Chek, Min En (2006) The status of coral reefs and rate of sedimentation at Pulau Sepanggar and Batu Point, Pulau Gaya, Kota Kinabalu. Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
Sedimentation has been regarded as one of the major factors that cause degradation of coral reef health at global level. This study examined the effect of sedimentation on coral reefs by comparing a Marine Protected Area and a non-Marine Protected Area in Kota Kinabalu which were Batu Point, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sepanggar respectively. Control site was also located at Pulau Sepanggar. At each location, two stations were surveyed. Status of coral reefs was surveyed by using line intercept transect, coral reef fish visual census and invertebrate survey. Two 20 m line transects were laid at each depth. Sedimentation rates were measured using sediment traps which were placed at two different depths. The samples were collected once a month and further analyses were carried out in laboratory to determine total sediment trapped, calcium carbonate content, organic matter content and sediment composition. Water samples were also collected once a month for total suspended solids (TSS) analysis. Low fish abundance and diversity were sighted at reefs of Pulau Sepanggar. There was no indicator fish sighted at 5 m depth reefs surveyed at Pulau Sepanggar. Pulau Sepanggar was also low at invertebrates diversity compared to Batu Point. Majority of invertebrates sighted at Pulau Sepanggar were long-spined black sea urchins. Presence of crown-ofthorns starfish at control site is a matter of concern as its outbreak has a major damaging effect on reef corals. All reefs at 10m depth had relatively good coral cover (61.48 ± 3.03 %). Reefs at both depths of Batu Point were categorized as good in terms of coral cover. Reefs of 5 m depth at Pulau Sepanggar fell into 'fair' category though reefs of 10m depth were also considered in good condition. Higher coral diversity index was determined at Batu Point compared to Pulau Sepanggar. Yet, statistical test showed no significant difference in coral diversity with location and depth as factors. Higher sedimentation rate was recorded at Batu Point. Recreational activities at Batu Point were suspected to be the factor. Total suspended solids value was higher at Pulau Sepanggar than at Batu Point due to runoff of coastal development from Kota Kinabalu. Significant relationship between sedimentation rate and coral cover was not determined. Results suggested that more detailed study and continuous monitoring are required to investigate the effects of sedimentation on status of coral reefs.
| Item Type: | Academic Exercise |
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| Keyword: | Sedimentation, degradation of coral reef, global level, Marine Protected Area, line intercept transect, total suspended solid |
| Subjects: | S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling |
| Department: | SCHOOL > School of Science and Technology |
| Depositing User: | SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS - |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Nov 2013 10:43 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Oct 2017 13:28 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/7485 |
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