Brahmapur: Researchers from the Department of Marine Sciences at Berhampur University have discovered two new species of marine nematodes off the Gopalpur coast in Ganjam district, adding to the growing record of marine biodiversity along the state’s coastline. Research scholar Suman Patra, under the guidance of department faculty member Dr Seshadev Patra, had collected specimens from the main Gopalpur beach area in December 2024. The specimens underwent detailed laboratory examination, including DNA analysis, to establish their taxonomic identity. One of the newly identified species has been named Loratomenella bharatensis.
Researchers said it is the first species of its kind to be discovered worldwide and represents the first record of the species from India. The findings and detailed taxonomic observations have been published in a marine biodiversity publication in Spain. The second species, Ceramonema arenico la, was also identified through morphological and DNA studies. Researchers said 26 species of the genus are known globally, including six recorded from the Indian coastal region. The findings on the new species have been published in the German journal Thalassas. Marine nematodes are microscopic organisms commonly found in intertidal zones. Measuring less than 1 mm, they can generally be observed only under a microscope. Despite their tiny size, they play an important role in marine ecosystems by contributing to the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient recycling and marine food webs.
Their communities are also sensitive to environmental changes, making them useful indicators for assessing the health of marine ecosystems. Since 2023, researchers working under Dr Patra have identified 13 new species from the Ganjam coast. The team plans to preserve the specimens and undertake further studies to collect additional information on the region’s marine biodiversity. Dr Patra said the research has been supported by the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship under the Odisha Higher Education Council.
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