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The extent of eutrophication in harbour and coastal environment of Visakhapatnam has been quantitatively evaluated using nutrient index (I). The index values obtained for PO4 - P, NO3 - N and NH4 - N in harbour waters (I > 5) conclusively. proved the existence of eutrophication in Visakhapatnam harbour. Further, the nutrient index showed a decreasing trend from harbour to coastal region (I = 3-5) indicating mesotrophic conditions in the coastal environment. This is attributed to the discharge of domestic sewage and industrial effluents containing organic matter into the harbour and their subsequent dispersion into the coastal region.