SEAGRASS AT SOUTH WESTERN COAST OF JOHOR

Abstract

Study on distribution of seagrasses was carried out at south western coast of Johor, Malaysia. At present, the study area is facing rapid economic growth. Hence, competition between development and preservation ofnatural ecosystem becomes a major issue. Since the last investigation on seagrasses was conducted 5 years ago, this reassessment is important to evaluate the seagrasses occurrence in the area. Investigation of the seagrasses distribution was conducted using quadrat transect method from January 2009 to December 2009 during spring low tide. Six species of seagrasses were found at the seagrass bed located at Tanjung Kupang-Merambong shoal. The seagrasses species were identified as Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila spinulosa, Halophila ova/is, Halophila minor and Halodule pinifolia. Only one species of seagrass; Thalassia hemprichii was identified at Merambong Island whereas two species were identified at Pulai River estuary i.e. Enhalus acoroides andHalophila ova/is. At Tanjung Kupang, the seagrasess grow and form dense communities compared to seagrasses at Pulai River estuary which only grow sparsely near the shoreline. Comparatively, seagrass at Merambong Island was only found in small patches. Overall the present study is able to update the occurrence of seagrass species at the south western coast ofJohor.