Identification of seaweed species in selected areas in the west and east cost of Sabah and their local use

Abstract

This study were done in selected areas of the East and West coasts of Sabah with the main objectives of identifying and recording the seaweed species and also to know the local use of the species. The seaweed species in 11 stations selected belonged to 58 taxa; 30 species from Division Chlorophyta with 3 orders, 6 families and 9 genera, 13 species under Division Heterokontophyta with 3 orders, 4 families and 7 genera and 25 species from Division Rhodophyta with 6 orders, 12 families and 17 genera. The most species (39 species) were identified in 6 stations of Sempoma namely Pulau Salakan (3 stations),Pulau Omadal, Pulau Bumbum and Sempoma Fisheries Department Jetty. One (1) species were found in Sungai Balung, Tawau, 27 species in Pulau Nunuyan Darat and Pulau Nunuyan Laut, Sandakan and 37 species were found in Pulau Bangi and Pantai Bak-bak, Kudat.