Phytoplankton dynamics and its influence on optical properties in the coastal waters of Southeastern Arabian Sea Thesis submitted to the Cochin University of Science and Technology In partial fulfilment of the requirements For the Degree Of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MARINE SCIENCES UNDER THE FACULTY OF MARINE SCIENCES By Minu P (Reg. No. 4282) Cochin University of Science and Technology Cochin University Post, Ernakulam Kerala-682 022 Fishing Technology Division ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Matsyapuri post, Ernakulam Kerala-682029 March 2017