Distribution and occurrence of diatom community along three estuaries of Dakshina Kannada, west coast of India.

The present paper deals with the collection and identification of Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) of three estuaries at Dakshina Kannada district, (Karnataka). The studies were carried out for a period of one year extending between November 1994 to December 1995. A total of 33 taxa belonging to 24 genera were recorded from three different estuaries. The highest number of diatom taxa were recorded from H1 & G1 estuaries and the most common diatom genera observed at all the stations were Coscinodiscus sp., and Cheatoceros sp.,. The various ecological parameters analysed are discussed.