Abstract:
There is no study regarding to seagrass distribution at Setiu Wetlands for a long time
period. Because of that reason, this study was conducted. The main objective of this
study is to identify the seagrass species present at Setiu Wetlands and also to map its
distribution. Sampling were designed and conducted to collect the seagrass and
sediment samples, brought back for further analysis and identification work at the
laboratory. In-situ data such as hydrological parameters and seagrass patch
coordinates were also recorded. Four species of seagrass from sixteen stations were
identified: Halodule pinifolia, Halophila beccarii, Halophila ovalis and Halophila
minor. Halophila minor is a rediscovered species while Halophila beccarii is first
reported for Setiu Wetlands. Furthermore, there are two varieties of Halophila ovalis
identified: small and big leaved variant. Based on the seagrass distribution in 2003,
there is no variant of Halophila ovalis identified. The dominant seagrass species in
this study is Halodule pinifolia, where this species also consist of two variants: long
and short leaved variant. A study on biomass showed that the biomass of
belowground for both species (Halophila species and Halodule pinifolia) has the
higher value compare to biomass of above ground.