Mass mortality of gorgonians: A catastrophic phenomena in the marine national park and sanctuary, Gulf of Kachchh, India

Abstract

This study records the mass mortality of gorgonids, a Schedule I species at the Mundeka Island, Gulf of Kachchh, marine national park and sanctuary. This event coincided with unusually heavy rains and storm surge associated with the cyclone 'HIKAA' which led to the conclusion that a strong storm surge coupled with heavy rainfall might have caused the mortality.