Hoi, Meng Fei (2005) The influence of sedimentation on coral population in Sepanggar area, Sabah. Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
Sediments suspended in the water column and settling on to reef surface are thought to exert influence on coral population. This study examined the influence of sedimentation on coral population at two locations (A and B) of reef within Sepanggar area, Sabah. Two stations located at a reef slope were chosen for each location. Sedimentation rates were measured using sediment traps which were placed at two different depths. The samples were collected once a month and further analysis was done in the laboratory to determine the total sediment trapped, calcium carbonate content, organic matter content and sediment composition. Benthic covers were determined using a 20m line intercept transect. Sedimentation rates were higher at location A which was nearer to the source of sediment discharge. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in sedimentation rates between two locations. Total algal cover was higher in location A which has higher sedimentation rates. Within algal categories (coralline, halimeda and macro), similar patterns were observed. Live coral cover varied significantly with location B (farther from sediment discharge) higher than location A. Diversity of corals were not significantly different between the two locations. Coral genus abundance showed a contrast pattern between two locations. Differences in coral genus abundance suggests a suite of sediment tolerant (Goniopora, Fungia, Pavona, Cynarina, Porites, Pachyseris, Euphyllia, Leptoseris and Pectinia) and sediment intolerant (Seriatopora. Pocillopora, Acropora, Echinopora. Galaxea. Merulina. Symphyllia and Echinophyllia) genera. Alveopora, Platygyra, Astreopora, Cycloseris, Herpolitha, Montipora, Plerogyra, Favia, Gardineroseris, Trachyphyllia, Mycedium, Hydnophora, Haiomitra, Heliofungia, Dipioastrea, Montastrea, Favites and Lobophyllia were intermediate between these groups. Coral population at higher sedimented area (location A) suggesting stabilization of coral population with a greater abundance of sediment tolerance coral genera relative to lower sedimentation area (location B). Although some results showed that sediment related effects on coral population are significant, but these were not sufficient to relate sedimentation influence on coral population. Results reported here suggest that a much more detailed study of Sepanggar area is required to investigate further on effects of light, sediment shedding abilities of coral and hydrodynamic factors.
| Item Type: | Academic Exercise |
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| Keyword: | Coral, Coral population, Sepanggar, Sabah, Calcium carbonate, Organic matter, Sediment composition |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301-705.5 Biology (General) > QH540-549.5 Ecology |
| Department: | SCHOOL > School of Science and Technology |
| Depositing User: | ADMIN ADMIN |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Jan 2012 17:42 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Oct 2017 08:54 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/3358 |
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