Bacteriological and physico-chemical factors associated with Noctiluca miliaris bloom, along Mangalore, south-west coast of India

A monospecific bloom of Noctiluca miliaris occurred during summer (May 1993), off Mangalore, south-west coast of India. The bloom was in the logarithmic phase of growth when it was first noticed. The bloom persisted for more than a week. Bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters were studied daily till the collapse of the bloom. No significant correlation was observed between Noctiluca counts and direct viable bacterial count or total plate count of bacteria. However, percentage incidence of bacteria Moraxella during the bloom period was significantly higher compared to non-bloom period.