Spatial distribution and seagrass mapping at Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu

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.