Search

The Citizen Observation of Local Litter in coastal ECosysTems (COLLECT) project (2021-2022) is a citizen science initiative, supported by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), which aimed to acquire distribution and abundance data of coastal plastic litter in seven countries: in Africa (Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria) and Asia (Malaysia). In this paper, we describe the workflow used to establish and run this project, as well as the methodologies to acquire data. The COLLECT project consisted of training local students (15 - 18 years old) from ten second cycle institutions (“high schools”) on sampling and analyzing macro-, meso- and microplastics in beach sediments, using a quantitative assessment protocol. We further describe in detail the methodologies applied in assessing the impact of participating in the activities from a social sciences perspective. All documents and materials resulting from this project will be open access and available according to the FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). The results and outcomes from COLLECT will contribute to expanding knowledge and establishing baseline information on coastal plastic pollution, with citizen science being an enabler of open science, allowing data to be freely available to the public, academics and policymakers. Expected results from the use of the COLLECT protocol globally will further contribute to the identification of hotspots of coastal plastic litter, and bring awareness to local communities on the potential consequences of plastic pollution. The COLLECT project actively contributes with data suitable to survey plastic litter to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular to SDG 14, on the sustainable use of the ocean.

Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven technology applied in desalination and water reuse with utilisation of sustainable energy. However, algal organic matter (AOM) could foul membrane critically and plague MD's long-term operational stability. In this study, the soluble extracellular polymeric substance (sEPS) and intracellular organic matter with bound extracellular polymeric substance (IOM + bEPS) of two algal species (Amphora coffeaeformis and Navicula incerta) were exposed to 60 °C, 70 °C and 80 °C for 8 h with polypropylene hydrophobic membrane, simulating heated AOMs contacted with membrane inside MD unit, to study the temperature effect on membrane fouling. The dissolved carbohydrate and protein in the sEPS and IOM + bEPS samples generally increased after being heated. Heating caused cell lysis and the release and dissolution of carbohydrate and protein from sEPS, IOM and bEPS into water. As heating temperature increased, the carbohydrate release from the AOM usually increased. The contact angle of membrane contacted with sEPS and IOM + bEPS reduced significantly after heat treatment. The reduction in IOM + bEPS was larger than sEPS, in line with SEM analysis, indicating membrane surfaces and pores with IOM + bEPS fouled more severely than sEPS. It is due to higher hydrophobicity in IOM + bEPS causing adherence to membrane and presence of amphiphiles. High protein, lipid, and saturated fats proportions also cause severe fouling. SEM-EDX analysis indicated presence of O, Na, Cl and Mg elements, pointing to carbohydrate and lipids, and salt trapped in foulants. AOM heating and composition had direct effect to the membrane integrity, dictating severity of fouling in MD operations.

Oceanography is by nature a global science, and thus requires a global trained workforce. Yet in many coastal nations, the number of trained professionals working in ocean science fields is lacking. Global Ocean Corps and Conveyor (GOCC), an endorsed capacity development programme of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, aims to increase the geographical and cultural diversity of the ocean science workforce through facilitating and building sustained long-term education and research collaborations between scientists around the globe. Based upon our collective experience with schools and workshops held in Ghana, Malaysia, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, and elsewhere, we are confident that a well-funded Ocean Corps would inspire large numbers of scientists, especially early-career scientists, into its ranks, thus molding many of them into champions for international capacity development for the remainder of their careers, and fostering truly global ocean science collaborations worldwide.

Ocean science capacity is distributed unequally, but a rapidly changing ocean requires widely and equitably distributed human, technical, and physical ocean science infrastructure. EquiSea: The Ocean Science Fund for All is a platform co-designed through consensus-based stakeholder discussion with more than 200 scientists from around the world. EquiSea aims to improve equity in ocean science by establishing a philanthropic fund to provide direct financial support to projects, coordinating capacity development activities, fostering collaboration and co-financing of ocean science between academia, government, NGOs, and private sector actors, and supporting the development of low-cost and easy-to-maintain ocean science technologies.

A study on the diversity of mollusc communities inhabiting the seagrass bed of Pulau Gazumbo, Penang, which is known as a manmade island covered with seagrass communities in Malaysia, was conducted. The seagrass species reported in this island are Halophila ovalis Hook (1858), H. ovata Gaud (1827), H. spinulosa Aschers (1875) and H. beccarii den Hartog (1977), with H. ovalis being the dominant species. A total of 15 random lmx lm quadrates were taken on the seagrass bed around the island during lowest tide. A total of 14 species from 12 genera and 9 families of gastropods and a total of 8 species from 8 genera and 6 families of bivalves were reported in this study. Nassarius livescens from the Family Nassariidae is the most dominant molluscs (18 individuals per m2) inhabiting the seagrass beds.

Different challenges have been encountered in the implementation of MSP. Some of these challenges are attributed to the different governance approaches and structures, and the absence or lack of channels of communication between MSP agencies at the national and international level. In addition, there are differences between the practices of institutional systems. Recent studies have focused on the importance of addressing issues related to an authority for MSP. Nevertheless, there has been no comprehensive study that focused on addressing the governance and authority(agency) type over marine areas within the national jurisdiction. Although it has been argued that, as yet, there is no single solution or unique recipe for the successful implementation of MSP, this study was aimed at carrying out a systematic review of the literature concerning an MSP authority and its types and its related concepts. By doing so, it is believed that this study will be able to highlight the practices related to an MSP authority and its tools of governance, and the approaches for its implementation, ultimately highlighting the best practices that can be mainstreamed worldwide. In addition, recommendations will be introduced concerning the authority of the MSP that suits its transboundary nature. In conclusion, it is believed that the identification of a single authority (agency) type would serve as an administrative reference for all agencies and stakeholders nationally and internationally.

A study was conducted on the relationship between the reproductive cycle and shell growth rate of Anadara granosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Gonadal maturity stages, increment width, and environmental factors were examined by means of a field enclosure experiment in Balik Pulau, Penang Island, Malaysia, from December 2011 to November 2012. Histological analysis of gonads showed that gametogenic activity of A. granosa occurred throughout the year, with maximum spawning activity observed from April 2012 to late June 2012 (15%–28%) in males and from March 2012 to late June 2012 (19%–44%) in females. Shell cross-section analysis showed that the increment widths of both sexes in the growing group (indeterminate and developing stages) and the spawning group (ripe and spawning stages) ranged from 35–57 to 8–17 µm, respectively. Seawater temperature and salinity recorded on a daily basis throughout the study period ranged from 22–33°C and 29–31, respectively. A comparison of increment width and gonad development stages in different environmental conditions showed that shell growth in the growing group decreased when seawater temperature and salinity decreased slightly. In contrast, increment widths in the spawning group were much narrower and were influenced by energy consumption during ripe and spawning stages. This study shows spawning breaks in shell structure are considered markers for identifying the period of sexual maturity. Therefore, spawning breaks are suitable proxies for interpretation of the temporal changes in shell microgrowth lines in terms of reproductive cycle of cockle and understanding the number of spawning periods throughout the year.

The influence of the cool and warm temperatures on early life development and survival of tropical oyster, Crassostrea iredalei was studied. D-hinged larvae (day 1 larvae) were reared to three different temperatures (20°C, 27°C, and 34°C) for nine days. Oyster larvae reared in temperature 27°C, acted as control (ambient temperature). The highest survival rate occurred when the larvae were reared in 20°C and 27°C. Larvae reared at 34°C exhibited reduced survival but increase in the growth rate. The growth rate in larvae reared in high temperature (34°C) was significantly higher compared to larvae reared in 20°C and 27°C (p

A small scale laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of salinity ranging from 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 ppt on the filtration rates of juvenile oyster Crassostrea iredalei with 25 ppt as the control. Three juvenile oysters (shell weight: 1.04 ± 0.12 g; shell length: 1.9 ± 0.2 cm; shell height: 1.9 ± 0.1 cm) were used to test the filtration rates in each salinity over the course of 8 hours. The hourly filtration rates were determined from the exponential decrease in algal (Chaetoceros calcitrans) concentration as a function of time. The oyster in 35 ppt salinity produced the highest overall filtration rate (FR2) with 134.06 ± 15.66 mL-1 hr-1 oyster-1 and the lowest overall filtration rate (FR2) occurred in oyster exposed to 15 ppt and 45 ppt with 31.30 ± 6.90 mL-1 hr-1 oyster-1 and 32.11 ± 7.68 mL-1 hr-1 oyster-1 respectively throughout the 8 hours. The result from this study can be useful for optimum oyster culturing and the oysters can be employed as a natural biofilter in marine polyculture farming.

Decreasing pH levels in the world’s oceans are widely recognized as a threat to marine life. Bryozoans are among several phyla that produce calcium carbonate skeletons potentially affected by ocean acidification (OA). Depending on species, bryozoan skeletons can consist of calcite, aragonite or have a bimineralic combination of these two minerals. Aragonite is generally more soluble in seawater than calcite, making aragonitic species more vulnerable to OA. Here, for the first time we use Raman spectroscopy to determine the mineral composition of a tropical bryozoan biota. Compared with bryozoan biotas from higher latitudes in which calcite predominates, aragonite was found to occur in a much higher proportion of the 22 cheilostome bryozoan species collected from the shorelines of Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, where 46% of species are calcitic, 41% aragonitic and 13% bimineralic. All but one of the aragonitic or bimineralic species belong to the ascophorans, whereas calcitic skeletons characteri...

High levels of biodiversity and phylogeographic structure in marine species in Southeast Asia are strongly linked to Quaternary sea-level fluctuations and complex oceanographic conditions. Cellana toreuma is a common limpet on intertidal rocky shores and is widely distributed in the Western Pacific. Analyses of partial mitochondrial COI gene sequences from Southeast Asia, combined with previously published sequences from East Asia and Indonesia, revealed the existence of five well-supported clades with high genetic divergences (between 1.4 and 7.6%), namely the East Asia clade, the eastern Southeast Asia clade, the western Southeast Asia clade, the Pelabuan Ratu (Java) clade and the Ogasawara clade. The geographical distribution of the five clades is likely related to the history of glaciations and rapid postglacial population expansions. Analyses of pairwise ΦST and hierarchical analysis of molecular variance shows significant population structure among collections in East and Southeast Asia. These results suggest that historical events have had strong effects on the phylogeographic structure of C. toreuma. In addition, present environmental factors, such as unsuitable habitats and ocean currents, have also affected the genetic footprints of past environments.

This study aimed to evaluate the efforts associated with Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the state of Penang, Malaysia. After reviewing the different methodologies in evaluating ICZM, two approaches were selected as recommended by Bille (2007) and Gallagher (2010). It was anticipated that by merging the results of the two approaches, each would be capable of filling the gaps of the other one. Interestingly, it was found that the two methodologies together provided a comprehensive evaluation of ICZM efforts. However, on the other hand, it was discovered that ICZM efforts in Penang were disadvantaged by the absence of an authoritative agency having overall responsibility, lack of horizontal and vertical integration between the different sectors and levels (regulations and acts concerning the coastal zone are implemented by different agencies at State and Federal levels), and poor institutional capacity. Although, in the present management system, adequate consideration has been given to communication and the participation of related stakeholders. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, ICZM in Penang is close to becoming an effective tool for managing coastal areas. However, the present management approach is proprietary. This paper contributes to the knowledge and understanding of ICZM in Penang, Malaysia. Further, the findings of this study will help in providing the means by which to assess ICZM nationally given regional evaluation is a prerequisite for evaluation at the national level in Malaysia.

This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of marine‐associated mites in the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca and reveals a relatively high diversity of these taxa with six species from two different families: Selenoribatidae and Fortuyniidae. Indopacifica, a new genus of Selenoribatidae, is described from Thailand and Malaysia, with two new species, Indopacifica pantai n. sp. and Indopacifica parva n. sp. The genus is characterized by the unique combination of following characters: lacking lamellar ridges, incomplete dorsosejugal suture, fourteen pairs of notogastral setae, and presence of epimeral foveae. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on 18S ribosomal RNA sequences clearly confirms the distinctness of the new genus Indopacifica and places it close to the genus Rhizophobates. The lack of molecular genetic data of possible relatives impedes a clear assessment, and hence, we emphasize the need for further combined approaches using morphological and molecular genetic sequence data. All species show wide distribution areas within this geographic region suggesting that these taxa are good dispersers despite their minute size and wingless body. Molecular genetic data demonstrate recent gene flow between far distant populations of I. pantai n. sp. from the coasts of Thailand and two islands of Malaysia and hence confirm this assumption. The seasonally changing surface currents within this geographic area may favor hydrochorous dispersal and hence genetic exchange. Nevertheless, morphometric data show a slight trend to morphological divergence among the studied populations, whereas this variation is suggested to be a result of genetic drift but also of habitat differences in one population of Alismobates pseudoreticulatus.

This study aims to investigate the potential of cockle shells as an environmental recorder, examining the environmental factors controlling the shell growth of the intertidal Anadara granosa from w...

This article is the most recent report of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Muar River and Pulau Merambong, Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 16 priority pollutant PAHs in addition to methylphenanthrene among alkylated PAHs were analyzed in surface sediments during May 2013. Total PAHs ranged from 212 to 440 and 151 to 412 ng g−1 dw in sediments from the Muar River and the Pulau Merambong, respectively. The Muar River showed an increasing trend of PAH concentrations, while no previous data exist for the Pulau Merambong. Generally, mixed petrogenic and pyrogenic sources of PAHs with predominance of the latter were detected in the study area. Effective management of oil pollution has caused a drastic decrease in petrogenic sources of PAHs.

Length-weight relationship, growth parameters and mortality rates ofAnadara granosain the intertidal zone of Balik Pulau, Penang Island, West Coast of Malaysia were investigated based on monthly length-frequency data (December 2011 to November 2012). A total of 548 individuals ranging from 11.25 to 33.13 mm size were subjected to analysis. Logarithmic relationship between the length and weight was LogW = 2.328LogL − 2.537 (R2 = 0.922) for combined sexes. From this equation it was clear that the exponent ‘b’ value forA. granosashowed a negative allometric growth (b 3). A von Bertalanffy growth function with an asymptotic length (L∞) of 35.40 mm and a growth constant (K) of 1.1 year−1was established from length frequency distributions. Thet0(−0.140) was estimated by substituting theL∞andKin the Pauly's equation. The sizes attained byA. granosawere 10.13, 14.36, 17.89, 20.82, 23.56 and 25.29 mm at the end of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months, respectively. The estimated growth performance index (Ø) was 3.13 while the estimated lifespan of the cockles was about 2.72 years at the study area. The estimated value of total mortality based on length-converted catch curve wasZ = 3.02 year−1. The natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) rates were 1.84 and 0.48 year−1, respectively. The exploitation level (E) ofA. granosawas 0.20, which indicated slight fishing pressure on the stock.

This study aims to investigate the periodicity of shell microgrowth lines and increments of cockles in the intertidal and subtidal areas. A total of 600 marked specimens of the blood cockle Anadara granosa were placed in buried cages that were placed at three sites of differing water levels (Site A: exposed in all low tides, Site B: exposed during spring tides, and Site C: continuously immersed) in Pinang Island, Malaysia. Cockles were collected on a fortnightly basis and the shells were sectioned from the umbo to the ventral margin, before being polished, etched and photographed under a light microscope to observe microgrowth lines and increments. The majority of the cockle shells examined showed that the number of growth lines in shell structures was close to the number of tidal emersions (P>0.01). The number of microgrowth lines observed in shells during the study period was significantly different (P

The influence of the cool and warm temperatures on early life development and survival of tropical oyster, Crassostrea iredalei was studied. D-hinged larvae (day 1 larvae) were reared to three different temperatures (20°C, 27°C, and 34°C) for nine days. Oyster larvae reared in temperature 27°C, acted as control (ambient temperature). The highest survival rate occurred when the larvae were reared in 20°C and 27°C. Larvae reared at 34°C exhibited reduced survival but increase in the growth rate. The growth rate in larvae reared in high temperature (34°C) was significantly higher compared to larvae reared in 20°C and 27°C (p

A small scale laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of salinity ranging from 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 ppt on the filtration rates of juvenile oyster Crassostrea iredalei with 25 ppt as the control. Three juvenile oysters (shell weight: 1.04 ± 0.12 g; shell length: 1.9 ± 0.2 cm; shell height: 1.9 ± 0.1 cm) were used to test the filtration rates in each salinity over the course of 8 hours. The hourly filtration rates were determined from the exponential decrease in algal (Chaetoceros calcitrans) concentration as a function of time. The oyster in 35 ppt salinity produced the highest overall filtration rate (FR2) with 134.06 ± 15.66 mL−1 hr−1 oyster−1 and the lowest overall filtration rate (FR2) occurred in oyster exposed to 15 ppt and 45 ppt with 31.30 ± 6.90 mL−1 hr−1 oyster−1 and 32.11 ± 7.68 mL−1 hr−1 oyster−1 respectively throughout the 8 hours. The result from this study can be useful for optimum oyster culturing and the oysters can be employed as a natural biofilter in marine polyculture farming.

The effects of salinity on the embryonic and larvae stage of Crassostrea iredalei were investigated. Fertilised eggs and one day old D-larvae were subjected to salinities ranging from 0 to 30 ppt at temperature of 30±2°C. At salinity lower than 10 ppt, 100% mortality was observed. For embryo development, the highest survival was observed at salinity 25 ppt with 80.9±2.2% survival with no significant difference compared to 15 and 30 ppt. Shell height and length were both greatest at salinity 30 ppt. Throughout the 11 days culture, the highest larval survival occurred at salinity 15 ppt with no significant difference compared to all other salinities except 10 ppt. Larval shell sizes showed no significant differences between salinities, except for 10 ppt. Optimum culture condition for larvae growth are salinities ranging from 15 to 30 ppt whereby the larval of this species can tolerate wider range of salinity compared to other oyster species and thus, making it a competitive species to be cultured.

This is the first report on the parasites of blood cockle Anadara granosa from the Straits of Malacca. For a histopathological survey, samples were collected for 13 mo from 3 natural habitats: the west coast of Pulau Aman, Malaysia; the east coast of Banda Acheh; and the east coast of Lhokseumawe, Indonesia. After reviewing histological preparations, Nematopsis sp. was found in the connective tissue, gills, gonad, mantle, digestive glands, and foot; trematode sporocysts were identified in the gonads, stomach epithelium, mantle, digestive glands, and foot; and a turbellarian was observed in the stomach epithelium, gonads, digestive glands, mantle, and gills. Remarkable spatial differences were found in the parasitic communities of A. granosa of the Straits of Malacca; however, no apparent temporal variation in the prevalence of any parasite was evident. Nematopsis sp. infection was very common in A. granosa collected from Pulau Aman, with no clear host tissue damage. Trematode sporocysts were obse...

This paper addresses some of the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on Penang, Malaysia. We aim to offer wide access to unique and perishable data, while at the same time providing insight to ongoing debates about hazards, vulnerability and social capital. Our social survey examines some of the dynamics that shaped the tsunami impact, response and recovery process. While in terms of lives lost Penang may not conform to arguments surrounding vulnerable environments, the recovery process is more marked by social disparities in terms of the ability to access resources. Our physical survey records local topography, flow depth and flow direction, and charts the differential impact of the tsunami. Yet measuring hazards is not a straightforward process, and relies on reflexive methodologies and eyewitness accounts.

Stratigraphy, grain size distribution and foraminiferal assemblages of pre-tsunami and tsunami sediment from the Indian Ocean Tsunami at five sites along the Malaysia–Thailand Peninsula were analyzed to gain information on tsunami sediment source and deposition style. Between three and five stratigraphic units were identified at each site and contained between one and three fining upward sequences reflecting waning flow or pre-backwash deposition. Coarser sand layers reflecting uprush high-energy flow separated the fining upward sequences, with the exception of one site (Sungai Burong), which contained a coarsening upward sequence. All contacts between the pre-tsunami and tsunami sediment were sharp or erosional. Medium and coarse sand dominated all of the tsunami sediment deposits and often contained shell fragments. Foraminiferal assemblages were able to differentiate pre-tsunami sediment from tsunami sediment where no lithological or grain size distribution change was evident. Between two and four foraminiferal zones were identified at each of the five sites and provided estimates of sediment source and wave characteristics.

Peninsular Malaysia has gone through fast development during recent decades resulting in the release of large amounts of petroleum and its products into the environment. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are one of the major components of petroleum. Surface sediment samples were collected from five rivers along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons. The total concentrations of C10 to C36 n-alkanes ranged from 27,945 to 254,463ng·g(-1)dry weight (dw). Evaluation of various n-alkane indices such as carbon preference index (CPI; 0.35 to 3.10) and average chain length (ACL; 26.74 to 29.23) of C25 to C33 n-alkanes indicated a predominance of petrogenic source n-alkanes in the lower parts of the Rivers, while biogenic origin n-alkanes from vascular plants are more predominant in the upper parts, especially in less polluted areas. Petrogenic sources of n-alkanes are predominantly heavy and degraded oil versus fresh oil inputs.

Previous studies indicated that with increasing industrialization and urbanization, pollution problems have become more significant in Malaysia. West coast of Malaysia is more populated and urbanized than the east and therefore more susceptible to various pollutants. Surface sediment samples were collected from Pulau Merambong and Muar river, Peninsular Malaysia during May 2013 where 16 USEPA Priority Pollutants PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total PAHs in the sediments for Muar river ranged from 15.5 to 165.7 ng/g dw whereas the total PAHs for Pulau Merambong ranged from 38.6 to 122.8 ng/g dw. Due to rapid urbanization and motorization, Muar river showed an increasing trend of PAHs concentrations when compared to a study conducted about a decade ago. Pulau Merambong shows relatively lower PAHs concentrations as compared to other locations in Peninsular Malaysia. However, there is no previous data in Pulau Merambong to evaluate the trend in the petroleum hydrocarbons distribution and concentrations. In general, this study revealed that the lowest concentrations were detected in downstream of the Muar and Pulau Meranbong, respectively. This study also found abundance of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs as compared to low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs suggesting predominance of pyrogenic PAH sources via atmospheric and long-range input. The ratio of LMW PAHs to HMW PAHs (LMW/HMW) were in the range of 0.05–0.33 indicating pyrogenic input and this is consistent with other diagnostic ratios.

The invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi (Agassiz) which was transported from the Black Sea into the Caspian Sea at the end of the 1990s, has negatively affected the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea. Zooplankton abundance, biomass and species composition were evaluated on the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea during 2001-2006. A total of 18 merozooplankton (13 species composed of larvae of benthic animals) and holozooplankton (4 Copepoda and 1 Cladocera) species were identified. The total number of zooplankton species found here was 50% less than in a previous investigation performed in the same region in 1996 before the introduction of M. leidyi into the Caspian Sea. Cladocera species seemed to be highly affected by the invasion of M. leidyi; only one species, Podon polyphemoides, remained in the study area, whereas, 24 Cladocera species were found in the study carried out in 1996. While Copepoda Eurytemora minor, E. grimmi, Calanipeda aquae dulcis and Acartia tonsa were abundant before the M. leidyi invasion, only A. tonsa (copepodites and adults) dominated the inshore and offshore waters after the invasion. The maxima in zooplankton abundance (22,088 ± 24,840 ind.m-3) and biomass (64.1 ± 56.8 mg.m-3) were recorded in December 2001 and August 2004, respectively. The annual mean zooplankton abundance during 2001-2006 was in the range of 3,361- 8,940 ind.m-3 which was 2-5 fold less than the zooplankton abundance in 1996. During 2001-2006, the highest abundance and biomass of M. leidyi were observed during summer-autumn coincident with warm temperatures and generally when abundance of other zooplankton organisms was low., JRC.H.5-Land Resources Management

The objective of the research are: (1) to analyze the water quality condition of water circulation system at laboratory and (2) to measure the growth (length and height) and survival rate of Caulastrea furcata which was fragmented at the laboratory. The water quality condition at the laboratory showed that every parameter has normal value in which organism can live and grow. Natural feed such as Copepoda and Nannoclhoropsis were also cultured at the laboratory as food for the coral. Transplantation was done by cutting the colony of coral or by breaking the branch of coral into pieces from every kind of coral spesies and placed those on artificial substrate made from ceramic bricks. Cutting process was done after the acclimatization process. Fragmentation treatment of C. furcata become 1 polyp, 2 polyp, 3 polyp and 4 polyp that was reared on circulation system did not give significant impact on height and length growth after 160 days. Mean of growth length of C. furcata on treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 polyps in every month after 160 days was 1.64 mm, 1.55 mm, 1.42 mm and 1.08 mm, respectively, whereas mean of growth broad was 0.71 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.51 mm and 0.62 mm, respectively. Fragmentation treatment of C. furcata become 1 polyp was best length if compare other treatment. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: (1) menganalisis kondisi kualitas air pada system sirkulasi air di laboratorium dan (2) mengukur pertumbuhan (panjang dan tinggi) dan tingkat kelulushidupan Caulastrea furcate yang telah difrakmentasi di laboratorium. Nilai kualitas air menunjukkan bahwa setiap parameter adalah normal dan dapat mendukung kehidupan dan pertumbuhan organisme. Pakan alami seperti Copepoda dan Nannoclhoropsis yang juga dikultur di laboratorium sebagai pakan karang. Tansplantasi dilakukan melalui pemotongan koloni karang pada bagian cabang karang kedalam bagian kecil dari setiap spesies karang dan ditempatkan pada subtrak buatan yang dibuat dari keramik. Proses pemotongan dilakukan setelah proses aklimatisasi dilakukan. Perlakuan frakmentasi C. furcate menjadi 1 polip, 2 polip, 3 polip dan 4 polip kemudian didedahkan dalam air berskirkulasi tidak memberikan efek yang signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan tinggi dan panjang setelah 160 hari. Rata-rata pertambahan lebar pada perlakuan 1, 2, 3 dan 4 polip pada setiap bulan setelah 160 hari adalah 1.64 mm, 1.55 mm, 1.42 mm dan 1.08 mm. dimana rata-rata pertumbuhan tinggi secara berurutan adalah 0.71 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.51 mm dan 0.62 mm. Perlakuan frakmentasi 1 polip pada C. furcate menghasilkan panjang terbaik dibandingkan perlakuan lainnya.

THE DIVERSITIES OF MANGROVE TREES AND OF THEIR ASSOCIATED GASTROPODS WERE ASSESSED FOR TWO MANGROVE REGIONS ON THE WEST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: Langkawi Island and Sungai Merbok. The mangrove area sampled on Langkawi Island was recently logged and replanted, whereas the area sampled in Sungai Merbok was part of a protected nature reserve. Mangrove and gastropod diversity were assessed in four 50 m(2) (10 × 5 m) sites per region. The species richness (S), Shannon Index (H') and Evenness Index (J') were calculated for each site, and the mean S, H' and J' values were calculated for each region. We report low tree and gastropod S, H' and J' values in all sites from both regions. For Langkawi Island, the mean S, H' and J' values for mangrove trees were S = 2.00±0, H' = 0.44±0.17 and J' = 0.44±0.17; the mean S, H' and J' values for gastropods were S = 4.00±1.63, H' = 0.96±0.41 and J' = 0.49±0.06. In Sungai Merbok, the mean S, H' and J' values for mangrove trees were S = 1.33±0.58, H' = 0.22±0.39 and J' = 0.22 ±0.39; the mean S, H' and J' values for gastropods were S = 4.75±2.22, H' = 1.23±0.63 and J' = 0.55±0.12. This study emphasises the need for baseline biodiversity measures to be established in mangrove ecosystems to track the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances and to inform management and restoration efforts.Kepelbagaian pokok bakau dan gastropod yang berkaitan telah dikaji di dua kawasan bakau di pantai barat Semenanjung Malaysia: Pulau Langkawi dan Sungai Merbok. Kawasan bakau yang disampel di Pulau Langkawi baru dibalak dan ditanam semula, manakala kawasan yang disampel di Sungai Merbok adalah sebahagian daripada rizab semula jadi yang dilindungi. Kepelbagaian bakau dan gastropod dinilai dalam empat tapak kajian bersaiz 50 m