). The average of being 4.378 mg/l. (Graph 3.). Suspended
solids in the estuary were high during the rainy days. The high values occurred
however occurred on other than rainy days also.
II.1.v pH of WATER:
Saline water does not vary in pH since the salts render buffering action
but the pollution status may bring down the pH of water which normally remains

16
slightly alkaline. Accumulation of CO2, due to the heavy decomposition of
organic matter indicating domestic deposition, may also decrease pH.
The pH ranged from 6.24 (acidic in February 2005) at GS to 7.91
(alkaline in Sept., 2004) at VS. The average pH was 7.08. (Graph 4.)
II.1.vi SALINITY:
Water salinity plays a crucial role in the estuarine habitat as it often
fluctuates with the oceanic tidal inundation and the river water influx. Ulhas River
estuary is very shallow and hence is affected largely due to both the tidal and
riverine currents. Euryhaline endemic organisms are not much affected due to
the salinity fluctuation but some being very sensitive to it cannot withstand the
dilution due to sewage water disposal or release of dam water, up-streams.
The salinity varied greatly from 0.376 %0(in Aug., 2004 at KS) to 31.22 %0
in March, 2005 at VS) with an average of 17.4 %o (Graph 5.)
II.1.vii DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO):
Dissolved oxygen (DO), like salinity plays an important role in the estuary.
The inhabitant organisms are affected greatly due the diurnal and seasonal
variation in the dissolved oxygen of the ambient water. DO is governed by the
water turbulence, surface diffusion, rate of photosynthesis, BOD, water
temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. The dissolved oxygen level
below 2.5 mg/l (Laponite et al., 1992) is hypoxic to organisms residing in
estuary. (Graph 6.)
Dissolved oxygen ranged between 0.504 mg/l (in Feb. 2005 at KS) and
7.049 mg/l (in March, 2005 at VS), the average being 2.402 mg/l. the dissolved
oxygen was almost at hypoxic level in the entire estuary.
II.1.viii BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD):
It is a measure of the organic matter present in the ambient water. BOD
increases with the increased inflow of the domestic waste Athalye et al., 2003).
High BOD depletes the oxygen level to a critical condition especially during the
night. Oxygen being vital factor in the estuarine ecosystem BOD must be

17
checked for its existence. Besides it is a tool for monitoring the pollution status
of waters.
BOD of Ulhas River estuary ranged from 0.403 mg/l (in Oct., 2004 at GS
and VS) to 15.708 mg/l (in Jan. 2005 at VS), with an average of 4.597mg/l. BOD
increases to its greatest in the LPM season indicating the accumulation of
organic matter. (Graph 7).
II.1.ix NUTRIENTS {Phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P), Nitrate nitrogen
(NO3- N) and Silicate silicon (SiO3-Si)}:
The nutrients play a major role in primary productivity of the estuary.
These are generated as a result of decomposition in natural condition that is
regularly taken up by the phytoplankton in an aquatic body. However the
industrial effluents and domestic waste also carry excessive nutrients like NO3-N
and PO4-P. The SiO3-Si is brought in by riverine water; due to leaching of the
basin as a result of affinity to oxygen or sources like igneous rock of volcanic
origin (Mishra, 2002). (Graph 8.) The silicate silicon values are very elaborate
with an average of 48.8 mg/l; high during monsoon and gradually decreasing in
the EPM and finally LPM.
Nitrate nitrogen values are moderate and rose twice in the monsoon and
later in the Late-post monsoon. In monsoon it must be brought in by the rain
water from the catchment area, whereas in LPM, it is due to high decomposition
rate as indicated by the BOD. Nitrogen averages at 1.124 mg/l. (Graph 9)
The phosphate phosphorus is added to the estuary from the domestic
area sewage. The bimodal curves occurred (see graph 10) thus land runoff
increases the phosphorus during the monsoon and in LPM, from the domestic
sewage. (Graph 10.)
II. 2 SEDIMENTS
Sediments are deposited from the river fed water which forms a rich
substratum for the benthic organisms in the estuary. The animals like
mudskippers crabs, clams etc. require soil for their shelter. The Ulhas River
estuary has rich mudflats on its either banks from Kevani-Diva to its proximity till

18
Vasai Fort. This renders a considerable fishery in the area. But due to the
various anthropogenic activities the substratum is disturbed and the fishery
species are greatly affected. Therefore assessment of the sediment structure is
essential to be taken in the mudskipper fishery study. The Sedimentology such
as soil texture and organic carbon were done.
II.2.i SOIL TEXTURE:
Soil texture involves three types of particles– the particles size above 62µ
are sand; between 4 µ to 62 µ is silt and particles below 4 µ are clay (Buchanan,
1984).
Mishra (2002) found highest percentage of the silt in monsoon season in
the Ulhas River estuary.
The present study revealed the silt being keeping high during the entire
study period. It ranged from 30% to 60% in various months. The average was
found to be 19.56; 44.82 and 28.15 for sand; silt and clay respectively. (Graph
11.)
II. 2.ii ORGANIC CARBON:
Organic carbon is a source of organic matter which is dumped in the
estuary through domestic wastes and the dead organisms of the water body.
Organic matter enhances the decomposition, increasing the BOD of the water
and discomforting the living beings inhabiting in it. Many endemic organisms are
therefore shifted to the other available locations.
The present finding revealed that organic carbon in the Ulhas River
estuary varied from the minimum of 0.69% to 3.53% with an average of 2.173%.
Zone I reciprocated with Zone II & III in early post monsoon dropping abruptly to
0.69% in the month of November in EPM. However overall organic carbon kept
fluctuates during the study period. (Graph 12.)
II. 3 ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES:
Several anthropogenic activities have been noted during the study those
incur favorable or adverse effect on the health of the ambient waters such as,

19
plastic garbage, mangrove cutting for fuel, reclamation in the estuarine area,
constructions, solid waste dumping.
A. HARMFUL PRACTICES ALONG THE ULHAS RIVER ESTUARY:
Indiscriminate use of plastic goods and the polyethylene bags has
raised the plastic garbage to unimaginable level. The Ulhas River
estuary has dumped with tremendous plastic garbage which is
blocking the pneumatophores of mangrove plants, suffocate the fish,
and hinder the normal activity of the aquatic organisms. Huge
amount of plastic was found trapped in the fishing gears. Animals
sometime consume the plastic mistaking them for food and die
(Anatharaman et al., 2003). The young ones of B. dussumieri (Cuv.
& Val.) were found to get disappeared from plastic prone areas in
the study (see plate 3.)
Fuel gathering is the activity disturbing the habitat. Villagers from
Yela, Alimghar, Kevani, Kalher, Chena etc. have been observed for
mangrove cutting for fuel purpose.
Places are reclaimed for human settlement through obliterating the
channel of the Ulhas River Estuary. The solid waste dumping and
reclamation go hand in hand in the Ulhas River estuary. The solid
waste especially from the reconstructions e.g. building rubbles, are
dumped in the area sited for reclamation (e.g. Mumbra) which
narrowed the channel affecting the passage of organisms inhabiting
it.
Besides the megaconstructions like bridges also constrict the
passage for the estuarine water and enhances the sedimentation
due to the lack of proper flushing. On estuary there are four major
bridges namely Bhiwandi bypass, Kasheli Bridge, Versova Bridge,
and Bhaindar-Virar Bridge. Sand dredging was frequent in the Zone
I and Zone II, latter being more vigorous (Plate 2.).

20
B PLASTIC SORTING AT ULHAS RIVER ESTUARY:
Approximately 10 million tonnes of solid waste are discharged in to ocean
every year of which 1 million tonnes are plastic debris (Anantharaman et
al. 2003). It is prime time for controlling the plastic garbage from
deteriorating the ambient waterbody.
Amongst one of the healthy practices plastic was found to be sorted at
Kharegaon for recycling procedure at Kharegaon (See Plate 2). Such
practices are the prime need of the present days.
Hydrological Parameters in Ulhas River Estuary
Graph 1.Water Temp. URE 2004-05
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR
months
temp(C)
UI UII UIII

21
Graph 2 Light Penetration URE 2004-05
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
monthas
LP(cm)
UI UII UIII
Graph 3.Suspended solids URE 2004-05
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
months
SS(mg/l)
UI UII UIII

22
Graph 4. pH in URE 2004-05
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
months
pH
UI UII UIII
Graph 5. Salinity in URE 2004-05
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
months
Salinity(o/oo)
UI UII UIII

23
Graph 6. Dissolved ozxygen in URE 2004-05
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
months
DO(mg/l)
UI UII UIII
Graph 7. BOD in URE 2004-05
0
5
10
15
20
25
months
BOD(mg/l)
UI UII UIII

24
Graph 8. Silicates in URE 2004-05
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
months
Silicateas(mg/l)
Series1 Series2 Series3
Graph 9. Nitrate-Nitrogen in URE 2004-05
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
months
NO3-N(mg/l)
UI UII UIII

25
Graph 10. Phosphates-P in URE 2005-04
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
month
phosphate(mg/l)
UI UII UIII
Sediments in Ulhas River Estuary
Graph 11. Organic carbon in URE 2004-05
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
months
%org.carbon
UI UII UIII

26
Soil Texture in Ulhas River Estuary 2004-05
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
UI UII UIII UI UII UIII UI UII UIII
Sand % Silt % Clay %
%
Sediments in Ulhas River Estuary
Silt regime of URE 2004-05
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
month
%silt
Silt % UI Silt % UII
Silt % UIII

27
Graph 12. Sand Regime in URE 2004-2005
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
months
%ofSand
Sand % UI Sand % UII Sand % UIII
Graph 14. Clay regime in URE 2004-05
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
months
%ofClay
Clay % UI Clay % UII Clay % UIII

29
CHAPTER III
BIOLOGY OF BOLEOPTHALMUS DUSSUMIERI
(CUV. & VAL.)
Biological study is essential to ordain the health status of the ambient fish. Food
feeding, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, length-weight relationship,
proximate composition, spawning behaviour etc. are the frequently quested
biological aspects during the last two centuries and have been found to be
established in directing the condition of the fish.( (Day, 1882; Mutsaddi, 1964;
Qasim, 1972). The present biological studies have been corroborated for
procuring the exact health status of the ambient fish in the Ulhas River estuary.
III.1. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
The specimens were collected from the fishing location in live condition and
were assessed immediately for glycogen in the muscles. At-least three
individuals were assessed separately and the mean of the spectrophotometric
readings was noted. The edible part (muscles) was removed from the freshly
killed individuals and was kept for drying in the oven at 70o
C for 48 hrs. This was
used for crude protein, total lipids (Ametaj et al., 2003) and body moisture
assessments. Remaining individuals were preserved in 10% Formaldehyde
prepared in brackish water collected from the Ulhas River estuary for future
study (length-weight relationship, food and feeding, and liver- somatic index).
The length and weight of fish were noted in preserved condition. Specimens
were washed and carefully blotted and length and weight were noted to the

30
nearest mm and mg respectively. Each fish was then opened and the liver
weight and the gut contents were noted.
The Following methods were used for various biological assessments:
Sr.
No.
Biological study Method
1.
Food and feeding habit
of B. Dussumieri (Cuv. &
Val.)
Point method
2.
Length-weight
relationship
Statistical method
3. Hepato-somatic index Adams & Mc Lean’s equation
Proximate composition:
4. Muscle crude protein Lowry’s method (Lowry;1984)
5. Muscle glycogen
Anthrone reagent method (Seifter et
al;1949)
6. Total lipids Folch et al. (1957)
7. Body moisture Oven drying
8 Total ash Furnace combustion
III.2. Food and feeding habit of Boleopthalmus Dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
The estuarine environment are rich in primary production, therefore
numerous fishes migrate to the estuary for feeding purpose. Food and feeding
habit of the fish in the estuary is of great importance to understand their life
history including growth, breeding and migration and also for management of
commercially important fisheries (Bal et al., 1984). Several experts have
concentrated on the food and feeding habit of various fish in the world (Day,
1882; Mutsaddi, 1964; Qasim, 1972; Clayton, 1993; Wise, 1994; Connolly, 2004;
Kitts, 2004).

31
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) is herbivorous, bottom feeder
and endemic to the Ulhas River estuary. A seasonwise pooled data was
procured for food and feeding habit of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.).
The high feeding intensity of the monsoon season decreased to its lowest
level in the late post monsoon. Individuals were well-fed in monsoon, moderately
fed in early post monsoon and starving in the late post monsoon season (Graph
13). Diatoms were the most selected food during the monsoon season.
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val) was observed for shifting from diatom to
algae during early post monsoon, whereas in late post monsoon most of the
individuals were starving (Graph 14) and found to be foraging on decayed
mangrove foliage (Spongy tissue, water storage tissue, Palisade cells and salt
glands) and seldom on fish scales and ova. But the extent of the intake of
mangrove foliage was very low. Individuals having the gorged or full stomach
were found to forage on diatoms predominantly (Table III.2.).
Food items were observed in the gut of b. Dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) from
ulhas river estuary 2004 -2005 as tabulated below (plate 5 & 6):
Table III.2.
type of food sr. no. name of food item frequency
pinnate diatoms 1. Nitschia sigmoides most frequent
2. Navicula tumida Very frequent
3. Pleurosigma sp. Very frequent
4. Nitschia ascicula Frequent
5. Gyrosigma sp. Frequent
6. Surirella sp. Frequent
7. Asterionella sp. Common
8. Navicula sp. Frequent
9. Pseudonitschia sp. Common
Centric Diatoms 10. Cyclotella sp. Frequent
Algae 11. Melosira sp. Frequent
12. Oscillatiria sp. Frequent
13. Spirulina sp. Common

32
Early postmonsoon diet of B. dussumieri (Cuv. &
Val.)
85.37
0
1.83 12.2
Diatom Algae Foliage Others
14. Unidentified sp.
(Chlorophyceae)
Common
(plate 5. )
15. Unidentified sp.
(Chlorophyceae)
Rare
(plate 5.)
Mangrove foliage 16. Water storage tissue,
Spongy tissue, Palisade
cells and salt glands
Common
Others 17. Fish egg Accidental
18. Fish scale Accidental
Late postmonsoon diet of B dussumieri
(Cuv.& Val.)
62.71
27.23
2.97 10.89

33
III.3. Length-weight relationship of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
The knowledge of length-weight relationship of fish has a vital importance in
fishery, as it not only helps in establishing the yield but in converting one
variable (e.g. Length) into the other (weight). Fishery biologists commonly
record the size of fish in terms of length and work out its relationship with the
weight of animal, so that the conversion between length and weight may be
possible, when desired. This relationship also helps in fishery management and
in understanding biological phenomena like age, growth and maturity. It also
gives insight into the well being of the animal (Pejaver, 1984).The relationship
between length, L and weight W is derived by the equation W = a Lb
where a,
(Le Cren, 1951) is a constant and b the exponent. On the linear transformation,
the above equation becomes
log W = log a + b (log L)
Where theoretical value of ‘b’ is normally 3 called as Herbert Spencer’s
cube law.
Length and weight of the specimens were taken in preserved condition.
The observations on specimens from three seasons (monsoon, early post-
monsoon and late post-monsoon) were analyzed separately, for which they
were grouped with the class interval on 10 mm. Average total body length and
total body weight of the specimens in each group were calculated. Average
monsoon diet of B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val)
17.36
6.11
0
76.73

34
length frequency of specimens groups ranged from 75-85 to 105-115. These
groups were found common in all the three seasons and hence were considered
in the length-weight relationship. The relationship between the length and weight
of both the sexes shows parabola (Graph.15) i.e. exponential relationship
occurred. Log length and Log weight relationship in all the three seasons
indicates a straight line with little difference (Graph. 16). The length-weight
relationship indicated that the health of the Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. &
Val) was better in early post monsoon and was poor in the late post monsoon.
Graph 13. Seasonwise feeding intensity of
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
mon Epm Lpm
Season
%fullness
gorged full 3/4th half 1/4th traces empty
Graph 14. Season wise variation in components of gut
content in B. Dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
17.36
12.2
62.87
6.11
1.83
10.89
0 0 1.49
27.23
77.32
85.37
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
monsoon Epm Lpm
Season
%Occurrence

35
Graph 15. Seasonwise Length-weight relationship of
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) from URE 2004-05
L-W Relationship of B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) in Monsoon
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
length (mm)
weight(mg)
L-W Relationship of B. Dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) in EPM
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
length (mm)
weight(mg)
L-W Relationship of B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) in LPM
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
7000
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
length (mm)
weight(mg)

36
Graph 16. Seasonwise Length-weight relationship of
Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) from URE 2004-05
L-W rlationship B. dussumieri i(Cuv. & Val.) in monsoon
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4
1.88 1.9 1.92 1.94 1.96 1.98 2 2.02 2.04 2.06 2.08
log l
logw
L-W Relationship of B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) in EPM
3.55
3.6
3.65
3.7
3.75
3.8
3.85
3.9
3.95
4
1.88 1.9 1.92 1.94 1.96 1.98 2 2.02 2.04 2.06 2.08
log l
logw
L-W Relationship of B, dussumieri (Cuv. Val.) in LPM
3.35
3.4
3.45
3.5
3.55
3.6
3.65
3.7
3.75
3.8
3.85
1.9 1.92 1.94 1.96 1.98 2 2.02 2.04 2.06
log l
logw

37
Length-Weight BD Monsoon -2004 (July, Aug & Sept)
Length-Weight BD Early-postmonsoon -2004 (Oct, Nov & Dec)
Sr
No
Grps. L (mm) W (gm) Log L=X Log
W=Y
X
2
Y
2
XY
1 105-115 110.63 21.73 2.044 1.337 4.178 1.788 2.732
2 115-125 120.0 9.02 2.079 0.955 4.323 0912 1.986
3 125-135 126.5 10.135 2.100 1.006 4.41 1.012 2.113
4 135-145 134.4 20.27 2.128 1.307 4.53 1.708 2.782
5 145-155 150.67 13.275 2.178 1.123 4.744 1.261 2.446
6 155-165 160.0 15.405 2.204 1.188 4.858 1.411 2.618
7 165-176 173.0 19.07 2.238 1.28 5.0 1.639 2.864
8 175-185 177.5 20.095 2.249 1.303 5.058 1.697 2.931
∑ 8 17.22 9.499 37.101 11.428 20.472
Length-Weight BD Late-postmonsoon -2005 (Jan, Feb & March)
Sr.
No
Grps. L (mm) W (gm) Log L
=X
Log W
=Y
X2 Y2 XY
1 55-65 49.0 1.053 1.69 0.022 2.857 0.00 0.037
2 65-75 69.0 1.687 1.839 0.227 3.381 0.052 0.417
3 75-85 80.75 2.495 1.907 0.397 3.637 0.158 0.757
4 85-95 89.571 3.669 1.952 0.565 3.811 0.319 1.103
5 95-105 100.29 4.998 2.001 0.301 4.005 0.091 0.602
6 105-115 109.78 6.113 2.041 0.786 4.164 0.618 1.604
∑ 6 9.43 2.696 21.855 1.635 5.317
Sr
No
Grps. L(mm) W(gm) Log L=X Log
W=Y
X
2
Y
2
XY
1 75-85 79.67 2.307 1.901 0.363 3.615 0.132 0.69
2 85-95 89.0 3.09 1.949 0.489 8.8 0.239 0.953
3 95-105 99.0 5.024 1.996 0.701 3.982 0.491 1.399
4 105-115 115.0 8.5 2.061 0.929 4.246 0.863 1.914
5 115-125 118.0 9.45 2.072 0.974 4.293 0.949 2.018
6 125-135 129.0 13.04 2.111 1.115 4.455 1.243 2.353
∑ 6 629.67 41.371 12.09 4.571 24.391 3.917 9.327

38
III.4. Hepato-somatic index (IH) of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
Fish growth pattern can be a tool for determining the health of fish.
Logically, the growth of tissue and the storage energy in muscles and liver can
cause a fish to attain a greater weight than it would normally have at a particular
age, during the period of high energy intake (Busacker et al. 1998).
On the contrary the pollution may affect the normal growth of fish. Hoque,
(1998) found the growth rate and liver somatic index (IH) significantly lower
(P>0.05) in Mystus nemurus exposed to hydrogen sulphide. A reduction in IH has
been demonstrated in fish population stressed by acidity (Lee et al., 1983), other
chemicals such as heavy metals (Larsson et al., 1984).
Graph 17: Season-wise average of hepato-somatic index (I H)
of B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) from URE 2004-05
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Monsoon EPM LPM
Season
IH
In the ambient fish the Hepato-somatic index (Mc Lean, 1985) was found
to be greater in early post-monsoon, the second highest was the monsoon and
the least being late post-monsoon (Graph 17).
III 5. Proximate composition of Boleopthalmus dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
The proximate composition of organisms (such as lipids, glycogen,
moisture, crude protein) has been fetching the concentration of the several
experts, as it is closely related to the health and the toxic stress caused due to
the pollution in aquatic environment. Millory (1908) observed conspicuously low
glycogen level in spent fishes. The increased feeding intensity rises the

39
glycogen percentage after spawning in both the sexes. The glycogen content of
muscle fluctuates in relation to the maturation and spawning (Sonawane et al.,
2001). The energy metabolism has a key role as the animal is forced to spend
more energy to mitigate the augmented toxic stress. The glycogen level
decreases as the pollutants increase in the aquatic organisms (Kumar et al.,
2001). Tandel, (1984) observed the reciprocal relationship fat and moisture
content in both Mugil cephalus and Mystus gulio. Therefore proximate
composition was assessed to find whether they correlation with the pollution
status of the estuary.
III.5.i Observations:
Table III.5.
Season Moisture
(%)
Crude
Protein (%)
Lipids (%) Glycogen
(%)
Total Ash
(%)
Monsoon 80.3 9.55 0.63 1.69 7.80
EPMonsoon 80.7 10.48 0.51 2.40 6.80
LPMonsoon 80.1 8.69 1.10 1.20 8.32
The study revealed that the percentage of the moisture in the muscles is directly
proportional with that of crude protein, glycogen and total ash, where as it
reciprocates with the fat content of the body (Table III.5). The fish was observed
to be containing comparatively high moisture, crude protein and glycogen and
low fat contents in early post-monsoon. Monsoon season exhibited medium
levels whereas in late post-monsoon the former conditions were exactly
opposite to that of early post-monsoon season.

41
CHAPTER IV
FISHERIES OF BOLEOPTHALMUS DUSSUMIERI
(CUV. & VAL.)
IV.1. FISHING ACTIVITIES:
The poor fishermen are mostly involved in the inward water fishery;
therefore estuary is boon for their livelihood. It has been observed that the
estuarine fisheries are dwindling by time. The main reason is the human
exploitation of the ambient waterbody. The fuel gathering, reclamation, industrial
and domestic pollutants and overfishing are the main factor involved in the
deterioration of the Ulhas River estuary (Qamrul, et al., 1981; Athalye, et al.
2003; Baig, 1990). In the Ulhas River estuary fishermen from localities in the
vicinity such as Vehele, Sarang, Surai, Anjur, Diva-Kankavli, Alimghar, Dombivli,
and Kasheli from Zone-I are involved in the mudskipper fishery. In Zone-II
mudskipper fishery was insignificant, whereas in Zone-III, it was frequently
observed at Nagla, Sasu Navghar, Maljipada, Versova, Naigao, Vadavli,
Khochivade and Panju situated along the northern bank.
The fishery study was carried through the personal interview of the
fishermen involved in the mudskipper fishery in the regions and the survey of
fish market at Thane, Kankavli Naka, Kalher and Bhayandar.
The mudskipper fishing is carried out mostly setting a trap on the
mudflats only of northern bank of the Ulhas River estuary as there is
considerable deterioration occurred due to the human intrusion on the southern
bank (see map annexure I). The fishing method involved ‘basin-method’, locally
known as ‘Malli’. The technique is based on suffocating the fish by covering the

42
burrow. A rectangular or triangular embankment is constructed out of mud from
the fishing ground itself. A slope is maintained towards one of the corners,
where an earthen or metal container is buried in the soil, keeping its mouth
(brim) open at ground level. The container plays a role of trap. Now the burrows
in the ring are blocked by plastering with the mud. The mudskippers come out of
burrow due to suffocation, which are scared, making noise and waving the flag
made of colorful cloth and slowly driven towards the trap. Fish is hauled after a
considerable number of individuals are trapped and transported in the split-
bamboo basket. Apart from this fishes are seldom caught in Dol net (bag net
used in the estuary proper in major fishery), Bokshi net (small bag net used in
the inundated area with very fine mosquito-net mesh during monsoon) and
barrier net (a pen net popular for mullet fishery) along the entire estuary. The
bokshi-net being destructive to mudskipper fishery as the young-ones of 30mm
to 60mm length are caught which may diminish the catch of the forthcoming
season.
Fishing attempts were on vogue from monsoon to the early post-
monsoon seasons frequenting from thrice to forth in a fortnight which however
diminished towards the late post-monsoon to negligible level. There were about
50 from Zone I, 3 from Zone II and 200 fishermen from Zone III were found to be
engaged in B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) fishing during the observation.
IV.2. FISHERY:
Several gobiid fish species were caught along the Ulhas River estuary
(Rathod, 2003) out of which the Gobius spp., Boleopthalmus dussumieri and B.
boddarti comprised major catch. B. dussumieri was dominant species in the
mudskipper fishery locally known as ‘Niwati’. The B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
fishery is important as concerned to the high demand from decades. It is
relished in fresh condition by the local people of Thane district. B. dussumieri
(Cuv. & Val.) fishery has fetched a special importance as the fish is available in
live condition in the markets. It was soled in a local measure of ‘Kodi (i.e. one
Kodi = 22 pieces) immaterial of the size and weight. The value of a ‘Kodi’ ranged
from Rs. 25 to Rs. 100/Kodi, dependent on the availability and demand of the

43
fish. It was learned through the interview of fishermen that the fishery has
dwindled to merely 5 % as compared to the past two decades. Therefore many
fishermen have recently stopped the mudskipper fishing. Most of the
mudskipper catch was confined to monsoon and early post monsoon seasons of
the study period. The size groups in the monsoon were varied whereas in the
early post-monsoon they were bigger and uniform.

47
CHAPTER V
DISCUSSION
Despite the studies on hydrology and fisheries of the Ulhas river estuary
were attempted on a few occasions (Mutsaddi, 1964; Archeivala, 1969; Qamrul,
et al., 1981; Baig, 1990; Mishra, 2002; Athalye, et al. 2003) and as the estuary
being a dynamic and ever-changing, it was essential to perform the similar
studies again to ordain exact present status quo of the estuarine pollution and
fisheries therein. Several factors found insignificant at one instance may become
significant at the other. The synchronization between the ambient species B.
dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) and the seasonal variation in the hydrological
conditions of the Ulhas river estuary was needed to be established. Therefore
the hydrological study was included in the plan along with the fishery B.
dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.).
V.1. Hydrological parameters (Refer Table I.1, I.2 and I.3):
Present study revealed that the water temperature stayed almost
constant except during the severe hot month of Late post-monsoon. Variations
were almost stable in all the zones. (Graph 1.). The temperature condition is
quiet encouraging to the inhabitant species as it renders the protection. Light
penetration was at peak in the early post-monsoon. This dropped to its minimum
due to the increased turbidity in Zone II and Zone III except Zone I where the
turbidity is diluted due to riverine clear water. The other reason to increase the
turbidity in Zone II and Zone III was due to the increased sand dredging activity
in Zone II. The water colour was in concurrence with the light penetration. Water

48
remained greenish when light penetration was greater indicating high primary
productivity. The brownish water colour was due to the land runoff water from
riverside during monsoon and at the occasions of sand dredging activity.
Normally the saline water remains stable in pH keeping at slightly alkaline, due
the buffering action of dissolved salts. But it was found that the pH dropped to
slightly acidic from the month of December, 2004 to February and March, 2005.
In zone II it kept fluctuating irrespective of the seasons. This must be due to the
effluent added intermittently, from the industries lying in this zone such as Bayer,
color-hem, MIDC, Bhiwandi etc. the pH variation in zone I and zone II must
exerting heavy stress as the estuarine organisms are sensitive to pH fluctuation.
The condition becomes worst when the salinity is low (Clayton, 1993), therefore
the mudskippers are not populated at all in zone II and scarce in zone I. The
ambient species being Euryhaline stays in the estuary for lifetime but it has been
observed that the young-ones abruptly disappear after the initial monsoon
precipitation from zone I. Tandel (1984) in her study observed, the size-wise
composition of mudskippers in the catch indicated that only small mudskippers
were more sensitive to the turbulence caused by rainy season.
Dissolved oxygen however remained hypoxic throughout the year in all
the zones, except some instances (Graph 6.), revealed that the estuary is highly
polluted. (Laponite & Clark, 1992).
BOD was relatively high in zone than zone II and zone III indicating the
high organic deposition through domestic wastes. It was observed during the
study that in zone III the human excreta were disposed in the estuary in the late
post monsoon season due to which the BOD shot to extreme level (21.22 mg/l).
The nutrients like SiO3-Si and NO3-N remained very high can be
correlated with the industrial effluent and domestic waste added to the estuary,
throughout the year. Extreme high levels of SiO3-Si in Ulhas River estuary was
due to igneous rock of volcanic origin in the vicinity (Mishra, 2002). High
phosphate status in the monsoon was due to land runoff water flooded in the
estuary during monsoon (Qasim et al., 1969).
Sedimentology study with an average of sand, silt and clay, revealed that
the percentage of silt was greater. According to Buchanan (1984) the soil is

49
clayey silt if the silt exceeds 60% in soil texture estimate. High silt is the sign of
domestic wastes (Goldin, 2001) added to the estuary. This forced the inhabitant
species to abandon the area. Due to the siltation the benthic organisms were
disappeared from zone I and zone II as it must be hindering them from building
their burrows.
In the present study it was found that the health of the estuary has
reached a critical position due to industrial and domestic activities. Overall
scenario of the pollution status of the Ulhas River estuary during the study
period indicated that the estuary has deteriorated to its threshold limit and must
be protected from indiscriminate exploitation in future to save the natural
heritage of our township.
V.2. Biological study:
From feeding intensity and the content of gut B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.)
was found to be selective in feeding as it selected only few spp. of diatoms from
the number of them occurred in earlier study (Mishra, 2002). Individuals were
well fed in the prosperous seasons. Diatoms were the most selected food during
monsoon and early post monsoon seasons. Hence the diatom can be called as
the basic food of the B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.). Alternatively the individuals
also foraged on algae as obligatory food. In the absence of both the basic and
obligatory food the fish was found to survive on mangrove foliage in late post
monsoon season. Therefore the decayed mangrove foliage may be noted as
emergency food. It is evident from the food and feeding of B. dussumieri (Cuv.
Val.) that it suffered from sever starvation which is in concurrence in the low
primary productivity, in late post-monsoon season. This must be the reason for
the depletion of the mudskipper fishery in the late post-monsoon season and the
meager catches of the same indicated lack of bigger individuals in the estuary.
The bigger individuals might be either migrating towards sea or dying of
starvation and stress or probably due to the fishing activity in early post
monsoon. The fish containing high body fat, low muscle glycogen in late post-
monsoon indicated the high pollution stress.

50
The length weight study supports the pollution conditions in the three
seasons. In the early post monsoon the fish were comparatively healthy stating
the prosperity of the season. The early post monsoon season exhibited wealthy
food condition, stability in the environmental conditions. The subsequent
increase in the organic carbon indicated that earlier primary production in the
season.
The study of proximate composition also revealed the change according
to the seasons. Tandel (1984) observed the reciprocal relationship between the
fat and moisture content of the body. She has also mentioned that the fish
accumulates fat due to the environmental stress. The rise in the fat in late post
monsoon is the similar observation in present study. At the same time the
lowered glycogen in the late post monsoon season supports the above fact.
The fishery study was found concomitant to the hydrological and
biological evidences procured in this study. The fish has to face heavy
environmental stress in late post monsoon that makes it to disappear in the
season from the Ulhas River estuary.
V.3. Conclusion:
The pollution study of the ambient water examined through hydrology has
clearly shown that the estuary was polluted to a critical level. Zone I
comparatively faced sever hazard due to domestic activity. The water body
as a whole was influenced greatly during the late post-monsoon season.
The anthropogenic activities along with the industries are worsening the
situation.
The B. dussumieri (Cuv. & Val.) health has affected due to pollution. The
fish was lacking from the Zone I and Zone II in late post monsoon the
pollution stress exerted on the fish during the late post monsoon season.
The low glycogen and high fat content of the fish B. dussumieri (Cuv. &
Val.) during the late post monsoon was concurrent with the pollution and
the low salinity stress during the rainy season.

51
The fishery has dwindled to a miserable condition due to the above
reasons.

52
CHAPTER VI
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Adams, S. M. & McLean, R. B., 1985. Estimation of the largemouth bass, Micropterus
salmoides Lacepede, growth using the liver-somatic index physiological variables.
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Websites sited:
1. www.http://aucasmbenvis.org
2. www.http://fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
3. www.http://South Asia SUSG Fisheries Workshop
4. www.http://ramsar.org/photo_essay_india_bhoj.htm
ABBRIVIATIONS USED:-
1. Mon = monsoon
2. Epm /EPM= early post monsoon
3. Lpm/LPM = late post monsoon
4. URE = Ulhas River estuary
5. DO = Dissolved oxygen
6. BOD = Biochemical oxygen demand
7. IH = Hepatosomatic index
8. LP= light penetration
9. SS = Suspended solids
10. pp = printed pages

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