ABSTRACT
The spatial changes in estuarine ecosystem are evident from the recent research, but there is no reliable evidence of the influence of climate change on it. In this paper, an attempt is made to bring out the probable impact of climate change on the ecology and fisheries of Vembanad Lake through trend analysis and model projections. Freshwater discharge to the estuarine system comes from rainfall on the estuarine catchment areas. The amplified runoff can influence the temperature, salinity, and other nutrient composition of the estuary. Biodiversity of estuarine ecosystem are seriously influenced by fluctuations in salinity which controlled the distribution and abundance of various species. Recent trend and forecast on the chlorophyll data from the lake showed a decreasing trend, which have greater influence in the primary productivity and biota of the ecosystem. The environmental and ecological changes brought about in the lake have been attributed to various anthropogenic activities such as urban development and industry.
