Study of Abundance and Distribution Pattern and Stability of Sea Urchin (Stomopneustes variolaris: Echinoidea) in the Intertidal Zones of Chabahar Gulf

This study touches the abundance and distribution of sea urchin Stomopneustes variolaris in the intertidal zones of Chabahar Gulf in the Gulf of Oman, IR. Iran during November 2008 to September 2009. The area of study was at the farthest end of south east of Iran in province of Sistan and Balouchestan from 25°16 61̋ N to 25°22 47 N and from 60°39 90 E to 60°24 38 E. Sampling was done bimonthly during low tide from 5 stations, using 1m×1m quadrate randomly. Then, samples were counted, identified and their abundance, distribution and stability were investigated. The results showed that the abundance of S.variolaris was maximum in February 2009 (3/33±1/03ind.m-2). Investigation of distribution and stability indicators revealed that S.variolaris dispersion was more random and sometimes patchy and its stability was rare.