Seagrass Diversity and Distribution in Coastal Area of Kampot Province, Cambodia

Abstract

The seagrass species diversity and distribution were evaluated in the coastal area of Kampot Povince, Cambodia. Observations of general environmental conditions which support seagrass growth are included. The samples were taken from 960 points within the seagrass area with quadrat method. Twelve seagrass species were reported. They are: Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Helophilla decipiens, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea Serrulata, Halophila beccarii, Halophila minor, Ruppia maritima and Halodule pinifolia. Of the twelve species, Halodule uninervis was the most dominant and was widely distributed along the coastline of Kampot. Based on survey and data analysis, less number of seagrass species occurred in the shallower water depth (0.1-1 meters) and deeper water depth (4-7 meters), whereas more species occurred in the water depth of 1-3 meters. Four species; Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Helophilla decipiens, Syringodium isoetifolium widely distribute everywhere. The seagrass coverage in the area is correlated with water depth. The higher seagrass coverage was found in the shallow water whereas the lower seagrass coverage was found in the deeper water.