Biodiversity of zooplankton in estuarine mangroves of Setiu Lagoon, Terengganu

Abstract

Zooplankton community in the estuarine mangroves of Setiu Lagoon was studied in order to understand the biodiversity status and their relationship with environmental factors. Sampling was conducted throughout year 2004 following the monsoonal season. Eight sampling points were established in the lagoon starting from the upper reach of the estuary (Kuala Katup) to the mouth of the estuary (Pulau Gemia). Three random quadrates were laid horizontally in front of each sampling point where the distance is about 1.5 meter from the mangrove forests. Zooplankton were obtained using a 110pm mesh size of Kitahara net and physico chemical parameters were measured in-situ using a Quanta hydrolab. Fourteen groups of zooplankton have been identified inhabiting estuarine mangrove of Setiu lagoon throughout year 2004 with peak densities found during post-monsoon season (403,963 ind.m"3)and were highly concentrated at St 1 (231,407 ind.m"3) and St 6 (195,520ind.m"J).