1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Keynote and Plenary

Title Page Liqi Chen Global Ocean Acidification without Borders: A 16 Case Study from The Arctic Ocean Acidification

Wan Izatul Asma Wan Conserving Marine Resources through Effective 17 Talaat Governance: ’s International, Regional and National Efforts towards Food Security

Ario Damar The Eutrophication States and Nutrient- 18 Phytoplankton Dynamics of Eutrophied Tropical Embayment of Jakarta Bay, Indonesia: Temporal Dynamics from 2001 to 2017

Gao Zhigang Towards Better Data Sharing: China-ASEAN 19 Marine Big Data Service Platform

Renee Teo Yong Yin Analysis of Microplastics Using FTIR 20

Mohd Fadzil Akhir Upwelling, Thermal Front, and The Influence of 21 ENSO Variability in The Southern

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Poh Heng Kok Upwelling Dynamics Along the East Coast of 22

Peninsular Malaysia

Ahmad Hadi Mohamed Hydraulic Study Within One Fathom Bank 23 Rashidi Lighthouse Waters and Strait, Off Port

Klang,

Nor Kamilah Yusof Theoretical and Observed Breaking Wave Height 24 on Beach: An Implication for the

Estimation of Rip Current

Muhammad Syakir Zufayri Sandbar Deposition As Consequence Of Coastal 25 Zulfakar Armouring Along Tok Jembal, ,

Malaysia

Noor Suhadah Muhamad Influences of El Nino-Southern Oscillation And 26 Isa Indian Ocean Dipole On SST Variability in the Strait of Malacca and Andaman Sea Using

Remote Sensing Data

Nur Hidayah Roseli Bottom Onshore Advection of Upwelling Water 27 Into the Coastal of East Coast Peninsular

Malaysia

Raihanah Rusmadi Assessing Side Mounted Side Scan Sonar 28 Performance in Shallow Water Coral Reef

Mapping

Zuraini binti Zainol Controls of Daily Hydrodynamic Changes in 29

Shallow Water Lagoon

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Syafinaz Ameera Zainal Prediction Fate of Microplastics Carried by 30 Surface Currents: A Lagrangian Model Approach

in South China Sea

Muhammad Naim Mohd Characteristics of Upwelling in Northwest 31

Satar During Northeast Monsoon

Nurul Rabitah Daud Can the Thermal Front 32 Change the Inflow Current to the Gulf Of

Thailand?

Abd Muhaimin Amiruddin Mean Sea Level Trends and Variability in the 33

South China Sea

Azizi Ali Side Scan Sonar Approaches in Detection and 34 Mapping of Artificial Reefs Distribution at the

East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Changshui Xia Case Study on the three-dimensional structure of 35 meso-scale eddy in the South China Sea based on

a high-resolution model

Aishah Norashikin Vertical Profile and Diversity of Calcareous 36

Foraminifera in -Terengganu Waters

Ku Nor Afiza Asnida Ku Review of Current Circulation Studies in the 37

Mansor Malacca Strait

Afifi Johari Water Temperature Characteristics and Variations 38 in Southern South China Sea from 60 Years Data

of World Ocean Database

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Satyanarayana Behara Carcinoscorpius Rotundicauda (Latreille, 1802): 39 Population Status and Spawning Behavior at

Pendas Coast, Peninsular Malaysia

Nurmuna Mohd Noor Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Fish Species 40

in Cowie Bay, Sabah

Azzakirat Abdul Raman Distribution and Abundance of Dugongs in the 41 Malaysian Waters of Brunei Bay, Borneo: Results from Boat Survey and Interview Survey of

Fishermen

Nurlisa Azizul Feeding Behaviour of Irrawaddy Dolphins 42 (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Bay of Brunei,

Brunei Darussalam

Siti Nordahliawate Presence of Fungal Pathogens at Nesting Sites of 43 Mohamed Sidique the Endangered Sea Turtle Species Chelonia mydas in Chagar Hutang, ,

Terengganu.

Ying Jiang More Complete Description of the Whistles 44 Produced by Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella

Brevirostris) in the Bay of Brunei

Saifullah Arifin Jaaman Association of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella 45 brevirostris) with Environmental Parameters in

Rajang River, , Malaysia

Nurul Hidayah Abdul By-Catch Estimates of Dugong and Dolphin: 47 Rahim Result From an Interview Survey of Fisherman in

the Bay of Brunei, Malaysia

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Azmi Marzuki Muda Distribution and Group Size Of Irrawaddy 48 Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Malaysian

Waters of Brunei Bay, Borneo Islands

Muhammad Abdul Hakim Assessing the Performance of Multibeam 50 Muhamad Echosounder Sonar for Seagrass Distribution

Mapping

Lu Sun Vertical Movement of Juvenile Whale Sharks 51 Rhincodon Typus at A Seasonal Aggregation in

Saudi Arabian Red Sea

Daeng Siti Maimunah Analysis of Physical-Chemical Data 52 Ishak Characterization of the Performance of

Hydrocheese as Artificial Coral Reef

Atteleth Don Peris Floating and Viability of Rhizophora Mucronata 53 Lamk. Propagules: Implications for Long

Distance Dispersal Simulation

I Wayan Eka Dharmawan Mangrove Health Index, A Robust Index Based 54 on Recent Mangrove Condition in Indonesia And

Potentially Contributed for Global Estimation

Sue Lynn Teoh The Effects of Seawater Temperature Variations 55 On The Bleaching Susceptibility of Acropora

Latistella

Muhammad Afiq Firdaus Biodiversity of Coral Reef Fish in Pulau Bidong, 56

Aminudin Terengganu, Malaysia

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Wan Mohd Rauhan Wan Fish Farming and Its Implications on Taxonomic 57 Hussin Diversity of Benthic Organisms in Setiu Wetland,

Malaysia

Muhammad Hafiz Molecular and Morphological Characterization of 58 Borkhanuddin Myxozoan Parasites from Setiu Wetlands,

Terengganu

Van-Tien Tran Species Richness of Gastropods in Tra Vinh 59

Coastal Zone,

Yusri Yusuf Fishes of Ancient Ship Wreck of Pulau Bidong, 60

Terengganu, Malaysia

Juanita Joseph Forensic Investigation of Sea Turtle Carcasses 61 Found at Pulau Tiga, Tun Mustapha Park, Kudat,

Sabah, Malaysia.

Nik Nurizni Nik Ali Distribution Pattern of Rare Earth Elements in 62 Soft Tissue of Saccostrea Cucullata in

Terengganu and East Coastal Waters

Farah Dayana Haji Ismail Seasonal Occurrence, Distribution, and 63 Abundance Of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Bay Of Brunei, Brunei

Darussalam

Muhammad Amir Bin Fisol Manmade Disturbances in The Mangrove – Good 64 or Bad? An Assessment from Matang Mangrove

Forest Reserve in Peninsular Malaysia

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Noor Aznaini Mohd Daud Toxicity Of Selenate (SeO4) and Selenite (SeO3) 65 AT Different Life Stages of Non-Biting Midge,

Chironomus Kiiensis.

Zainudin Bachok Benthic Habitat Mapping of Pulau Payar Marine 66 Park (PPMP) using Multibeam Echosounder

(MBES)

Hamizah Ismail Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Models 67 Performance Evaluation Using Fish Species

Dataset In Coastal of Terengganu

Nur Syazwani Distribution of Optimally Preserved Benthic 68 Foraminiferal Tests in Pulau Bidong, Terengganu,

Malaysia.

Nur Amalina Ahmad Rizal Species Composition and Diversity of 69 Macrofouling Assemblages Associated to Tropical Oyster (Magallana billineata) in Brackish

Water of Setiu Wetlands

Nurulafifah Yahya Taxonomic Classification of Mangrove Clams in a 70

Malaysian Mangrove System of South China Sea

Khyril Syahrizan bin Coastal mesozooplankton in coral reefs 71 Husain ecosystem, their biodiversity, spatial and

monsoonal distribution

Yee Hui Kong Geomorphologic Changes of Holocene Palaeo 72

Pahang River, Malaysia

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Mohammad Shawkat A Collaborative Framework For Assessing 73 Hossain Seagrass Ecosystem Services Based on Earth

Observation (EO) System

Muhammad Amirul Syafiq Simulating Diffraction Problem of a Fixed 2- 74 Hamsan Dimensional Rectangular Section Using Weakly Compressible Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics

(WCSPH)

Maya Liyana Hamzah Estimation of Carbon Stock Changes on 75 Mangrove Forest in Pahang Coast Using

Geospatial Method

Aidy @ Mohamed Spatio-Temporal Assessment of GPM IMERG 76 Shawal M Muslim and TRMM 3B43 in Sabah and Sarawak,

Malaysia

CHONG WEI SHENG UAV Data Acquisition Strategies for Fringing 77

Reef Mapping

Nur Hafiza Ramli The Influence of Optical Water Types on Remote 78

Sensing of Chlorophyll in Malaysian Waters

Idham Khalil Status of Marine Park Coral Reef 79 Distribution: A Preliminary Assessment Using Drone Remote Sensing and Ground Truth

Observations

Noor Akhmar Kamarudin Monitoring Sediment Transport Using Rare Earth 80

Elements in Permatang Sedepa Area

9 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Effi Helmy Ariffin Evaluating the Effect of Beach Nourishment on 81 Littoral Morphodynamics at Kuala Nerus,

Terengganu (Malaysia)

Nazihah Azmi Recent Benthic Foraminiferal Assemblages in the 82

Shallow Water of Kelantan-Terengganu

Noran Alwakhir Bin Sediment Characteristic of the Blood Cockle 83

Shaarani Farms in Selangor

Mohamad Shaufi Sokiman Sedimentology and Geomorphology Analysis of 84 Selected Coastal Area in along Pantai Cagar Hutan, , Terengganu: Monsoonal Effects

on the Coastal Sediments and Beach Morphology

Amin Noorasid Abdul Jaill The Classification and Distribution of Surface 85 Seabed Sediment in the One Fathom Bank (OFB) and Its Surrounds, Off Port , Selangor.

Abdullah Sulaiman Palaeochannel Morphology and Distributions in 86 The Straits Of Malacca During the Last Glacial

Maximum

Mohd. Rais Ramli National Offshore Sand Resource Study III : 87 Marine Geophysical Survey off the Coast of

Pahang

Muzzneena Ahmad Detection of Matang Mangrove Forest Shoreline 88

Mustapha Changes Using Satellite Data

Tukimat Lihan Spatial and Temporal Variabiility of River 89

Plume

10 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Abdullah Sulaiman Heavy Metals Distribution and Trend in the 90 Surface Seabed Sediments of the Malaysia

Offshore

Nurul 'Ain Baruddin Transportation and Deposition of Surface 91

Sediment in Kelantan and Terengganu Coast

Izan Jaafar Generation and Characterization of Recyclable 92 and Non-Recyclable Waste at Beach Food Hub: Uptown Kontena Dapo Pata, Tok Jembal Beach,

Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

Mohd Hazmi bin Mohd The Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824: Was the 93

Rusli Partitioning of the Malay Archipelago Valid?

Nazli Aziz Marine Spatial Planning: The Way Forward for 94

Sustainable Development of Central Terengganu

Hayatul Safrah Salleh Traditional Medicines from Marine Biological 95 Resources: Understanding the Consumer’s

Knowledge and Perceptions

Zikri Muhammad Marine Spatial Planning: The Case Study in Setiu 96

Wetland

Cheryl Rita Kaur A Malaysian Perspective to Sustainable Fisheries 97 Governance in the South China Sea: Status,

Challenges and Way Forward

Farahdilah Ghazali Marine Renewable Energy Governance in 98

Malaysia: A Way Forward

11 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Faisal Syahputra Limited The Bay: Local Community Practices in 99 Protecting Marine Area in Pulo Breuh, Aceh,

Indonesia

Marhana Mohamed Anuar Sustainable Seafood Consumption Among 100

Generation Y in Malaysia

Nik Munirah Nik Fuad Malaysia in Venturing into the Deep Seabed 101

Mining Industry: The Obstacles and Possibilities

Nik Nurhazirah Nik Omar Marine Spatial Planning: A Way Forward in the 102 Sustainable Management of the Terengganu

Marine Parks

Syazana Md Shubri Influence of Coastal Erosion Affected on 103 Population Densities in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

(Malaysia)

Mahirah Kamaludin Economic Valuation of Sea Turtle Conservation 104

in Terengganu, Malaysia

Dung Le Quang Seasonal Variation of Food Sources and Foraging 105 Habits of Fish in Mangrove-Seagrass Continua From the Tropical Lagoon Assessed by Stable

Isotope Analyses

Siau Yin Fui Spatial and Temporal Variation of Total Mercury 106

in Mangrove Ecosystem from Setiu Lagoon

Nabeela Ali Al-Awlaqi The Combined Effect of Zinc and pH on Growth 107 Rate, Chlorophyll A Content And Photosynthesis

Activity of Brown Seaweed, Padina boryana

12 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Amir Safwan Distribution of Phytoplankton in Port 108

During Northeast Monsoon Season

Azyyati Abdul Aziz Vertical and Horizontal Distribution of Nutrients 109 Concentration during Southwest monsoon in the

Southern Waters of South China Sea

Norhazirah Abd Aziz Heavy Metals In Tuna Species Meat And 110

Potential Consumer Health Risk: A Review

Erick Naim Paleoproductivity of Selected Area in Terengganu 111

Offshore during Holocene

Noor Shahida Rosli Settlement Rate of Fouling Serpulid Ficopomatus 112 cf. Uschakovi Pillai, 1960 At Setiu Wetlands,

Terengganu, Malaysia

Siti Rabaah Hamzah Microplastics Analysis in Estuarine Water: A 113

Field Study of Setiu Wetland

Poh Seng Chee Design and Assessment Of Gas-Water 114

Equilibrator for Continuous pCO2 Measurement

in Coastal Water

Hing Lee Siang Ballast Water and Marine Environmental Quality 115

at Major Ports of Malaysia

Khairul Nizam Mohamed Distribution of Dissolved Aluminium (dAl) in 116

Seawater at Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Fatin Adlina Md Nasir Distribution and Behavior of Nutrients in Besut 117

River Estuary, Terengganu, Malaysia

13 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Royston Uning A New Technique for the Measurement of 118 Volatile Organic Compounds Sea-To-Air Fluxes

at The Air-Sea Interface

Hafiza Mohamed Zuki Development of a Modified Gold Screen Printed 119

Electrode for the Detection of Toxic Domoic Acid

Mohd Mursyid Mohd Sanip Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic 120 Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Coastal Surface

Sediments Off Terengganu Coast

Nor Bakhiah Baharim Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal 121 Pollution of Coastal Surface Sediment in

Terengganu.

Noor Azhar Mohamed Rare Earth Elements (REE) Distribution 122 Shazili Characteristics in Dissolved and Particulate Phase

and in Sediment of Brunei Bay, Borneo

Zainudin Bachok Changes of fatty acid composition in scleractinian 123 coral, Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767) after

short term (96 hours) exposure of Irgarol-1051

Suhaimi Suratman Longitudinal Study of N Compounds During 124 Flood Neap and Spring Tides in Terengganu

River Estuary, Malaysia

Masni Mohd Ali Sources and Composition of Polycyclic Aromatic 125 Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the River and Estuary

Sediment of Kuala Vicinity, Malaysia

14 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

15 GLOBAL OCEAN ACIDIFICATION WITHOUT BORDERS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE ARCTIC OCEAN ACIDIFICAITON

LIQI CHEN1*, DI QI1, YIMING LUO2, ZHONGYONG GAO1, HENG SUN1, LIYANG ZHAN1, YUANHUI ZHANG1,

1Key Laboratory of Global Change and Marine-Atmospheric Chemistry （GCMAC）of Ministry of Natural Resources (MONR), Third Institute of Oceanography(TIO), MONR, Xiamen, China. 2 College of Marine Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, China

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The Arctic Ocean is considered highly sensitive to ocean acidification and is projected to be the first to undergo basin-scale acidification as a bellwether. A rapid expansion of acidifying water in the western Arctic Ocean has been found from CHINARE’s investigation since last two decades. A considerable aragonite undersaturation in the upper layer (<300 m) waters of Canada Basin has observed in recent years with the greatest difference between 2010 and 1994 which can be traced to mechanisms of driving forces linked to the Arctic amplification of climate change. A dominating force on upper ocean acidification can be traced to Arctic Ocean circulation modification due to changing the ocean currents, promoting increased flow of water from the North Pacific and its pathway through the Arctic. Pacific water is charged with CO2 through uptake of anthropogenic carbon, and acidification is further enhanced through the decay of locally produced organic carbon, derived mostly from plankton, as the water travels over the Arctic shelves. Using the regression analysis, Arctic Ocean surface water will be entirely undersaturated with respect to acidifying water at an expanding rate of 1.5% per year. Also, Model simulations suggest that Arctic deeper waters will be influenced strongly by intrusion of mid-depth and pre-acidified Atlantic Ocean water. With unabated CO2 emissions, deep waters, the aragonite saturation horizon will rise, reaching the base of the surface mixed layer by 2140 AD and likely remaining there for over a millennium. The survival of aragonite-secreting organisms is consequently threatened on long timescales.

Keywords: Arctic Ocean Acidification, trend and projection, Pacific corrosive acidified water, Atlantic Ocean pre-acidified water, global climate change.

16 CONSERVING MARINE RESOURCES THROUGH EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE: MALAYSIA’S INTERNATIONAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL EFFORTS TOWARDS FOOD SECURITY

WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, MALAYSIA.

Abstract As the world population rapidly grows, food security is a major concern to many nations. Since seafood has always been important to the livelihood of mankind, its role to the global food security is irrefutable. As a coastal State, seafood or marine resources have been playing important roles to Malaysia, not only as a key source of food and nutrition but also as a major economic source either in food production chain or as revenue for economic growth. Nonetheless, there are considerable pressures due to the changes in the environmental parameters, both natural and anthropogenic, which inadvertently both impact the fauna and flora inhabiting the ocean and reduce our supply of seafood. Thus, there is the need for coastal States to promote the optimum utilisation of marine living resources in the EEZ without subjecting such resources to over-exploitation, which is one of the central principles enunciated in international fisheries instruments. This paper highlights the efforts taken by Malaysia in conserving her marine resources through effective governance in order to secure the continuous supply of seafood, at the international, regional and national levels. By being one of the 6 nations involved in the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), which is a multilateral partnership formed in 2007 to address the urgent threats facing the coastal and marine resources of one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically rich regions on earth, Malaysia has proven her commitment especially in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU Fishing). Apart from that, several domestic initiatives have also been taken through including by gazetting Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as well as Ramsar Sites for mangrove forests, which are crucial as breeding grounds and nurseries for fish and other marine animals.

KEYWORDS: Marine Resources, Food Security, Effective Governance, Malaysia

17

THE EUTROPHICATION STATES AND NUTRIENT-PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS OF EUTROPHIED TROPICAL EMBAYMENT OF JAKARTA BAY, INDONESIA: TEMPORAL DYNAMICS FROM 2001 TO 2017

ARIO DAMAR1,2, ACHMAD FAHRUDIN1,2 , KARL-J. HESSE3, FRANCISCUS COLIJN3 and YON VITNER2 1Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies – Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia 2Department of MSP, FPIK, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia 3Forschungs-und Technologie Zentrum – Westkueste – University of Kiel, Germany

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Eutrophication states of the most eutrophied tropical embayment in Indonesian waters was studied over the period of 2001-2017 in Jakarta Bay. There was a clear gradient of dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration, showing very high values in the river mouths and steeply decrease down the bay. This is followed by a steep gradient of Chl-a concentration, showing high phytoplankton biomass in the river mouths (29.2 µg Chl-a l-1) and then decrease 2 folds in the near coastal waters (14.8 µg Chl-a l-1) for then decreased 4 folds in the middle (6.3 µg Chl-a l-1) and finally 14 folds in the outer part of the bay (2.1 µg Chl-a l-1). There is no significant change in nutrient concentration (except nitrogen), phytoplankton biomass and thus eutrophication level during the last 16 years period (between 2001 to 2017), showing relatively stable but high nutrient pollution level in Jakarta Bay. Eutrophication level analysis resulted high level of eutrophication in the bay. Hyper-eutrophic level is always pronounced along the near-shore part of the bay, for then decreases to eutrophic level in the middle of the bay and mesotrophic class in the outer part of the bay. Algae bloom and hypoxia becomes a regular phenomenon which leads to mass mortality of fish in this bay.

Keywords: eutrophication, nutrient, phytoplankton, chlorophyll-a, estuarine

18 TOWARDS BETTER DATA SHARING: CHINA-ASEAN MARINE BIG DATA SERVICE PLATFORM

XIANG WENXI*, GAO ZHIGANG, YANG JINKUN AND LIANG JIANFENG

National Marine Data and Information Service, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin 300171, China

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The construction of China-ASEAN Marine Environmental Big Data Service Platform is part of the project of China-ASEAN Marine Cooperation under the framework of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, aiming at offering a comprehensive platform for marine data sharing and exchange and promoting mutual development with ASEAN countries. The construction and operational running of this platform can also enhance multi- level and multi-channel communication and consultation so as to provide timely, accurate, efficient and safe data service for bilateral or multilateral cooperation in fields of marine eco- environment, marine scientific research and integrated marine management in China and ASEAN countries.

Keywords: marine, data sharing, service, China-ASEAN

19

ANALYSIS OF MICROPLASTICS USING FTIR

RENEE TEO YONG YIN*

Bruker Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 303 Block A, Mentari Business Park, No. 2, Jalan PJS 8/5, Dataran Mentari, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The omnipresent occurrence of microplastics and the expected consequences are subject of modern research and the topic receives more and more public awareness. Due to the fact that plastic waste is degrading only very slowly the amount of microplastics in the environment is steadily increasing. According to definition, polymer particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm are referred to as microplastics particles (MPP). Depending on their origin, they are further subdivided into primary and secondary particles. Primary particles are those which are specifically produced industrially like for instance peeling particles in cosmetic products. Secondary microparticles are formed by physical, biological and chemical degradation of macroscopic plastic parts and are the main source of all released microparticles. They are mainly formed by the degradation of improperly disposed plastic waste, tire abrasion and washing of synthetic textiles. FT-IR microscopy has established itself as the standard method for the analysis of MPP; it can be applied universally and enables a secure identification of all polymer types. Mapping measurements or FPA imaging allows determining thousands of MPPs in a fully automated manner.

Keywords: Microplastic, FT-IR Microscopy, Mapping, FPA Imaging

20 UPWELLING, THERMAL FRONT, AND THE INFLUENCE OF ENSO VARIABILITY IN THE SOUTHERN SOUTH CHINA

MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1, RABITAH DAUD1,2, KOK POH HENG1, AFIFI JOHARI1 and NURHIDAYAH ROSELI1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 2Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study was conducted based on data collected from numerous scientific cruise, numerical modelling and extensive satellite data that cover the region of southern south China Sea (SSCS). South China Sea upwelling system presents some unique features; 1) It is a seasonal coastal upwelling driven by south-westerly monsoon wind, 2) The upwelling water process affected by the circulation in the Gulf of Thailand and form a thermal front, 3) The whole upwelling system is influence by inter-annual variability that strongly dominated by El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The cross-section plot at the upwelling area revealed the presence of upwelling water from offshore at the subsurface layer (10-15m) and also the presence of warmer water at surface layer (5m) from the Gulf of Thailand at the nearshore area. Normally, the upwelling water that moves northward will be deflected towards the Vietnam region and merged with the Vietnam coastal current instead of continuing into the Gulf of Thailand. The model-derived data and numbers of observations from the study area proved this thermal front zone is responsible in containing the dynamics connections between the colder upwelling water from the east coast Peninsular Malaysia and the warmer water from the Gulf of Thailand. On the other hand, study of ENSO effect on the region shows significant change of SST distribution during the El-Niño years which weaken the coastal upwelling event along the ECPM. The wavelet transformation analysis showed the highest temperature fluctuation was in 2009-2010 which indicated the strongest El-Niño throughout the time period. It is suggested that the El-Nino is favourable for the stratification in water column thus it is weakening the upwelling and thermal frontal zone formation in ECPM waters. The understanding thus far have shown interconnectivity of different dynamics in the region where ocean data and information are previously lacking.

Keywords: Upwelling, Thermal Fronts, ENSO, South China Sea

21 UPWELLING DYNAMICS ALONG THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

POH HENG KOK1* AND MOHD FADZIL MOHD AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM) exhibits seasonal upwelling, in response to the southwesterly monsoon winds during boreal summer. Upwelling studies along the ECPM are far behind than other regions since it was started after the 21st century and there are gaps of information yet to be discovered. This study reviews the existing upwelling studies with the aim to provide elementary understanding of upwelling along the ECPM. The upwelling area was represented by a cooler sea surface temperature (SST) stretching between southern tip of Johor and Dungun during the southwest monsoon between June and September. In addition, a classical sign of upwelling, i.e. onshore shoaling of thermohaline towards coast and surface; were observed from cruise observations and numerical modelling, which strengthen the view of the existence of upwelling event. In boreal summer, although the prevailing winds and the seaward increase of southwesterly winds generated offshore Ekman transport and suction were both favorable for upwelling. However, a comparison of these wind- induced upwelling mechanisms suggested that Ekman suction played a predominant role in generating upwelling along the ECPM. Aside from the upwelling generated cooler water, cooler water advection from the Karimata Strait also contributed to the development of cooler water along the ECPM. Nevertheless, even there were supply of cooled water from the Karimata Strait, the localize upwelling able to cool down even further, which demonstrated significant involvement in the formation of cooler water along the coast. Besides, this research provides new information that comply with the impact of recent El Niño events, i.e. 2015/16 El Niño towards upwelling along the ECPM. The results indicated that the upwelling during 2016 was nearly faded because of the prolonged ENSO effects.

Keywords: East coast of Peninsular Malaysia, upwelling, Ekman transport, Ekman pumping, advection, El Niño

22 HYDRAULIC STUDY WITHIN ONE FATHOM BANK LIGHTHOUSE WATERS AND MALACCA STRAIT, OFF PORT KLANG, SELANGOR

AHMAD HADI MOHAMED RASHIDI1,2*, NURUL AIDAH ABDUL RAHIM1, AMIR HAMZAH ABDUL RAZAK1, DUNSTAN ANTHONY PEREIRA1 AND MOHD RADZI ABD HAMID1

1National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Selangor, Malaysia 2Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coastal hydraulic studies are often conducted both to assess environmental impacts and to furnish appropriate environment loads and parameters for configuration and structural design. This study focuses more on hydraulic changes due to the proposed offshore sand mining activity within One Fathom Bank (OFB) Lighthouse waters, off Port Klang, Selangor. Objectives of the study include to assess existing hydrodynamic pattern within study area and to evaluate hydraulic changes due to the proposed offshore sand mining activities. The model area covers the whole area of Malacca Strait and which the focus study area is within OFB lighthouse waters. Hydrodynamic related data was collected during, pre and post monsoon in 2016 -2017 which includes bathymetry, tide, sediment, water quality also wave and current. Numerical simulation was carried out using MIKE21 HD. It was found that hydraulic changes in term current speed and direction are significant if mining activities were to be carried out at a large scale. Thus the changes are insignificant should the sand mining activities are maintained at minimum. The assessment on coastal impact shows insignificant changes towards shoreline as the proposed site work is located offshore and dredging works are kept at minimum. The assessment of current and tidal calibrations in this study were carried out according to ‘Guidelines for Preparation of Coastal Engineering Hydraulic Study and Impact Evaluation 5th Edition’ published in December 2001 and an additional information published in 2013 from Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia.

Keywords: hydraulic study, impact assessment, numerical simulation, Malacca Strait

23 THEORETICAL AND OBSERVED BREAKING WAVE HEIGHT ON PAHANG BEACH: AN IMPLICATION FOR THE ESTIMATION OF RIP CURRENT

NOR KAMILAH YUSOF1 AND MUHAMMAD ZAHIR RAMLI2*

1Department of Marine Science, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography & Maritime Studies (INOCEM), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kampung Cherok Paloh, 26060, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Breaking wave has become one of the prominent characteristics to study on various coastal processes in nearshore zone such as sediment transport, shoreline changes and water level. Researchers found that wave motion near breaking is difficult to describe. Thus, large number of studies often used deep-water wavedata to represent the nearshore breaking wave height. In this study, field measurements using hydrodynamic equipment deployed on a beach near INOCEM coastline were carried out simultaneously with drone observations of wave breaking across the nearshore zones. A predictive equation was selected to estimate breaking height using deep-water wave data and in-situ measured wave data. Our results show that the use of nearshore wave data would significantly improve the breaking height predictions. Beach morphology conducted by beach profile survey was then used to confirm the wave motion together with analysis from visual images. Results suggest that beach morphology and breaking height have an important inter-relationship role on how coastal processes occur specifically in rip current predictions.

Keywords: Breaking wave height, beach morphology, theoretical and field observations, rip current.

24 SANDBAR DEPOSITION AS CONSEQUENCE OF COASTAL ARMOURING ALONG TOK JEMBAL, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

MUHAMMAD SYAKIR ZUFAYRI ZULFAKAR1, EFFI HELMY ARIFFIN1,2, MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1* AND AZIZI ALI1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Rapid urbanization of introduce a series of unfortunate erosion events which led Terengganu authorities to implement a coastal armouring projects. Chain of revetments was constructed along the Tok Jembal beach, which extended from northern part of Kuala Terengganu Airport to southern part of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) on 2010 - 2012 and later, numbers of breakwaters have been constructed on 2015 - 2016 along the impacted beach with the newest to date was the groyne at Mengabang Gelam in 2017. The project was observed to mitigate the erosion within Tok Jembal and UMT beaches. These coastal armouring projects proved in reducing the erosion problem along the coastline. The submerged sandbar can be observed around the breakwater. Sandbar formation could be the indicator for disturbed coastal dynamic. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the occurrence of sandbar deposition in Tok Jembal coastal water area which emerge after the coastal armouring construction. In determination of the sediment movement/transport with influence of current, a simulation work was setup by using Flow Model (FM) module from MIKE-21 software. Adequate validation was performed between in-situ and model simulation data. The simulation showed that the coastal armouring structure caused hindering effect on sediment transportation and led the formation of eddies circulation that eventually form a sandbar. Comparison on grain sizes in determination of dynamic of sediments, a field and laboratory work were done at Tok Jembal coastal water. The assorted sediment in the sandbar areas was courser indicate a disturbance on the dynamic encircling the coastal armouring structure. The outcome from this study might essential in coastal navigation as the shallow water on the sandbar could unnavigable by marine vessels especially the fisherman vessel.

Keywords: Breakwater, Revetment, Hydrodynamic, Sediment transport, Sandbar, Kuala Terengganu Airport.

25 INFLUENCES OF EL NINO-SOUTHERN OSCILLATION AND INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE ON SST VARIABILITY IN THE STRAIT OF MALACCA AND ANDAMAN SEA USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

NOOR SUHADAH MUHAMAD ISA1*, MOHD FADZIL MOHD AKHIR1,2, IDHAM KHALIL3 AND POH HENG KOK4

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study presents 33-years of sea surface temperature (SST) data in the Strait of Malacca (SOM) and Andaman Sea achieved from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). This study aims to examine the long-term trends and the impacts from climate variability such as El-Nino Southern/Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Since the data taken from 1982 until 2014, the outstanding El-Nino and IOD events can be seen which may influence SST trends in the SOM and Andaman Sea. The satellite-derived SST data taken from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website with 4km resolution. The seasonal SST from this study showed that temperature was above than normal during the southwest monsoon where the region experienced warmest temperature for all years. In a certain years, ENSO has more dominated while the other years IOD is more influenced. However, the warmest temperature in 2010 was coherence with El-Nino as it has reported by NOAA 2018. During the year when strong El-Nino events occurred, the multivariate ENSO index is significantly correlated with SST trends, thus showed the events are well coupled. The warming trend was significantly increased over the past 33 years as the temperature continuously increasing throughout the years. Result from the yearly SST revealed thermal fronts detected between the SOM and Andaman Sea during the southwest monsoon. This is because the Indian Ocean experienced cooler temperature as the prevailing wind bring heavy precipitation to the region. Therefore, temperature was warmest in the strait and cooler in the Andaman Sea. This study manages to provide useful information about the strait and Andaman Sea that may influenced the weather in Malaysia for the future.

Keywords: Andaman Sea, Climate variability, SST, Strait of Malacca.

26 BOTTOM ONSHORE ADVECTION OF UPWELLING WATER INTO THE COASTAL OF EAST COAST PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

NUR HIDAYAH ROSELI1 AND MOHD. FADZIL MOHD. AKHIR1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The east coast Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM) water is a shallow, semi-enclosed shelf sea with very strong tidal currents located in the southern South China Sea (SCS). A previous study shows the cold pulse water was intermittently detected in the ECPM’s near-bottom sea during June cruise. The research presented in this paper then offered some fresh insights into the local forcing that drives this cooler water into the ECPM. This study determines the origin of cold pulse water for spatial ranges from basin to local scale by utilizing data from mooring deployment and HYCOM global ocean model. HYCOM model showed that the remnant of the northeast monsoon water mass from the deep central basin of SCS, that formed the upwelling water mass, was the origin of the low-temperature water. This upwelling water mass is driven into the ECPM coast by monsoonal-induced upwelling in June; similar to those in Vietnamese water. It was then spread into the study area by strong beats of the spring-neap tidal cycle. The cold pulse event were intermittently observed during neap tide and diminished during the spring tide. The neap-tide phenomenon together with the weaker wind stress and weaker current velocities prevented the low-temperature-bottom water from vertically mixing with the warm surface water. Under this stratified condition, the internal tides were generated when the barotropic currents passed over the sloping topography and the presence of these internal tides was strongly detected and was examines to relate with the intrusion of the cooler water into the ECPM. When the spring-tidal-currents are stronger than the internal tidal energy, the tidal stirring are strong enough to break the buoyancy within the water column resulting in almost well-mixed condition. This is the first time the internal tides feature are detected and studied in the ECPM area.

Keywords: Upwelling; Barotropic Tides; Internal Tides; Wavelet Analysis; Coastal Shelf Dynamics; Southern South China Sea; Monsoon

27 ASSESSING SIDE MOUNTED SIDE SCAN SONAR PERFORMANCE IN SHALLOW WATER CORAL REEF MAPPING

RAIHANAH RUSMADI1*, ROZAIMI CHE HASAN1,2, KHAIRA ISMAIL3, AZIZI ALI3, AND NAJHAN MD SAID4

1Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, 2Center for Coastal and Ocean Engineering (COEI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, , Malaysia. 3Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia 4National Hydrographic Centre, Pulau Indah, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Acoustic sonar has been one of the latest underwater mapping techniques to identify object and to produce detail map of the seafloor. Among these sonar technologies, side scan sonar is one of the underwater mapping tool that can be provide high spatial resolution seafloor image (presented in greyscale level). Although it has been widely used for search and rescue mission, shipwreck detection and any other object identification tasks, the use of side scan sonar for coral reef mapping and classification is not well documented. However, before it can be used for coral reef mapping, it is essential to properly assess its performance and quantify the amount of information that can be extracted. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of side scan sonar imagery to distinguish between different seafloor features from some of the imageries acquired at one of the marine parks in Malaysia (Labuan Marine Park). Typically, side-scan sonar is towed close to the seabed, however in this study, the side scan sonar was side mounted to a survey vessel as the study area is very shallow. This study utilized side scan sonar model Klein system 3000 (operating frequency at 100 kHz). The results show that the shallow water area present clearer image of the reefs patch and sediment types while for the deeper area high noisy image was produced with difficulties to delineate between different seafloor features. In addition, most of the reefs can be found along the coastal area of the islands extending from 1.0 m to 8.0 m depth respectively. We concluded that, towing altitude significantly affect the side-scan sonar imagery and produced challenges to map fringing reef especially in Malaysia coastal water.

Keywords: side- mouthed side-scan sonar, marine habitat mapping, coral reef, marine substrate.

28 CONTROLS OF DAILY HYDRODYNAMIC CHANGES IN SHALLOW WATER LAGOON

ZURAINI ZAINOL1* AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coastal lagoon is known as a shallow water bodies, which is connected to the ocean by one or more inlets and occupies approximately 13% of the world’s coastal area. Due to its shallow characteristic (0.5 – 3.0m depth) with an almost closed system that restrict exchange with neighboring sea, Setiu Lagoon raises a huge concern on how the interaction between these two water bodies occur. Furthermore, since Setiu area is also facing the coastline changes, it is believed that an updated information regarding the dynamics within the lagoon is compulsory. Therefore, physical data obtained from bottom-mounted current meters located at the north and south of the inlet during August 2017, December 2017, and February 2018 are used to examine the influencing factors that shape the hydrodynamics in this shallow water lagoon under different monsoonal settings. Results of this research showed that Setiu Lagoon was under a balanced interaction between seawater and freshwater during southwest monsoon. On the other hand, freshwater intrusion as a results of increase rainfall amount seemed to dominate the lagoon area during northeast monsoon. The presence of Setiu River at the south of the inlet, which is larger compared to Ular River that is situated at the north of the inlet also contributing to the magnitude difference of physical parameters between these two areas.

Keywords: Shallow water lagoon, hydrodynamics, time series, freshwater intrusion, monsoon

29 PREDICTION FATE OF MICROPLASTICS CARRIED BY SURFACE CURRENTS: A LAGRANGIAN MODEL APPROACH IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

SYAFINAZ AMEERA ZAINAL1*, NURUL RABITAH DAUD1, AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A Langrangian dispersion model was established to imitate the oceanic transport route of microplastics in the South China Sea (SCS). It was simulated as an effort to understand the potential distribution of microplastics in a span of one year time starting from 2015 to 2016. was chosen as the initial point of 1,000 particles dispersion. A particle tracking model, where surface ocean currents were given by a combination of a reanalysis ocean current product computed by Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), creating particle movement. Ichthyop modeled results implied the microplastics are moved from north-eastward, and south- eastward that was driven by seasonal monsoon current including south-west monsoon, north- east monsoon, and intermonsoons. Subsequently, the distribution was rather widespread since the current drift along and transport the microplastics dominantly towards the coastal area of Borneo, Thailand, Vietnam, China (Hainan), Indonesia (Sulawesi, Java, Kalimantan, Sumatera), and Philippines (Mindanao, Palawan) as well as carries them into the Indian Ocean via Java Strait. These results are showing an indication that surface microplastics in SCS are positively influenced by the surface ocean current.

Keywords: Microplastics, distribution, Lagrangian model, South China Sea, monsoon seasons, surface ocean current.

30 CHARACTERISTICS OF UPWELLING IN THE NORTHWEST SABAH DURING NORTHEAST MONSOON

MUHAMMAD NAIM MOHD SATAR1* AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Characteristics of upwelling in Northwest Sabah is studied by using satellite, reanalysis, and modelling output data. The results from monthly wind data from the European Centre for Medium-range Forecast (ECMWF) the direction and strength of wind that blows during the northeast monsoon which contributes to the formation of upwelling. The wind data been further analysed and the positive Ekman transport and Ekman pumping had been observed in the study area. Besides that, the analysis of climatological data that been obtained from MODIS-Aqua satellite for sea surface temperature (SST) for 2003-2015 showed formation of upwelling which start to develops in December and ends in March with temperature been observed to be lower as 26ºC in the coastal region and spread to offshore region. The same monthly climatological data for Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) also showed similar trends to SST data with high Chl-a spread from coastal area towards offshore of Sabah. The cross section of temperature and salinity from Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) data for year 2013 further confirmed the thermocline uplifting with lowest temperature of 25°C in February. The salinity shows quite strange pattern where the salinity value keep on increasing from December to April even though the halocline uplifting occurs. This study managed to provide new understanding and information on the formation of the upwelling in the northwest Sabah.

Keywords: Coastal upwelling, northwest Sabah, northeasterly wind, Ekman dynamics.

31 CAN THE PENINSULAR MALAYSIA THERMAL FRONT CHANGE THE INFLOW CURRENT TO THE GULF OF THAILAND?

NURUL RABITAH DAUD1,2 AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coastal upwelling which then developed a thermal front zone along the East Coast Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM) occurs seasonally during southwest monsoon and has benefited the fisheries industry, marine productivity and water exchange in this region. This work investigates the influence of thermal front zone on hydrodynamic and current circulation in the southern South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand and addresses the following questions: (i) why the South China Sea upwelling water does not enter the Gulf of Thailand, and (ii) is there seasonal eddies that also affecting the current circulation? A three-dimensional model by Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) was applied to simulate the circulation in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The model outputs were analysed for seasonal temperature distribution, circulation patterns throughout the water column and eddy kinetic energy (EKE) to quantify the strength of the eddy variability in this region. This work reveals interesting findings with the strong outflow from the gulf during the southwest monsoon and converges with the northward current from the ECPM at the opening of the Gulf of Thailand. There is also an eddy appeared at the opening of the gulf and subsequently, it causes the merging current flows towards the Vietnam coast thus the upwelling water from ECPM does not transport into the gulf. This work shows the presence of thermal front and eddy at the opening of the Gulf of Thailand during southwest monsoon does make the change in the current circulation patterns, as it diverts the northward flow to the eastward and blocks the inflow to the Gulf of Thailand.

Keywords: current circulation, coastal upwelling, thermal front, ROMS, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand.

32 MEAN SEA LEVEL TRENDS AND VARIABILITY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

A.M. AMIRUDDIN1*, I.D. HAIGH2, M.N. TSIMPLIS3, F.M. CALAFAT4 AND S. DANGENDORF5

1Dept. of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom 3National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom 4National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom 5Research Institute for Water and Environment, University of Siegen, Germany

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Mean sea level trends and variability around the South China Sea (SCS) have been examined using satellite altimetry data and tide gauge records. Furthermore, different components contributed to the sea level trends and variability were explored using oceanographic and meteorological datasets. Relative sea level trends from tide gauge stations with records longer than 40 years range between –0.5 ± 0.2 mm/yr and 5.4 ± 0.4 mm/yr. For the period from 1993-2014, the basin average sea level rise obtained from altimetry data is 4.5 ± 1.7 mm/yr. The trend is larger about 8 mm/yr in the Philippines Sea and lower about 2 mm/yr in the northern SCS. The steric component explains a large fraction of the observed trends in most parts of the Philippines Sea with values between 4 and 8 mm/yr. This can be attributed to the thermosteric component where the trend is up to 7 mm/yr. Changes in steric and wind stress contribute to more than half of inter-annual sea level variability in the Malacca Strait and the eastern basin of the SCS. The inter-annual sea level variability in these regions is associated with the climate variability of El Niño Southern Oscillation and the monsoon.

Keywords: sea level rise, sea level trend, South China Sea, Malacca Strait

33 SIDE SCAN SONAR APPROACHES FOR STUDY THE CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ARTIFICIAL REEFS AT THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

AZIZI ALI 1*, KHALID SAMO1, AIDY MUSLIM1, FATHY KAMEEL1, SUBARJO MEREHOJONO1 AND ROSLAN LATIF1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This paper investigates mapping and auditing of artificial reefs (ARs) using side scan sonar deployed in coastal waters of east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The Artificial reefs (ARs) project was initiated in the middle of 1970s as partial replacement on the loss of natural reefs to provide alternative habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms particularly in coastal waters. The specific aims are to determine the artificial reef’s stability and suitability of the different designs (shape, size, deployment distribution) which were made using different materials (concrete, steel, rubber or ceramic and combination of materials) worth several thousand units since the project started. An underwater remote sensing technique using acoustic is superior compared to conventional approach using divers as it is more efficient and not weather dependent. This project highlights the approach of underwater remote sensing technique using a Side Scan Sonar was undertaken. The objectives, the objectives were set to accomplish the followings: (i)To view the physical status of the artificial reefs deployed by Fisheries Development Authorities Malaysia (FDAM) (either broken, scattered, sharp, overlapping, bunching, etc.(ii) to investigate the condition of Artificial Reefs in term of their structure integrity, stability, the actual distribution pattern in based on visual image. This study focused on four main types of ARs namely Local Ceramic, Korea Ceramic, and cuboid and Protect type. The result showed that all ARs images has been detected and positioned properly on the sea bed. The type of sediment in the east coast are sandy and had been the major factor that allow the AR to positioned well on the sea bed. Overall, 98% of AR at study area had been detected and mapped. Image from SSS shows the most of the AR’s height are approximately 2 meters from seabed.

Keywords: Artificial Reef, side scan sonar, fisheries

34 CASE STUDY ON THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF MESO-SCALE EDDY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA BASED ON A HIGH-RESOLUTION MODEL

XIA CHANGSHUI1*, JUNG KYUNGTAE2, WANG GUANSUO1 AND YIN XUNQIANG1

1The First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao, China 2Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Ansan 426-744, Republic of Korea

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Meso-scale eddies are important features in the South China Sea (SCS). The eddies with diameters of 50-200 km can greatly impact the transport of heat, momentum, and tracers. A high-resolution wave-tide-circulation coupled model was developed to simulate the meso- scale eddy in the SCS in this study. The aim of this study is to examine the model ability to simulate the meso-scale eddy in the SCS without data assimilations The simulated Sea Surface Height (SSH) anomalies agree with the observed the AVISO SSH anomalies well. The simulated subsurface temperature profiles agree CTD observation data from the ROSE (Responses of Marine Hazards to climate change in the Western Pacific) project. The simulated upper-ocean currents also agree with the main circulation based on observations. A warm eddy is identified in winter in the northern SCS. The position and domain of the simulated eddy are confirmed by the observed sea surface height data from the AVISO. The result shows that the model has the ability to simulate the meso-scale eddy in the SCS without data assimilation. The three-dimensional structure of the meso-scale eddy in the SCS is analyzed using the model result. It is found that the eddy center is tilted vertically, which agrees with the observation. It is also found that the velocity center of the eddy does not coincide with the temperature center of the eddy. The result shows that the model has the ability to simulate the meso-scale eddy in the SCS without data assimilations. Further study on the forming mechanism and the three-dimensional structure of the meso-scale eddies will be carried out using the model result and cruise observation data in the near future.

Key Words: Meso-scale eddy, South China Sea, high-resolution wave-tide-circulation coupled model

35 VERTICAL PROFILE AND DIVERSITY OF CALCAREOUS FORAMINIFERA IN KELANTAN-TERENGGANU WATERS

AISHAH NORASHIKIN ABDUL A’ZIZ1*, NAZIHAH AZMI1, OMAR ABDUL RAHMAN ABDUL MANAF1, WAN NURZALIA WAN SAELAN1,2 AND FATIN IZZATI MINHAT1,2

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A study on the distribution and diversity of calcareous benthic foraminifera was conducted at Kelantan-Terengganu Waters that located at South China Sea. Station A7 which lies at latitude 6.2646˚N and longitude 104.5411˚E was chosen for this study. Approximately 2000 specimens with total of 10 sedimentary core subsample from depth 30 cm to 50 cm were collected using gravity corer. PRIMER version 6 was used to perform cluster analysis and diversity indices. Foraminiferal assemblages at Kelantan-Terengganu Waters comprise of 26 genera namely Ammonia, Asterorotalia, Cancris, Cassidelina, Elphidium, Cavarotalia, Pseudorotalia, Discorbinella, Heterolepa, Neoeponides, Nonion, Planorbulina, Cylindroclavulina, Textularia, Bolivina, Glandulina, Lagena, Pygmaeoseistron, Oolina, Pyramidulina, Laevidentalina, Amphicoryna, Quinqueloculina, Sigmoilinita, Triloculina and Spiroloculina. The present study shows calcareous foraminifera contribute 93.20% from the total abundance including hyaline (72.80%) and porcelaneous (20.40%) group. Common genera found in this study are Bolivina followed by Discorbinella, Heterolepa and Quinqueloculina. Rare genera that have been identified are Glandulina, Triloculina, Cavarotalia, Cancris and Spiroloculina. Abundance of calcareous foraminifera are represent by Cluster A which dominated by Bolivina and Cluster B dominated by Discorbinella. Based on diversity indices sample between depth 38 cm to 40 cm have the highest value of α=3.69, H’= 2.34 and sample between depth 32 cm to 34 cm has the least value of α=2.19, H’= 2.02. This study shows diversity indices for 10 samples with average of (H’=2.093). Overall, this study conclude that distribution of calcareous foraminifera in Kelantan-Terengganu Waters do not show any significant different throughout the depth which may related to the changes in environmental factor (i.e salinity, nutrient and temperature) in that area.

Keywords: Tropical waters, benthic foraminifera, diversity, calcareous foraminifera, South China Sea.

36 REVIEW OF CURRENT CIRCULATION STUDIES IN THE MALACCA STRAIT

KU NOR AFIZA ASNIDA KU MANSOR1 AND MOHD FADZIL MOHD AKHIR1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Studies of current circulations research progress in the region of Malacca Strait are reviewed. Scientific research exploration in the area is relatively low compared to other areas, thus the understanding of the current system and its dynamics are lacking. In general, the seasonal change of the wind plays the most important role in Malacca Strait’s circulation. In general, during the NE monsoon the winds are directed from the north and northeast to the south-west, and during the SW monsoon from the south-west to the north-east. Strong winds between June and September lead to maximum rainfall over most parts of the Indian subcontinent. These areas are also greatly influenced by the tides. There are two method used to define the characteristics of the ocean which are by using ground truth data and numerical model. Recently, numerical modeling studies are often use to determine the dynamic characteristics in the ocean rather than ground truth data to reduce the cost. This review gathers properties and current dynamics from field observation and numerical models research and summarized it in terms of the dynamic characteristics in Malacca Strait.

Keywords: Malacca Strait, current circulations, dynamic characteristics, ground truth data, numerical model.

37 WATER TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS AND VARIATIONS IN SOUTHERN SOUTH CHINA SEA FROM 60 YEARS DATA OF WORLD OCEAN DATABASE

AFIFI JOHARI* AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR

Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: 63 years (1951 until 2014) of physical oceanographic data is extracted from World Ocean Database (WOD) in southern South China Sea (SSCS) region, which covered between 0-10ºN and 100-117ºE. Monthly averaged showed that May recorded the highest upper layer temperature while January recorded the lowest. Different observation was documented at bottom water, where September and February recorded the highest and lowest values, respectively. Contour plot for upper layer temperature in study area shows the presence of cold water front at southern part of Vietnam tip especially during peak northeast season (December– January). The appearance of warm water was obvious during the generating period of southwest monsoon (May–June). Thermocline study revealed the deepest isothermal layer depth (ILD) during peak northeast and southwest monsoon. Temperature threshold at shallow area reach more than 0.8ºC during transitional period. Regarding to ENSO studies, temperature anomalies in SSCS is correlated with NINO 3.4 index. Wavelet analysis revealed the climate shift appearance in SSCS was due to the ENSO effect. From vertical transects, deepening layer of warm water is shown in post El-Nino years during February and August. Coastal upwelling area is identified at several location such as east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM), Sabah, and Sarawak coasts. At ECPM coastal upwelling was manifested during peak southwest monsoon, while at Sabah and Sarawak coasts it was documented during weakening northeast monsoon. Lastly, ENSO give impacts on coastal upwelling features in ECPM. Post El-Nino years at ECPM shows the suppression of upwelling features. For overall, Data from WOD gives an advantages for historical studies and predict the future outcome.

Keywords: Thermocline, upwelling, ENSO, southern South China Sea, monsoon

38 CARCINOSCORPIUS ROTUNDICAUDA (LATREILLE, 1802): POPULATION STATUS AND SPAWNING BEHAVIOR AT PENDAS COAST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

NUR FAIRUZ-FOZI11, BEHARA SATYANARAYANA1*, NURUL ASHIKIN MAT ZAUKI1, AIDY M. MUSLIM1, MOHD-LOKMAN HUSAIN1, SULONG IBRAHIM1 AND BRYAN RAVEEN NELSON2

1Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 2Conservation Science Program, Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Institute (IBTPL), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Present study evaluates the impact of seasonal monsoons and lunar phases on the spawning activity of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda at Pendas (Sites 1-3) in State Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. The biological (no. of crabs and nests/eggs) observations indicated that Pendas is an active spawning ground for C. rotundicauda throughout the year. Higher egg yield was observed for Southwest monsoon (2918 eggs in 55 nests), followed by Northeast (2331 eggs in 48 nests) and Inter-monsoon (1253 eggs in 20 nests) periods. In all seasons, the full moon conditions favoured more number of eggs than to the new moon. Besides the availability of spawning crabs in all three sampling sites, they preferred only Site-1 for spawning due to its location (mini sandbar) being sheltered away from the impact of Johor Strait waters, underground (domestic) discharge point and pioneer mangroves like Sonneratia and Avicennia spp. nearby. In contrast, Sites 2 and 3 are open to the seawater current and its surface sediment is covered by broken seashells/pebbles and/or dense A. alba pneumatophore roots. Among the environmental (water quality and sediment) parameters tested, except sand, silt and clay, rest all didn’t show any strong correlation with the spawning behaviour of C. rotundicauda. The physical infrastructure developments (e.g. housing and property developments) in the vicinity are likely to pose a threat to the spawning ground of C. rotundicauda and thus require a serious attention for its conservation and management.

Keywords: mangrove horseshoe crab, seasonal impact, sediment type, topography, Johor Strait, Malaysia

39 SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF FISH SPECIES IN COWIE BAY, SABAH

NURMUNA MOHD NOOR1 AND SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The estuarine area of Cowie Bay, Tawau, Sabah functions as a feeding, nursery and breeding ground for many fish and invertebrate species. A total number of 102 identified fish species were recorded from landings via trawls, barrier net, gillnet, drift net and fish stakes from May 2009 to April 2010. The highest species diversity per family belongs to Carangidae (10 species), followed by Clupeidae and Tetraodontidae with 5 species each. There were 83 (81.4%) species exploited commercially, while the other 19 species have no commercial value. Ecological indices to test diversity (Shannon-Weiner’s index, H’) and evenness (Pielou’s index, J’) indicated that, throughout space and time, the density and variability of fish species were similar. The dominant five fish species were then identified to be Anodontostoma chacunda (Gizzard shad), Johnius belangerii (Belanger’s croaker), Arius microcephalus (Catfish), Secutor ruconius (Slipmouth), and Scomberomorus queenslandicus (Spanish mackerel). Two- way ANOSIM performed on the spatio-temporal distribution of dominant 5 species showed no significant difference between the study zones and monsoons (Zone: R=0.22193, p=0.0569; Monsoon: R=0.11393, p=0.0846). The constant spatio-temporal distribution of the fishes might be an important key to the survival of the natural predators of the bay, which was observed to be inhabited by crocodiles, turtles, marine birds and marine mammals. This estuary system also contribute substantially to the fisheries sector of Sebatik Island and Tawau district.

Keywords: Borneo, Cowie Bay, distribution, fish species, Tawau.

40 DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF DUGONGS IN THE MALAYSIAN WATERS OF BRUNEI BAY, BORNEO: RESULTS FROM BOAT SURVEY AND INTERVIEW SURVEY OF FISHERMEN

AZZAKIRAT ABDUL RAMAN1, JAMES BALI2, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*, TOLOY KERIPIN MUNSANG2, FARAHANIS MAT YAMAN1, AZMI MARZUKI MUDA1 AND XUELEI ZHANG3

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Lot 218, KCLD, Jalan Tapang, Kota Sentosa, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. 3Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao 266061, China.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: In recent years, dugongs (Dugong dugon) has experienced an extreme population decline in the Southeast Asian waters. However, numerous sighting reports have evidently confirmed the presence of dugongs in the Malaysian waters of Brunei Bay (MWBB) and yet, little is known about its population. To understand the status of this local wildlife species, a combination of interdisciplinary method of traditional knowledge and scientific approaches were used to provide the distribution and abundance of dugong information that advocating one another. A collection of knowledge from local communities with 221 semi-directed interviews were carried out from 2010 and 2013 and a one-year-cycle boat surveys were conducted from April 2013 to January 2014 to complement the data. Respondents provided extensive and recent knowledge on dugong relative occurrence and distribution, sighting frequencies, sighting patterns and group size estimations. Six individuals were sighted during the boat surveys. Data were tested using Chi-Square test and mapped using ArcGIS software. Dugong population in the MWBB can be summarised as a small and fragmented, rarely seen in current days but abundant a long time ago and the trend suggests that dugongs are extremely declining in the bay. The most concentrated dugong area was reported in Lawas, probably due to the untouched ecosystems and the availability of abundant of food resources. Their occurrence does not influence by months, seasons or regions and can be seen all-year, all- season at all region in the MWB. It is recommended that an immediate, intensive and continuous attentions need to be given especially to educate the local communities, monitoring the fisheries activities, enforcing legislation and most importantly, conserving the important key habitat of the dugong.

Keywords: Boat Observation, Brunei Bay, Borneo, Interview Survey, Dugong.

41 FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (ORCAELLA BREVIROSTRIS) IN THE BAY OF BRUNEI, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

NURLISA AZIZUL1, BOHARI ABDULLAH2, FARAH DAYANA HAJI ISMAIL1, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*, MOHD VOL MOMIN2, AZMI MARZUKI MUDA1 AND XUELEI ZHANG3

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Sakam Enterprise, Unit 17C, 2nd Floor, Bgn. Ben Kassim & Hjh Zaliha, Spg 440, Kg. Sungai Tilong, Jalan Muara BC3315, Brunei Darussalam. 3Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao 266061, China.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Feeding or foraging is one of the main behaviors for all species to survive. Located in an enclosed habitat, the Irrawaddy dolphins of the Bay of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam are considered fortunate. The bay itself is protected by large extent of mangrove forest and connected with numbers of large rivers suitable for the dolphin to reside. Essentially, it is a proper environment for the dolphin to carry out daily routines, such as feeding. The objectives of the study are to determine the frequency of feeding behaviour of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Bay of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam and its relations with water parameters (depth and turbidity) and time of the day (morning and evening). The survey was conducted in January 2016 to April 2018 during four different monsoon seasons (North East, South West, Inter-monsoon April and Inter-monsoon October) with a total survey distance of 2,439.20 km in 189.13 hours (survey effort = 13,081.93 km.hrs). The total number of sighting is 49 with a sighting rate of 0.37 per 100 km/hrs. Feeding activity (49.8 %) is the most seen behaviour compared to socializing (27.4 %) and travelling (22.7 %) (χ2 = 34.8, df = 2, p<0.05). Overall, at a range of 1.00 – 4.99 meter of water depth, 54.0 % of feeding activity is shown. 80.0 % of feeding activity happened at the range of 0.00 – 9.99 NTU water turbidity. Although parts of the bay are in active constructions, the dolphins seem to be adjusted to the surroundings as most of the activities were demonstrated near constructions area. Also, Irrawaddy dolphins tend to follow behind moving trawling boats and feed on unwanted fishes from fishermen’s net showing neutral response towards them. But, there are issues where the locals are unaware of their existence and keep on exploiting the ocean’s resources. Suggested that more future work should be done to conserve and preserve these endangered marine mammals.

Keywords: Dolphin activity, foraging, Irrawaddy dolphin, water depth, turbidity, Bay of Brunei

42 PRESENCE OF FUNGAL PATHOGENS AT NESTING SITES OF THE ENDANGERED SEA TURTLE SPECIES Chelonia mydas IN CHAGAR HUTANG, REDANG ISLAND, TERENGGANU.

SITI NORDAHLIAWATE MOHAMED SIDIQUE1, ANDREW ANAK NGADIN1, KATHRYN BAKER HEGARTY2, MARTIN CHAILLOT3 AND NIK MOHD IZHAM MOHD NOR 4

1Laboratory for Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), School of Food Science and Technology, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. 3Faculty of Science and Technology, Université de La Rochelle, 23 avenue Albert Einstein, 17071 La Rochelle, . 4School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, .

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Conservation efforts aim to restore depleted populations by protecting nests and increasing the hatch success. Now, there is yet another threat to this precious creature. Recently, there have been several reports of a fungus known as Fusarium, that has infected sea turtle eggs. However, little work on microbial contaminants of sea turtle eggs have been conducted in Malaysia. In Chagar Hutang, Redang Island, fungi are often found on the exterior of unhatched green turtle eggs (Chelonia mydas). Most eggs were incubated on the nesting beach (in situ) or relocated. Samples were collected from infected eggs, sands, plant roots and debris around the egg chambers. Our work aims to identify the Fusarium species associated with unhatched green turtle eggs and monitoring the number of infected nests in each sector (sector 1 to 34) along the nesting areas. Results showed the greatest number of isolates was Fusarium solani and others were F. oxysporum, F. semitectum and F. proliferatum. Results also showed that from year 2011 to 2015, the average number of infected nest per sector was significantly different (p<0.05) and sector 20 until 30 usually with the greatest number of eggs being invaded by the pathogen. Those nesting areas were near to the vegetation and we noticed that most nests near to vegetation (<3m) had more number of infected eggs. The warmer conditions also may trigger Fusarium colonisation. The temperature of turtle nests range between 25.6°C to 33.6°C were recorded. We also had isolated other fungi from soil and a few numbers had been identified as Aspergillus species. Both fungi are well known in producing mycotoxins. We believe this work will contribute as an aid to improve conservation programs as well as to create awareness of the risk of fungal infection to endangered turtle.

Keywords: Turtle, Chelonia mydas, Fusarium, Aspergillus, endangered and infected eggs.

43 MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE WHISTLES PRODUCED BY IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (ORCAELLA BREVIROSTRIS) IN THE BAY OF BRUNEI

YING JIANG1,2,5*, LIAN-GANG LÜ1,2,5, LONGFEI HUANG1,2,5, XUELEI ZHANG1,4,6, CHUNMEI YANG1,2,5, GUANGBING YANG1,2,5, ZONGWEI LIU1,2,5, ZHIGUO YANG3, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN7 AND AZMI MARZUKI MUDA7

1First Institute Of Oceanography, 5Key Laboratory of Marine Science and Numerical Modeling, 6Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for Marine Ecology and Environment, State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao 266061, China 2Laboratory for Regional Oceanography and Numerical Modeling, 4Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China 3China National Deep Sea Center, State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao 266237, China 7Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: exploration of dolphin whistles help understanding their social behaviors. We collected 1038 whistles of Irrawaddy dolphins in the bay of Brunei, with a high sampling rate and broadband recorder. A more complete quantitative analysis of the whistles including harmonics was first presented for Irrawaddy dolphins. The whistles had a mean whole duration of 0.37 s (s.d. = 0.24 s). The fundamental frequency ranged from 370 Hz to 52340 Hz, while the maximum frequency of whistles extended to about 65 kHz. Results indicated the whistles above 20 kHz had special function in group activities. The whistles showed a relatively simple contour shapes. The percentage of whistles with no inflections accounted for 80.6%, and with constant type accounted for 82.1%. The number of harmonics was high up to 8 (mean = 0.89, s.d. = 1.35), and 45% of whistles had harmonics. the top two highest percentages of the whistles were constant contours without harmonic and with one harmonic (47.9% vs 19.3%), while the types with much richer harmonics were constant, upsweep and downsweep contours. whistle frequency contours were extracted and analyzed using probability density. the most probable position of fundamental frequency was around 6000 Hz. the values of the maximum probability density of the fundamental frequency and the following three harmonics frequency were similar to an arithmetic progression. the more complete description of the Irrawaddy dolphin’s whistles will provide a baseline for the selection of future acoustic recording equipment. more characteristics of Irrawaddy dolphin whistles have the potential to provide information on presence/absence in sympatric species and their habitat.

Keywords: irrawaddy dolphin, whistles, harmonics, the bay of Brunei

44 ASSOCIATION OF IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (ORCAELLA BREVIROSTRIS) WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS IN RAJANG RIVER, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

JAMES BALI1, TONNY GANYAI1, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN2*, TOLOY KERIPIN MUNSANG1, EJRIA SALEH3 AND OSWALD BRAKEN TISEN1

1Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Lot 218, KCLD, Jalan Tapang, Kota Sentosa, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 3Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The habitats of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Rajang River are being overlapped with areas of intensive use by human. Identification of the spatial-temporal boundaries of animal distribution will lead to the understanding of their species status. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the association of Irrawaddy dolphin distribution with environmental water parameters. The study was conducted in Rajang River from Kuala Rajang to Sibu town between April 2009 and October 2010. Dolphin sighting and physical water parameters such as salinity, surface temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen; conductivity and pH were measured using H10 HORIBA Water Quality Checker following a modified strip- transect survey. Spatial distributions of Irrawaddy dolphins in association with water parameters in both of the river systems was determined using the nonparametric Wald Chi- Square test performed with IBM SPSS v.20 software. R statistical software v. 2.1.5 with negative binomial generalised linear modelling function was also used to test the correlation of water parameters with the distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins in each river system. The mean water parameters for every sightings with standard error (SE), confident interval (CI) and coefficient of variance (CV) in Rajang River for pH, conductivity, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, surface water temperature and salinity in Batang Rajang was 7.7 + 0.05 (95%, CI=7.5- 8.1; CV= 0.04%, 23.55 + 0.74 mS/cm (95%, CI=4.8-41.8; CV = 6.01%), 172.45 + 11.51 NTU(95%, CI=45.50-331.8; CV= 87.40%), 6.1 + 1.81 mg/L (95%, CI=1.6-8.6; CV=58.29%), 29.30 + 0.06 oC (95%, CI=28.6-30.9; CV 0.02%), and 14.45 + 0.52 psu (95%, CI=2.80-26.20; CV= 8.33%) respectively. The distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins in Batang Rajang is significantly associated with salinity ( = 22.178, df =1, p < 0.05) and conductivity (=5.480, df =1, p < 0.05). The sighting distribution of the Irrawaddy dolphins in Batang Rajang has strong negative correlation with pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and water

45 surface temperature but has no correlation with water salinity. It is recommended that water quality monitoring in the high conservation value area or ‘hot spot” (HCVA) should be conducted periodically together with Irrawaddy dolphin population trends assessment, diet, food resources stock, feeding behaviour and other studies to ensure these information can be utilised for the management and conservation of the species.

Keywords: Irrawaddy dolphin, environmental parameters, Rajang River, Sarawak, Malaysia, Borneo

46 BY-CATCH ESTIMATES OF DUGONG AND DOLPHIN: RESULT FROM AN INTERVIEW SURVEY OF FISHERMEN IN THE BAY OF BRUNEI, MALAYSIA

NURUL HIDAYAH ABDUL RAHIM1, AZZAKIRAT ABDUL RAMAN1, NURLISA AZIZUL1, JAMES BALI2, FARAH DAYANA HAJI ISMAIL1, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*, TOLOY KERIPIN MUNSANG2, FARAHANIS MAT YAMAN1, AZMI MARZUKI MUDA1 AND XUELEI ZHANG3

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Lot 218, KCLD, Jalan Tapang, Kota Sentosa, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. 3Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao 266061, China.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: By-catch is referring to incidental or unintended catch of non-targeted species while fishing and it is a serious threats faced by the marine mammal species. However, the information regarding by-catch is limited, especially in the Southeast Asian region. To address this limited information base in the Malaysian waters of the Bay of Brunei, a face-to-face interview survey was conducted from 2010 to 2013 at fishing villages, jetties and markets. The objective was to collect the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers regarding their experiences on fishing activities, knowledge about marine mammals, sighting and hunting frequencies, and their beliefs and myths on it. From the interview in the study area, there was 200 boat sampled provided data on dugong, while only 92 boats provided data on dolphin. A substantial proportion of informants (17.5% and 26.1% respectively) reported that they have been seen dugongs and dolphins entangled in the fishing nets. By raising the interview data to 10000 boats, at least 36 dugongs and 104 dolphins were estimated caught incidentally within five years period, with an average catch of 1.28 dugongs (95% CI = 1.16-1.42) and 2.12 dolphins (95% CI = 1.85-2.40) per boats. Although, marine mammals were reportedly caught in all types of fishing gear, but most frequently were in gillnets (54.5%). The estimated number of by-catches, particularly in gillnets, may be unsustainably high. A monitoring and educational program, together with the establishment of MPAs, is paramount to minimize the threat.

Keywords: incidental catch, local ecological knowledge (LEK), questionnaire-based interview, marine endangered species, Brunei Bay, Borneo

47 DISTRIBUTION AND GROUP SIZE OF IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (ORCAELLA BREVIROSTRIS) IN THE MALAYSIAN WATERS OF BRUNEI BAY, BORNEO ISLANDS

AZMI MARZUKI MUDA1, AZZAKIRAT ABDUL RAMAN1, JAMES BALI2, TOLOY KERIPIN MUNSANG2, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*, HAIRUL MASRINI MUHAMAD3 AND XUELEI ZHANG4

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Lot 218, KCLD, Jalan Tapang, Kota Sentosa, 93250 Kuching, Malaysia. 3Key Laboratory of Underwater Acoustics & Marine Information Technology, Department of Applied Marine Physics & Engineering, College of Ocean and Earth, Xiamen University, China. 4Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao 266061, China.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) occurrence was frequently recorded in coastal habitats of . However, the population status of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Malaysian waters of Brunei Bay remains not well documented. The Brunei Bay shared borders of East Malaysian (States of Sarawak, Sabah, Federal Territory of Labuan) and Brunei Darussalam. Series of dedicated boat sighting surveys for Irrawaddy dolphins were conducted between April 2013 and January 2016 in the Malaysian waters of the bay. The study area was divided into three regions of Labuan, Weston and Lawas. A total of 72 days were spent to conduct these surveys within the bay. The survey covered a total distance of 4,395.0 km in 308.9 hours, with a total daily survey effort of 29,541.9 km.hrs. A total of 44 Irrawaddy dolphins’ sightings were recorded with a rate of 0.21 sighting per 100 km.hrs. The number of sighting varied base on regions and monsoon seasons. The highest number of sightings was recorded in Lawas region with 24 sightings followed by Labuan and Weston regions, eight and two sightings, respectively. For monsoon seasons, Northeast monsoon showed the highest number of sightings (14 sightings) followed by Southwest (12 sightings), Pre-Southeast (10 sightings) and Pre-Northeast (eight sightings). The number of sighting in regions was found to be significantly different (ϰ2 = 39.45, df=2, p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the number of sighting and monsoon seasons. Group size of Irrawaddy dolphins that were sighted in Malaysian waters of Brunei Bay ranges between 1 to 35

48 individuals. The highest mean of total individuals by group was recorded in Lawas region (9±8.2). The biggest group size of Irrawaddy dolphins was sighted in Lawas region with 35 individuals. Irrawaddy dolphins were sighted in all regions and Lawas has the highest number of Irrawaddy dolphins sighted compared to Weston and Labuan. Although the individuals were recorded in all monsoon seasons, there were no seasonal pattern observed. From these findings, comprehensive management for Irrawaddy dolphins’ conservation and protection should be carried by the authorities. Moreover, extensive studies on their behaviour, long term monitoring and research on their molecular characteristics will be beneficial and strongly recommended for further Irrawaddy studies.

Keywords: Brunei Bay, cetacean, Irrawaddy dolphin, distribution, group size, spatial and temporal.

49 ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER SONAR FOR SEAGRASS DISTRIBUTION MAPPING

MUHAMMAD ABDUL HAKIM MUHAMAD1* AND ROZAIMI CHE HASAN1,2

1Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Center for Coastal and Ocean Engineering (COEI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Seagrass habitats are playing important role for coastal ecosystems, provide variety of ecosystem functions and services in coastal environment. Detail information of seagrass meadows is fundamental step for managing and preserving marine ecosystems. Various mapping techniques have been used to extract important information of seagrass meadows, primarily in situ sampling, transect, and remote sensing. The implementation of seagrass distribution mapping methods in managing and monitoring are provided different accuracy, and different costs in time and money. Spatial monitoring for seagrass distribution is challenging as conventional in situ sampling method is difficult to produce large extent and high resolution of seagrass distribution to meet the scientific and management needs. Implementation of underwater acoustic techniques such as multibeam echosounder (MBES) is one of the options to map seafloor habitats such as seagrass beds. However, proper assessment is needed to quantify how much information can be extracted from this system. The purposed of this study was to assess performance of MBES sonar survey for seagrass distribution mapping. Evaluation has been made using international hydrographic standards which is commonly used to assess hydrographic data accuracy. In addition, assessment was also made by evaluating different bathymetric derivatives layers such as slope, Benthic Position Index (BPI), rugosity and complexity to estimate a proper spatial scale for seagrass habitat mapping. The results indicate that both hydrographic survey standards and bathymetric layers provide important information to assess how MBES can be applied to study and map the distribution of seagrass meadows. This evaluation will provide essential information for species distribution model of seagrass habitats by incorporating bathymetric dataset (and derivatives).

Keywords: Seagrass habitat, seagrass distribution, underwater acoustic technique, multibeam echosounder, hydrographic standards, bathymetric analysis, spatial scale.

50 VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF JUVENILE WHALE SHARKS RHINCODON TYPUS AT A SEASONAL AGGREGATION IN SAUDI ARABIAN RED SEA

LU SUN1,2*, JESSE COCHRAN2 AND MICHAEL BERUMEN2

1Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, China 2Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Large marine species have been a focus of scientists and public for their unique role in the ecosystem as well as in conservation. To study the behaviors of large marine species, electrical tagging is a direct and reliable method. Researchers have been utilizing technology advances in biologging tags on multiple spatiotemporal scales. This study provides a detailed insight into the vertical movement of whale sharks in a seasonal aggregation off the coast of Al Lith, Saudi Arabia. Four biologging tags were fitted on four juvenile whale sharks over periods of various lengths. Fine-scaled diving behavior was recorded with a sampling rate of 10 Hz and energy consumption was generated from acceleration sensor data. Tagged whale sharks exhibited intensive and consistent diving behaviors throughout the day except a prolonged surface swimming in the morning and a brief surfacing around sunset. In multiple stages of the diel cycle, whale sharks utilized different depths in the water column, most possibly optimizing energy consumption from forage efforts. Combining with previous study on horizontal movement of whale sharks in this aggregation, this study portrays movement behaviors of juvenile whale sharks comprehensively. We hope this study will benefit the management of this hot spot of whale sharks and even larger scale ecosystems, revealing potential excessive human activities (e.g. ecotourism, aquaculture) and global climate issues.

Keywords: Whale shark, biologging, vertical movement, diving behavior.

51 ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL DATA CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF HYDROCHEESE AS ARTIFICIAL CORAL REEF

DAENG SITI MAIMUNAH ISHAK1*, AHMAD KHAIRI ABD WAHAB 1, 2, MUHAMMAD HAMIZAN BIN YUSOF3 AND MOHAMAD HIDAYAT JAMAL 1,2

1Center for Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Research Institute for Sustainable Environment (RISE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru, Skudai, 81310, Johor, Malaysia 3Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Jalan Sultan Istana, , 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The need to monitor the effectiveness of artificial reefs deployment upon installation is important to assess the degree of success and impacts to surrounding environment. Monitoring for the performance of artificial reef involves data collection from physical, chemical and biological parameters around the structure. The highlight of this study is to investigate the relationship of between environmental factors to the coral growth around the Hydrocheese units. Water quality parameters and bed samples were collected at twelve sampling station for data analysis. Current meter probes and tide gauges were installed near to the reefs to determine the current velocity and tidal condition of the study area. Divers recorded the coral and fish aggregation around artificial reefs using high performance underwater camera for analyses and identification. From the preliminary data analyses, water quality parameters showed that uniformity at all stations with higher nutrient content was found at station 11 and station 12. The substrate consists of sand and gravel with more than 78% sand particle at all stations. The coral identification shows ten types of different hard corals were found around the reef, dominated by Pocillopora sp. The values of Shannon Diversity Index of corals (H) and the Simpson Index of Diversity (D) were found to be 1.27 and 0.67 respectively. Abundance of fish assemblages was recorded and were identified as coral reef fish species. Results from this study conclude a positive role of Hydrocheese in promoting the establishment of a coral ecosystem with the favorable physical-chemical parameters found around the structure.

Keywords: water quality parameters, currents and tidal activity around reef, coral growth, fish abundance

52 FLOATING AND VIABILITY OF RHIZOPHORA MUCRONATA LAMK. PROPAGULES: IMPLICATIONS FOR LONG DISTANCE DISPERSAL SIMULATION

DON P. ATTELETH1*, BEHARA SATYANARAYANA1,2, NAZRIN I. MOHAMMAD1, MUHAMMAD SYAFIQ BIN ABDULLA1, MOHD FADZIL BIN MOHD AKHIR1, MOHD- LOKMAN HUSIAN1 AND FARID DAHDOUH-GUEBAS2,3

1Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu – UMT, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 2Laboratory of Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Département de Biologie desOrganismes, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, CPI 264/1, B- 1050Brussels, Belgium 3Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Mangrove Management Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Floating ability of the mangrove propagules is key to determine and predict its dispersal behaviour. However, the interaction between propagule physiology and morphology together with local environmental conditions (e.g. salinity and temperature), seemed to be responsible for an inconsistent pattern of floating in different (mangrove) species. In the present study, both floating and viability (longevity) of Rhizophora mucronata propagules were tested for more than 13 months under laboratory conditions. In total, two batches of propagules – one collected freshly within a week (341 abscised propagules) and another collected one month ago (661 dehydrated propagules), were considered. At first, all labelled propagules were released separately into two 3000L seawater tanks (30‰). Second, the floating behavior recognized through six different positions/orientation of the propagules namely, surface horizontal (S1), surface slanted (S2), surface vertical (S3), bottom vertical (B3), bottom slanted (B4) and bottom horizontal (B5), was recorded weekly. Thirdly, maximum of 5 propagules from each floating position/orientation were collected monthly and planted in soil bags for the viability check. While propagules buoyancy has lasted for 425 days in the case of fresh ones, it was only 135 days for the dehydrated ones. Apart from salinity, both dehydration and osmotic effects (together with stocking density) have influenced the buoyancy as majority propagules were sunken to bottom (B4-B5) initially and then resurfaced (S1-S3). Also, viability of propagules varied considerably between the two batches i.e. up to 9 months for fresh ones and 63 days for dehydrated ones. Overall, R. mucrona propagules were found sensitive to prolonged periods of drying or dehydration, although they could regain buoyancy for a short time and continue dispersing.

Keywords: Species-specific behavior, longevity 53 MANGROVE HEALTH INDEX, A ROBUST INDEX BASED ON RECENT MANGROVE CONDITION IN INDONESIA AND POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTED FOR GLOBAL ESTIMATION

I WAYAN EKA DHARMAWAN1,*, PRAMUDJI1, HADIYANTO1, UDHI EKO HERNAWAN1, FEBRIANTY LESTARI2, RUDHI PRIBADI3, ONRIZAL4, CECEP KUSMANA5 AND SIGIT6

1Research Centre for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jakarta - Indonesia 2Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Tanjung Pinang – Indonesia 3Diponegoro University, Semarang – Indonesia 4North Sumatera University, Medan - Indonesia 5Bogor Agricultural Institute, Bogor – Indonesia 6CIFOR, Bogor – Indonesia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Indonesia has the majority part of mangrove area in the world and its condition could represent global mangrove status. Series studies were conducted widely on 30 sites, consisted by hundreds of 10m-x-10m-quadrates in Indonesia’s archipelago during a year exploration to analyze national mangrove health. The study collected the comprehensive plant community data e.g. trunk diameter (d), height (H), density (D), canopy coverage (C), basal area (BA) and species diversity from each site. The normalized data were analyzed using multiple regression to build an initial mangrove health index (MHI). We also noted rubbish abundance and logged wood frequencies as a negative factor and seedling regeneration as the positive factor for simulating the index and judging mangrove health criteria. Indonesia’s mangrove experts assumed that MHI was built from higher stand index (NCi) and regeneration index (Ri) which was reduced by the negative external factors (EFi) or MHI = NCi + Ri – EFi. The study was found that NCi = 0.022C + 0.004D - 0.002d + 0.099H - 0.919, R2=0.837. On the other hand, we assumed Ri from seedling density which was ranged at 0.33, 0.67, and 1. Since the seedling community was influenced by the externalities, we used the EFi was calculated from 0 to 1 as the range. Basal area (BA) was omitted from the analysis due to its less significant effect to canopy coverage. Species diversity also had no significant impact on mangrove condition. The health criteria of mangrove were introduced based on calculated MHI, which <1 = poor; 1-2 = moderate; >2 = good. Overall, mangrove condition in Indonesia was in good condition, even some areas were found in moderate category. Value of R2 showed the significant effect and highly acceptance of the index.

Keywords: mangrove, health index, plant community, regeneration, criteria

54 THE EFFECTS OF SEAWATER TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS ON THE BLEACHING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF ACROPORA LATISTELLA

TEOH SUE LYNN1* AND TAN CHUN HONG1,2

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The abnormal increased of seawater temperature is the major reason to trigger coral bleaching. Recent mass coral bleaching episodes had severely affect the coral population worldwide. This study examined the bleaching susceptibility and zooxanthellae density of Acropora latistella through ex-situ temperature manipulation experiment. Coral colonies were collected from Pulau Bidong and underwent temperature treatments of 28°C (as control tank), 30°C and 32°C for 10 days. Tissue colour and zooxanthallae density of A. latistella colonies were recorded pre- and post- experiment as proxy of stress response. At the end of the experiment, colour of coral tissue was found to decrease one scale in control treatment while samples in elevated temperature treatments became five times paler (bleached). Zooxanthellae density reduced in all treatments after the experiment. However, only coral colonies in 32⁰C treatment showed statistically significant (ANOVA: F= 4.624, p = 0.047) lost in zooxanthellae density. This study suggested that increased over 2°C above average annual seawater temperature would cause severe impacts to the coral health.

Keywords: Elevated seawater temperature, bleaching susceptibility, Acropora coral, Pulau Bidong

55 BIODIVERSITY OF CORAL REEF FISH AT PULAU BIDONG, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

MUHAMMAD AFIQ FIRDAUS AMINUDIN1, CHUIN-SIEW LIM1, HONOR E. WRIGHT2, AND ZAINUDIN BACHOK1*.

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coral reef fish are one of the main constituents of a coral reef ecosystem. Diversity of coral reef fish is a good indicator for the status of coral reef health. The aim of this study is to determine species richness of coral reef fish at the Pulau Bidong. Pulau Bidong was chosen as the sampling location because of the highly distributed reefs around the island (10 reef sites). Thus far, reports on the assemblage of coral reef fish around this area are limited. In this study, the fish surveys were conducted using Underwater Visual Census (UVC) during SCUBA dives. Additionally, we also used underwater camera to capture images for fish taxa confirmation. All surveys were carried out in the morning (~10:00am) and afternoon (~2.00pm). The fish species at each surveyed reef site were identified and catalogued to determine the fish diversity. The recorded coral reef fish assemblages were categorized by their placement in the reef habitat. Results of this study showed that the coral reef fish assemblages were high in diversity at Pulau Bidong. Overall, there were 79 species of coral reef fish identified. The highest coral reef fish diversity was found at Batu Payung (56 species) reef site while the lowest diversity was at the Bidong Underwater Gallery (11 species). This study provides important ecological data on the species of coral reef fish at Pulau Bidong for further research.

Keywords: biodiversity, coral reef fish, Pulau Bidong.

56 FISH FARMING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY OF BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN SETIU WETLAND, MALAYSIA

WAN MOHD RAUHAN WAN HUSSIN1*, AFIFAH HUSIN1 AND SYARIFAH FATIMAH SYED MAHDZAR1

1School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A study was carried out in 2014-2015 to determine the impacts of environmental changes on the taxonomic diversity of benthic communities in the fish farming areas of Setiu Wetland. Sediment samples were collected using Ponar grab at stations near and further away from the fish cage areas, during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The taxonomic diversity of the benthic communities was determined by mean of Taxonomic Distinctness index which measures the average taxonomic distance, which is the path length between two randomly chosen species, traced through the taxonomic classification in an assemblage. Environmental features such as water physico-chemical characteristics and sediment composition were also measured. In general, Setiu Wetland water was dominated by Mollusca, while a small portion of composition were represented by Annelida and Crustacean. In terms of Taxonomic Distinctness (TD), station near the fish cage recorded a lower TD value compared to the stations further away from the cage. This was, hypothetically expected as the number of species in the near-cage station was also lower than the far from cage stations. This study showed that the environmental changes following the organic enrichment from fish farming not only affected the structure of the benthic community, but such effect was also evident in terms of the taxonomic diversity of the organisms.

Keywords: Setiu Wetland, benthic communities, taxonomic distinctness

57 MOLECULAR AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MYXOZOAN PARASITES FROM SETIU WETLANDS, TERENGGANU

MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BORKHANUDDIN1,2*, MELISSA BEATA MARTIN1 AND NURFATIN SHAHAR1

1School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study reports on five new myxozoan parasitic species infecting four fish species of 101 of total fishes from Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu that was collected between 2015 and 2017. Two out of 45 Spotted Scat Scatophagus argus (Scatophagidae), one out of 34 Banded Archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix (Toxotidae), one out of nine Pacific Sea bream Acanthopagrus pacificus (Sparidae) collected from wild and one out of 13 Orange Spotted Grouper Epinephelus coioides (Serranidae) were infected by myxozoan parasites. 18S rDNA analysis revealed distinctive species of myxospores collected from this study namely; Ortholinea sp. I (2.22% prevalence) in S. argus, Ellipsomyxa sp. I (2.94% prevalence) in T. jaculatrix, Ceratomyxa sp. I (2.22% prevalence) in S. argus, Ceratomyxa sp. II (11.11% prevalence) in A. pacificus, Ceratomyxa sp. III (7.69% prevalence) in E. coioides. Ortholinea sp. I has 92% identity with Ortholinea auratae; Ellipsomyxa sp. I has 97% identity with Ellipsomyxa adlardi, Ellipsomyxa sygnathi, Ellipsomyxa gobii, Ellipsomyxa mugilis; and Ceratomyxa sp. II has 99% similarity towards Ceratomyxa diamanti. While genetic investigation could not solve the position of Ceratomyxa sp. I and Ceratomyxa sp. III in the phylogenetic analysis, differences in host affinities and localities suggested the novelty of this specimens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Ortholinea, Ellipsomyxa and Ceratomyxa genus collected from wild and cultured fishes of estuarine biotopes from Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu.

Keywords: Cnidaria, Myxosporea, 18S rDNA, phylogenetic, Setiu Wetlands, estuarine

58 SPECIES RICHNESS OF GASTROPODS IN TRA VINH COASTAL ZONE, VIETNAM

VAN-TIEN TRAN1*, TU NGUYEN VAN1, THUC NGUYEN CONG2 AND YUN-HWAN JUNG3

1Departure of Ecology, Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam. 2Departure of Fisheries, Tra Vinh 940000, Vietnam. 3Departure of Taxonomy and Systematics, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Chungcheongnam-do 33662, Republic of Korea.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Gastropods play a significant ecological function on their environment. Up to this time, the data of gastropods in the coastal zone of Tra Vinh province is relatively little-known. The purpose of the present study was conducted to investigate and illustrate the gastropods on their habitat in this area from may 2017 to may 2018 at 16 stations. In this study, 52 species were recorded and illustrated belong to 07 orders, 17 families, and 33 genera, with brief descriptions on their ecology and distribution. The result shows that most of the species are the popular dweller of brackish-water and mangrove forest. This primary study was conducted to document the data of gastropods in the coastal zone and it is important for further research in biodiversity and bio-conversation of gastropods in Tra Vinh province.

Keywords: Gastropods; illustrate; biodiversity; habitats; the coastal zone; Tra Vinh province

59 FISHES OF ANCIENT SHIP WRECK OF PULAU BIDONG, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

YUSRI YUSUF1*, BAHARIM MUSTAPA2, BORHANUDIN MOHD YUSOF3, RAFIDAH HANIPAH2 AND KAMARUL REDZUAN MUHAMED4

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Central Laboratory, 3School of Basics and Liberal Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. 4Uzma Group, Uzma Tower, No. 2, Jalan PJU 8/8A, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A study on fishes of ancient wreck (circa 16th century), about one nautical mile outside , Terengganu, Malaysia was conducted to look at biodiversity of marine fishes at the area prior to maritime archaeological excavation. The wreck was at around 20 meter deep in sandy bottom, with abundant ancient clay vases of various sizes. Most of the vases were with hard and soft coral growth, with other benthic organisms encrusting the vase substrate. General random quantitative survey was carried out by SCUBA diving in the area to record total fish species via visual observation with help of underwater photography. Underwater transects of 10X5 meters and 5X5 meter quadrat were also deployed at the site to obtain qualitative fish data, which includes number of individuals and species in the area which then could be use could be compared with other sites in Peninsular Malaysia. At the transect and quadrat, each individual fish were identified to species level, and the number of individuals for each species were counted. In this study a total of 54 species of coral reef fish were identified at the ancient wreck, from the three sampling techniques. Cardinal fish (Family Apogonidae) was the most diverse family with 9 species, followed by Damselfish (Family Pomacentridae) with 7 species, Wrasse (Family Labridae) and Goby (Family Gobiidae) with 4 species each. Total number of fishes observed is relatively high for a limited areas (around 200 meter square). From transect and quadrats studies, a total of 46.4 individuals/meter square (transects) and 26.04 individuals/meter square (quadrats) were counted. The density of fishes observed here was relative high when compared to nearby coral reef areas of Redang Island, with density of only 9.6 ±17.6 individuals/meter square. From the study, we found that this ancient wreck is important for marine fishes due to complexity of its substrate that attract fishes from the surrounding area to proliferate within the habitat.

Keywords: coral reef, fishes, ship wreck, artificial reefs, monitoring

60 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION OF SEA TURTLE CARCASSES FOUND AT PULAU TIGA, TUN MUSTAPHA PARK, KUDAT, SABAH, MALAYSIA

JUANITA JOSEPH1,2*, HIDEAKI NISHIZAWA3 AND IRWAN ISNAIN4

1Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia 3Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606- 8501, Japan 4Sabah Parks, P.O.Box 10626, 88806 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The 53 sea turtle carcasses found at Pulau Tiga, Tun Mustapha Park, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia was investigated using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences to determine the natal origin and foraging grounds used by the turtles. All carcass samples were identified as green turtles (Chelonia mydas), with curved carapace ranging from 67 cm to 111 cm (large juveniles and adults). A total of 10 haplotypes had been identified, of which eight haplotypes were previously reported from rookeries in the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Mixed-stock analysis estimated the main contribution from Sabah Turtle Islands Park (mean ≥ 47%), Sarawak (mean ≥ 18%) and Johor (mean ≥12%). Regional estimation showed that the samples were sourced from rookeries in Southeast Asia (Sulu & Celebes Sea: mean ≥63%; South China Sea: mean ≥36%). Mixed-stock analysis also revealed that most of the turtles used Brunei Bay (mean ≥81%) as their foraging ground. This study clearly shows the importance to protect sea turtles, not only at their nesting rookeries and foraging grounds, but also along their migratory routes. Regional collaboration on sea turtle traffic and law enforcement must be improved to protect and conserve the sea turtles in this region.

Keywords: Chelonia mydas, green turtle, illegal trade, Mitochondrial DNA, foraging grounds, Sulu Sea

61 DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN SOFT TISSUE OF SACCOSTREA CUCULLATA IN TERENGGANU AND EAST JOHOR COASTAL WATERS

MOHD FUAD MISKON1*, NIK NURIZNI NIK ALI2, MUHAMMAD FARHAN KAMMOO2 AND SITI NABILA MAT ALI2

1Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia 2Department of Marine Science, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study determined the concentration and accumulation pattern of REEs in the soft tissue of Saccostrea cucullata with respect to interspatial variability. Variability in the concentration of REEs in soft tissue of S. cucullata was observed in all samples with significant differences among samples associated with sampling sites (p < 0.05). The distribution pattern of REEs’ concentration in soft tissue of S. cucullata is uniformly distributed among sampling sites with enrichment of light REE, LREE over heavy REE, HREE. The same accumulation pattern indicate that REEs are transported as a coherent group in aquatic ecosystem. All REEs yielded positive correlation among each elements in the soft tissue of S. cucullata. Average distribution of REEs in soft tissue of S. cucullata indicated that East Johor has the most abundance of REEs’ concentration compared to Terengganu coastal water. This occurrence probably due to higher urbanization and industrialization activities such as sewage and effluent wastes. ST10 located in East Johor region has the most abundance of REEs while ST4 located in Terengganu region has the lowest concentration of REEs with Ce as the most abundance element and Dy as the least abundance element. The distribution pattern of REEs’ concentration in this study is slightly different from Fuad et al. (2013). There is significant differences between concentration of all REEs in the soft tissue of S. cucullata in the year of 2013 and 2017 except for La, Ce and Nd (p < 0.05).

Keywords: REE, S. cucullata, accumulation pattern, Terengganu region, east Johor region

62 SEASONAL OCCURRENCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND ABUNDANCE OF IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (Orcaella brevirostris) IN THE BAY OF BRUNEI, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.

FARAH DAYANA HAJI ISMAIL1, BOHARI ABDULLAH2, NURLISA AZIZUL1, SAIFULLAH ARIFIN JAAMAN1*, MOHD VOL MOMIN2, AZMI MARZUKI MUDA1 AND XUELEI ZHANG3

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Sakam Enterprise, Unit 17C, 2nd Floor, Bgn. Ben Kassim & Hjh Zaliha, Spg 440, Kg. Sungai Tilong, Jalan Muara BC3315, Brunei Darussalam. 3Marine Ecology Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic Administration (SOA), Qingdao 266061, China.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The uniqueness of the Bay of Brunei makes it an ideal place to be inhabited by Irrawaddy dolphins and yet the increasing potential impacts of anthropogenic factors and environmental changes on the dolphins are alarming. Previously, there is no study on this species conducted and its existence is poorly recognized, even by the locals in Brunei Darussalam. The objectives of this study are to determine the occurrence and distribution, and to estimate the group size of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Bruneian waters of the Bay of Brunei. The surveys were conducted from January 2016 to April 2018. The total distance surveyed was 2,439.2 km in 189.13 hours (survey effort = 13,081.93 km.hrs) with sighting rate of 0.37 per 100 km.hrs. The total number of sightings recorded were 49 and 13 of the sightings were observed with calf. Overall, the group size range was between 1 to 15 individuals with the mean of 4.5 individuals (SD = 3.3). There was no statistical significance in the number of dolphin sightings in four different monsoon seasons (North East, South West, Inter-monsoon April, and Inter-monsoon October) (χ2 = 5.66, df = 3, p > 0.05). The number of sightings and number of individuals suggest that Irrawaddy dolphins are resident and the needs of a conservation management plan for the species in the Bay of Brunei.

Keywords: abundance, boat survey, Bay of Brunei, Borneo, Irrawaddy dolphin, occurrence and distribution.

63 MANMADE DISTURBANCES IN THE MANGROVE – GOOD OR BAD? AN ASSESSMENT FROM MATANG MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

AMIR FISOL1*, RODILA IBRAHIM1, VIVIANA OTERO2, BEHARA SATYANARANA1,2, AND FARID DAHDOUH-GUEBAS2, 1Mangrove Research Unit (MARU), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS and ENV), University Malaysia Terengganu - UMT, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 2Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium *Corresponding author:[email protected]

Abstract: Forest structure will have a profound influence on the ecosystem function. The disturbance, especially man-made, such as logging could leads to the loss of biodiversity and thereby habitat degradation. However, in the case of Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR) on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia where a 30-year forest rotation cycle is in place, the clear-felled areas are replanted with Rhizophora spp. for poles (from 15- and 20-year old forest) and charcoal (from 30-year old forest) production. In this century old mangrove management, there is still a gap of knowledge on vegetation composition/structure between managed and unmanaged forest stands that in turn can help us to understand both positive and negative consequences of the artificial disturbances. The vegetation parameters such as density (trees ha-1), basal area (m2 ha-1), relative density (%), relative frequency (%), etc., were observed from 7, 15, 20 and 30 years old managed forest stands and >80 years old (Virgin Jungle Reserve - VJR) unmanaged forest stand. While mangrove composition in the managed forest was represented by 8 species, the unmanaged forest has 5 species. Among others, the most frequently sighted species in both managed and unmanaged stands was R. apiculata whereas Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and B. parviflora were only co-dominant in those two respective areas. Density-wise, the 30 years forest has more number of trees as compared to the VJR. Although manmade disturbances are unhealthy, but it seems advantageous for the type of ongoing mangrove management at the MMFR. On the positive side, low inter- and intra-species competition at the mangrove pole production sites and better tree growth for a profitable pole/charcoal business (livelihood for several mangrove dependent communities in the vicinity) are witnessed. On the negative side, monoculture plantation of Rhizophora spp., less ecosystem functionality, low resilience to diseases, etc., are some of the scientific concerns that need further investigations.

Keywords: Forest structure; Manmade disturbances; Mangrove management.

64 TOXICITY OF SELENATE (SeO4) AND SELENITE (SeO3) AT DIFFERENT LIFE STAGES OF NON-BITING MIDGE, CHIRONOMUS KIIENSIS.

NOOR AZNAINI BINTI MOHD DAUD1* AND NOOR AZHAR BIN MOHAMED SHAZILI1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Selenium is an essential micronutrient to the organism, including aquatic insects but can be very toxic at slightly above the threshold level. To ensure cellular protection and survival in such environments, all organisms possess systems to detoxify chemicals and acquire some tolerance. Research on Se contamination and toxicity is very limited in this region due to the paucity of information on the levels of this metal in aquatic environments. Recent evidence 2- 2- indicates that selenite (SeO3 ) more toxic than selenate (SeO4 ) to aquatic organisms. However, the question of ‘how selenite toxicity differs from selenate’ remain unsolved. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the toxicity of inorganic selenium in the form of selenate and selenite to freshwater midges, Chironomus kiiensis (Diptera Chironomidae) as well as, to address the toxicity and accumulation of Se at different life stages of this insect. Acute toxicity tests of 96h duration were carried out on 2nd instar larvae that were exposed to 0, 1.0, 10, 32, 56 and 100 mgSeL-1. In sub-lethal tests of 14d duration, 3-day old post-hatch larvae were exposed to 0, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% of the 96hLC50 value and the 2- accumulation of Se measured in every life stage of C. kiiensis. The 96hLC50 values of SeO4 2- -1 -1 and SeO3 were 16.2 mgSeL and 10.6 mgSeL , respectively, indicating that SeO3 is more toxic than SeO4. The selenium accumulation pattern at the different life stages of chironomid also differed between the two chemical forms of the metal. Ranked from most to least accumulated, for selenate exposure: Exuviae > Larval > Pupa > Egg > Adult while for selenite exposure: Larvae > Exuviae > Pupa > Adult. Overall, these results point to the higher toxicity of selenite compared to selenate and some differences in its bioaccumulation pattern in Chironomus kiiensis.

Keywords: Chironomus kiiensis, selenate, selenite, different life stages, bioaccumulation, toxicity.

65 BENTHIC HABITAT MAPPING OF PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK (PPMP) USING MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER (MBES)

ZAINUDIN BACHOK1*, IDHAM KHALIL2, TAN CHUN HONG2 AND RAZAK ZAKARIYA2 1Institute of Oceanography & Environment, 2School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia *Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coral reefs and associated habitats are complex systems that are socio-economic and scientifically significant in Malaysia. The area is composed of a diverse assemblage of sessile and mobile benthic animals, as well as free-swimming organisms that interact among them and with their physical environment. In addition to biological reefs, which are formed by corals, submerged rock formations are often colonized by reef species. Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) surveys were carried out in Pulau Payar Marine Park (PPMP) areas, which include the islands of Payar, Kacha, Lembu, Segantang and Chupak. The shoreline is mostly rocky and slopes, whereas underwater rock face extends from the surface to the sandy seabed. Rock face is very irregular being predominately made up of large boulders interspersed with rubble, steep gullies, ravines and crevices. In some area, e.g. Marine Park Centre, the reef consists predominantly of isolated patches of Porites boulders, interspersed by a sandy bottom. Distinctive seabed mounds were found at three locations, next to Lembu Island and Chupak Island, and 1.8 nm northern of Lembu Island. The reef structures were identified as topographic mound-rock structures from the bathymetric data and were also verified through SCUBA diving. This study describe the bathymetry, seafloor environment and benthic formation of PPMP including the surrounding islands through analysis of high-resolution signal received by the transducer of MBES. The benthic characteristics as well as seabed profiles identify the important of hard bottom structures for coral habitat as well as a diverse assemblage of sessile and mobile benthic animals, including free swimming organisms. Large cover of sandy bottom within 2 nm of marine park areas were noticed, and specific bathymetry and benthic habitat classification at selected location including artificial structures such as artificial reef, shipwreck and sunken structure were determined. This project produced bathymetry map, habitat classification map and 4D-multilayer viewing map for aid in marine park management. A national program, to map the entire marine park jurisdiction, including all stages from acquisition to processing and storage, interpretation, and provision of digital data would provide the information to properly manage marine park jurisdiction.

Keywords: Coral reef, Multibeam Echo Sounder, Pulau Payar Marine Park, Mapping

66 CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (CNN) MODELS PERFORMANCE EVALUATION USING FISH SPECIES DATASET IN COASTAL OF TERENGGANU

HAMIZAH ISMAIL1* AND AHMAD FAISAL MOHAMAD AYOB1

1School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Fish image classification tool is important in the field of marine biology, specifically in ichthyology. In this paper, we present a fish image classification benchmark comparison across different type of convolutional neural network (CNN). CNN models extract features from labeled image data to solve classification problems. We train a convolutional neural network to classify fish images to their respective categories using transfer learning with data augmentation. CNN models consist of AlexNet, VGG-16, GoogleNet and ResNet were incorporated in the benchmark tests. A dataset of 1,344 fish images across 10 categorical classes, were split into 404 images for validation images (30%), and 940 images for training images (70%). The results indicate that such neural network models shown high accuracy up to 96.04% at the 10th epoch (AlexNet) and 98.02% at the 10th epoch (VGG-16). In addition, GoogLeNet achieved 97.52% accuracy, ResNet-50 achieved 95.79% accuracy and ResNet-101 achieved 93.07% accuracy at the 10th epoch that is stabilized during 9th epoch despite of noisy images. The work presented here has shown its potential to contribute towards accurate development of state of the art fish identification tools. It is envisioned that these CNN algorithms have the potential to assist in fish image classification problems with high accuracy despite of overlap and occlusion of digital images e.g. within an underwater environment.

Keywords: Fish Species Identification, Marine Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning.

67 DISTRIBUTION OF OPTIMALLY PRESERVED BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL TESTS IN PULAU BIDONG, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA.

NUR SYAZWANI, H.1, MUHAMMAD IZZAT AFIQ, A.1, NURUL SYAFAWATI, R.1, WAN AMIRUL HAFIIZHUDDIN, W. N. J.1 AND WAN SAELAN, W. N.1* 1Marine Science Programme, School of Marine and Environmental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu *Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A study on benthic foraminifera was conducted in Pulau Bidong to determine their distribution, substrate dependence, depth distribution and life position. Twelve surface sediment samples were collected from four transects. There were 14 dominant species of foraminifera that have been identified which include Amphistegina lessonii, Operculina ammonoides, Amphistegina papillosa, Peneroplis pertusus, Textularia foliacea, Elphidium advenum, Pseudorotalia angusta, Nummulites venosus, Quinqueloculina spp. and Pyrgo sarsi. Environmental parameters were also taken such as salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. Statistical analysis that were performed includes canonical correspondence and correspondence analyses. Results were displayed in pie charts and histograms of frequency distribution. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) classified the substrate types into three groups; coarse sand, very coarse sand and medium sand. Operculina ammonoides showed abundant distribution in coarse sand as shown by the highest percentage (69% of the samples), abundant species in very coarse sand was verified by 64% of the samples by Peneroplis pertusus and Textularia foliacea represented abundant distribution in medium sand with 47% of the samples. Depth preferences of each foraminiferal species were different from one another. Amphistegina papillosa, Pyrgo sarsi, Quinqueloculina lamarckiana and Q. phillipinensis preferred 15m depth. Q. rugosa, Q. neostriatula, Q. seminulum, Operculina ammonoides, Elphidium advenum and Texularia foliacea preferred the 20m depth. Peneroplis pertusus and Nummulites venosus preferred the 25m depth and A. lessonii preferred the depth of 30m. In terms of their life position, most of the dominant species preferred epifaunal life position except for two species which showed no preference to either infaunal or epifaunal life position, i.e., Peneroplis pertusus and Quinqueloculina rugosa. Based on the canonical correspondence analysis, it can be concluded that depth, skewness and kurtosis played an important role in determining the distribution and preferences of the benthic foraminiferal species.

Keywords: Benthic foraminifera, canonical correspondence analysis, life position, substrate dependence and depth distribution

68 SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF MACROFOULING ASSEMBLAGES ASSOCIATED TO TROPICAL OYSTER (Magallana billineata) IN BRACKISH WATER OF SETIU WETLANDS

NOOR HIDAYAH MOHD ZAIDI1, NUR AMALINA AHMAD RIZAL1, KESAVEN BHUBALAN1, HING LEE SIANG1 AND IZWANDY IDRIS1,2*

1School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, 2South China Sea Repository & Reference Center, Institute of Oceanography & Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Fouling is the accumulation of unwanted matter of surfaces in contact with water for a period and known to give negative impacts to marine-based industries. Associated macrofouling use primary coloniser, for example, oysters, a substrate to attach themselves as they often provide higher surface available for settlement and attachment. In Malaysia, information on the ecology of biofouling is insufficient. This study aims to determine the abundance and diversity of associated biofouling assemblages to tropical oyster (Magallana bilineata) found on artificial substrates in Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu. Sample collections were made on 31 July 2017 at three sampling stations representing undisturbed (ST1), aquaculture activity (ST2) and abandoned aquaculture (ST3) sites. Water parameters (salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen) were measured using Hydrolab Quanta Multiparameter. Magalana bilineata was collected using scrapper in an area approximately 15 x 20 cm2. Samples were submerged in water taken in-situ with 0.5% of phenol and brought back to the laboratory for further analysis. A total of ten genera from three phyla (Arthropoda, Annelida and Mollusca) were identified. Highest density of associated species was found in ST1 (0.29 ind.m-2), followed by ST2 (0.28 ind.m-2), and ST3 (0.22 ind.m-2). Meanwhile, the diversity (H’) and evenness (J) in sampling stations were as follows; ST2 (1.06) > ST1 (0.97) > ST3 (0.5), and ST1 (0.43) > ST2 (0.37) > ST3 (0.17), respectively. Bray-Curtis Similarity index analysis revealed STs 2 and 3 shared the most species composition. This study shows that the abundance and diversity of associated macrofouling in the brackish water ecosystem is could be influenced by human activity.

Keywords: biofouling, brackish, Setiu Wetlands, artificial substrate.

69 TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION OF MANGROVE CLAMS IN A MALAYSIAN MANGROVE SYSTEM OF SOUTH CHINA SEA

NURULAFIFAH YAHYA1, NUR AINA MOHD2, NOOR SHAHIDA ROSLI1 AND ZAINUDIN BACHOK1,2*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Mangrove clams are among the important commercial bivalves in many parts of Asia. This study was conducted to describe external and internal morphology to differentiate species of mangrove clams in a Malaysia mangrove system of South China Sea. Samples collection was conducted in mangrove forests in Setiu Wetlands, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This study managed to differentiate two species from the genus Geloina (previously known as Polymesoda). The key species including shell morphology and internal anatomy were presented and schematically drew, and thus clams were classified as G. erosa and G. expansa. Even though there was some significant difference in morphology, both c lam species always misidentified by researchers. However, recent status in World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and MolluscaBase shows that bivalve species with the name of G. erosa was no longer accepted and changed to G. expansa. Hence, this study suggested the mangrove clams are different species based on the significant difference in external and internal morphology.

Keywords: bivalve, Geloina, mangrove clam, morphology, Setiu Wetlands

70 COASTAL MESOZOOPLANKTON IN CORAL REEFS ECOSYSTEM, THEIR BIODIVERSITY, SPATIAL AND MONSOONAL DISTRIBUTION

HUSAIN KHYRIL SYAHRIZAN1 AND ZAINUDIN BACHOK1,2*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: In this study, we determined the fluctuation of micro-phytoplankton community in coral reefs ecosystem for temporal basis. The study was designed to investigate their distribution during the period of pre-southwest, southwest, post southwest, pre-northeast, northeast and post northeast monsoons. 10 fixed stations surrounding Pulau Bidong and Pulau Karah were chosen for this study. Shallow net with 20 micron mesh size was used using the procedure of slow vertical haul technique from bottom to surface at each sampling station. Herein, we found a significant fluctuation of micro-phytoplankton density pattern between southwest and northeast monsoons. Bacillariophyta (diatom) was found to be dominant in the study area but was subjected to shifts between Dinophyta (dinoflagellates) and Cyanophyta (blue-green algae), depending on temporal monsoon. Their diversity were also spatially dependent on the locations of the sampling area. This study proved that monsoon seasons influenced the dynamic of micro-phytoplankton community in coral reef ecosystem of South China Sea coastal waters throughout the year.

Keywords: Bidong, Coral reef, Mesozooplankton, Monsoon, South China Sea

71 GEOMORPHOLOGic CHANGES OF HOLOCENE PALAEO PAHANG RIVER, MALAYSIA

KONG YEE HUI1 AND EDLIC SATHIAMURTHY1*

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Marine Sciecne, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The research is to determine the morphology of Palaeo Pahang River. Sunda shelf sea level was approximately 123 ± 2 m lower than present-day mean sea level (MSL) during Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (Hanebuth et al., 2011). Pahang River basin extended eastward over the exposed shelf across Penyu basin during this low stand (Hutchinson, 2007). Geomorphic features detected on present day Pahang River basin at its lower course and from interpretation of shallow seismic and 3D seismic profiles indicated the existence and pathway of palaeo Pahang River (Sathiamurthy and Rahman, 2017; Rahman et al., 2018). There was no study conducted on the reconstruction of this palaeo fluvial system especially on the Penyu basin. Penyu Basin is flanked by Pahang Platform and Tenggol Arch in the north and by the Johor Platform in the south (Madon and Anuar, 1999). It comprises of several grabens underlying a depression area that could have provided a flow corridor for the formation of Palaeo Pahang River. 3D seismic, 2D CHIRP acoustic data and satellite images taken from Google Earth were examined for palaeo fluvial features. Morphologic evolution of palaeo fluvial system in Penyu Basin could be interpreted from a time sequenced time slice images. The morphology of the palaeo channel is comparable to modern day channel features. The results indicated the evolution of a transgressive tract system corresponding to LGM-Holocene high stand sea level rise and a post Holocene high stand regressive tract system. The transformation from low stand incised valley system to deltaic distributary channel system is evident.

Keywords: Palaeo Pahang River, geomorphology, Penyu Basin, Seismic stratigraphy, Holocene

72 A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING SEAGRASS ECOSYSTEM SERVICES BASED ON EARTH OBSERVATION (EO) SYSTEM

MOHAMMAD SHAWKAT HOSSAIN1*, MAZLAN HASHIM2,3 AND AIDY M. MUSLIM1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Geoscience and Digital Earth Centre (INSTeG), Research Institute for Sustainable Environment (RISE), 3Faculty of Geoinformation and Real Estate, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: When characterizing seagrass ecosystem services (ES), the essential integration of ecological, social and earth observation (EO) knowledge-base has been emphasized in the recent researches. The development of new EO-based technologies, in turn, is leading to improving the valuation of ESs that seagrasses play in coastal and marine environment. Unfortunately, economic valuation techniques often do not take into consideration the ecological functions, processes, and drivers that control magnitude of seagrass ESs over spatial and temporal scales, but rather greatly rely on surrogate measures to map ES distribution. Such a mapping effort may generate incomplete representation of ES components, with missing but ecologically important biophysical parameters, although many of those parameters are currently quantifiable using EO instruments. This paper presents a collaborative framework for the assessment of seagrass ES based on capabilities of EO system with the integration of social, environmental and remote sensing (RS) expertise. Incorporation of both the direct and indirect detection capabilities of RS methods can provide spatially explicit maps for informing seagrass species diversity, water quality variables, marine animal census that use seagrass as food, and hydrological variables linking seagrass ESs. The increasing range of EO system and data sets, suitable for economic valuation, can in turn support developing a pragmatic marine spatial planning for the benefits of communities. This work is to sensitize discussion about need of holistic methodologies, challenges, and to motivate an enhanced use of EO-based technology and data where it would contribute more to seagrass ES mapping and economic valuation practical applications.

Keywords: Seagrass, ecosystem service, framework, earth observation system and data.

73 SIMULATING DIFFRACTION PROBLEM OF A FIXED 2-DIMENSIONAL RECTANGULAR SECTION USING WEAKLY COMPRESSIBLE SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS (WCSPH)

MUHAMMAD ZAHIR RAMLI1* AND MUHAMMAD AMIRUL SYAFIQ HAMSAN2

1Institute of Oceanography & Maritime Studies (INOCEM), 2Department of Marine Science, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kampung Cherok Paloh, 26060, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), a fully Lagrangian meshless method, has been used in a wide variety of hydrodynamic problems overcoming the limitation of finite volume and element type methods. In previous work, weakly compressible SPH (WCSPH) has proven to be stable in the prediction of hydrodynamic coefficients of sway, heave and rolling motions. The current research attempt to demonstrate WCSPH in the analysis of diffraction problem by investigating the behaviour of a fixed 2D rectangular section in regular waves. The incoming waves generated by a piston-type wavemaker would encounter the section creating diffraction interference of waves. The interactions between waves and fixed section are shown through transmission of forces from the waves to the section and vice versa. The predicted hydrodynamic forces of horizontal force, vertical force and overturning moment by WCSPH are then analysed and validated against analytical solutions. Finally, a convergence analysis is carried out to identify the suitable particle resolution needed for accurate representation of hydrodynamic forces.

Keywords: Particle method; diffraction; weakly compressible; hydrodynamics; waves

74 ESTIMATION OF CARBON STOCK CHANGES ON MANGROVE FOREST IN PAHANG COAST USING GEOSPATIAL METHOD

MAYA LIYANA HAMZAH1*, FAZLY AMRI MOHD2, SITI NORSAKINAH SELAMAT3, KHAIRUL NIZAM ABDUL MAULUD2,3, AHMAD ALDRIE AMIR1, RAWSHAN ARA BEGUM3,4, OTHMAN A. KARIM2 AND EFFI HELMY ARIFFIN5,6

1Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), 2Department of Civil & Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, 3Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia. 4Center for Water Cycle, Marine Environment and Disaster Management, Kumamoto University, Japan 5School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 6Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Using Remote Sensing and GIS applications, the above-ground carbon was estimated to understand the loss mangroves and their ecosystem services. The mangrove forests of Pahang was selected as the study area. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount and value of carbon stock and to analyse the rate of erosion and accretion along the coast of to Pekan using satellite imageries. Vegetation indices such as Normalized Detection Vegetation Index (NDVI) and in-situ observation data were modeled to determine the best vegetation indices to estimate carbon stocks. Thus, carbon stock was calculated by algorithm approach specific to mangrove forest along shoreline. The analysis revealed that only three locations of mangroves grew along 87 km of shoreline from Cherating to Pekan. These location had undergone erosion and accretion processes, in which Sungai Cherating and Sungai Penur recorded the most rapid change of 10.31 m/year and 18.17 m/year respectively. Sungai Ular and Sungai Kuantan were identified as the moderate erosion prone areas. The estimation of change in mangrove carbon stock provides some baseline information to be considered for the planning of future development as well as for the management of resources along the coastline of Pahang.

Keywords: carbon stock, coastal zone, NDVI, mangrove, climate change, GIS

75 SPATIO-TEMPORAL ASSESSMENT OF GPM imerg AND TRMM 3b43 IN SABAH AND SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

MUHAMMAD IZUAN NADZRI1, AIDY MUSLIM1*, MOHAMMAD SHAWKAT HOSSAIN1, MOHD SOFIYAN SULAIMAN2 AND MOU LEONG TAN3

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 3Geographic Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Although the IMERG Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) are involved in providing data in the tropic at regional scale, it is necessary to evaluate their performance since coastal and inland areas have different rainfall distribution patterns in terms of spatial and temporal variations. Despite continued overall good performance of TRMM, the mission was decommissioned in 2015 and was replaced by GPM form 2014 onwards, with an expectation that the later will provide better products for various applications including land hydrology, coastal, and nearshore areas. This study aims to evaluate the monthly capability of GPM during the overlapped period of TRMM-GPM together (March 2014-March 2015), by using the product of Final Run Monthly (GPM) and 3B43 V7 (TRMM) with 13 rain gauges (7 coastals and 6 inlands) over Borneo Island (Sabah and Sarawak). The evaluations were conducted by dividing the area into two spatial categories: coastal and inland. Five statistical evaluation tools were used: bias (B), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) absolute percentage error (APB), and Nash-Sutcliffe (NS). The result indicates that: (1) the error of spatially assigned spatial category varied consistently for GPM and TRMM (ΔB= 0.206, -32.591; ΔMAE=-18.107, -29.044; ΔRMSE=-11.288,-23.073; ΔAPB=-5.569, -10.140; ΔNS=0.188; 0.273) respectively to the aforementioned satellite types; (2) overall temporal error existed on all months with pattern were subjected to the monsoon characteristics with spatial categories persists affecting both satellite precipitation altogether (B=-105–55mm; MAE=117–18mm; RMSE=23–157mm; APB=9–23mm and NS=-0.149–0.98). Notably, 70% out of the 48 months for inland-coastal are in good agreement in NS indicator. Such finding suggests value added for understanding of the new generation of satellite precipitation (GPM) towards spatio-temporal characteristics especially on inland-coastal relationship. Acceptable tolerance of accuracy shows better GPM usability of the monthly product in sustainable field.

Keywords: coastal-inland satellite precipitation, spatio-temporal variations, monthly GPM and TRMM error assessment, Borneo Island, Sabah and Sarawak

76 UAV DATA ACQUISITION STRATEGIES FOR FRINGING REEF MAPPING

CHONG, W. S.1*, KHALIL, I.2, RADZI, M. Z.1, MAT YAAKOB, M. A.1 AND MUSLIM, A. M.1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Reef mapping using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/ drones from the perceptive of bird eyes in the sky has been trending among marine conservationists and managers due to their low prices, flexible design, and ease of operation. As drones expand and evolve their sphere of influences in marine habitat mapping, best-practices to acquire optimal outputs are gaining attention. This study delivers a pinnacle of quantitative comprehension on using a multirotor DJI Matrice 100 with two imaging sensors: Zenmuse X3 RGB and MicaSense RedEdge multispectral cameras for acquiring spatial data on fringing reef environments. The elements in flight track design include optimal flight altitude, ground sampling distance (GSD) calculation, image overlap, drone cruising speed, the distance between tracks, and flight telemetry data analysis were highlighted. Our study also demonstrated that impacts of water surface motion and sun glint on Structure from Motion (SfM) processing completeness, output quality (point cloud density, number of tie points, size of orthomosaic, planimetric model resolution, image alignment) based on two prominent SfM software packages (Pix4D Mapper and Agisoft Photoscan Pro); and the effects of different processing resolutions (high, medium and low). Lastly, we justified that reef monitoring through aerial photogrammetry principles can adapt to ongoing management programmes.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), drone, flight planning, coral reef, Structure from Motion (SfM), South China Sea.

77 THE INFLUENCE OF OPTICAL WATER TYPES ON REMOTE SENSING OF CHLOROPHYLL IN MALAYSIAN WATERS

NUR HAFIZA RAMLI1* AND MD. SUFFIAN IDRIS1

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Bio-optical data of surface water across Southern South China Sea (SSCS) and Straits of Malacca (SoM) were collected during four cruises. In-water constituents (chlorophyll [Chl] and suspended particulate matter [SPM] concentrations), absorption coefficients (phytoplankton, detritus and coloured dissolved organic matter, [CDOM]), particulate backscattering coefficient, bbp() and remote sensing reflectance, Rrs() were measured from May 2014 to April 2015. These two study areas present a very marked optical character, the SoM is characterized by strong phytoplankton, particulate, and dissolved material loads, and the SSCS by very low concentrations of all constituents. Considerable differences in the magnitude and spectral shape of Rrs() were also observed, with very high values of Rrs() in the green band (~550 nm) were found in SoM. Results from hierarchical clustering analysis

(HCA) revealed that Rrs() in the study area can be grouped into three distinct classes, that varied greatly with Chl and CDOM. Analysis of data showed that Class 1 (N = 49%), Class 2

(N = 25%) and Class 3 (N = 26%) comprised the Rrs() spectra associated with low (0.17 ± 0.07 mg m-3), intermediate (0.27 ± 0.09 mg m-3) and high Chl values (1.17 ± 1.26 mg m-3), respectively. Results also revealed that SSCS is dominated by Class 1, while the SoM surface water is mostly covered by Class 3. When applied to MODIS algorithms, Class 3 produced the most significant estimation errors of Chl (rmse  1.95 mg m-3), followed by Class 2 ( 0.27 mg m-3) and Class 1 ( 0.08 mg m-3). Comparison between Chl estimation errors and optical constituents showed that the accuracy of Chl algorithms is strongly controlled by CDOM. Regionally adapted algorithms revealed significant improvement in estimating Chl in the SSCS (rmse  0.13 mg m-3) but failed when applied to SoM waters ( 1.01 mg m-3). These findings demonstrate that the variability in optical characteristics in two contrasting bio-optical oceanic regimes, such as those present in Malaysian waters, could pose a major challenge for ocean colour observations from space.

Keywords: bio-optics, ocean colour, remote sensing reflectance, algorithms, Malaysian waters

78 STATUS OF LABUAN MARINE PARK CORAL REEF DISTRIBUTION: A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT USING DRONE REMOTE SENSING AND GROUND TRUTH OBSERVATIONS

KHALIL, I1*. CHONG, W.S.2, CHAN, A.A.3, BACHOK, Z.2, ISMAIL, K.1, RADZI, M.Z.2, MUHAMAD, A.2 SAFUAN C. D. M.2 AND MUSLIM, M.A.2

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences (PPSMS), 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 3Department of Marine Park Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Mapping of coral reefs, which refers to an initial evaluation associated to marine ecosystem resources, has been ruled out to be a significant process. In the past, such mapping was carried out via in situ surveys by including scuba diving and snorkelling. With advancement of technology, satellite images and aircraft photos are integrated as well as part of the mapping process. In fact, the cutting-edge method embedded in coral mapping refers to photos captured from drones. Hence, this study developed a map of coral reefs and their habitats via drones at the Labuan Marine Park. For comparison purpose, two drone sensors were employed: a multispectral sensor (Micasense), and an RGB camera (Zenmuse). Both sensors were flown at a maximum height of 100 m and a distance of 450 m from the coastline. The coral reefs and their habitats were classified into three levels: Level 1 (coral & non-coral), Level 2 (live and dead corals, algae, sand, and rock/silt), and Level 3 (dead corals with rubble and microalgae; sand; submerged rock; sunglint/waves; unidentified class; tabular, branching, and massive corals; and aggregated patch reef). Additionally, a spot check survey was performed for verification of ground by gathering in situ data, whereas Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification was conducted upon mosaicked images captured using Zenmuse (3762 images) and Micasense sensor (30,384 images). The study outcomes revealed that the drones had mapped the coral reefs and their habitats successfully at the Labuan Marine Park. Level 1 depicts 18.64% of coral areas and 81.36% of non-corals identified via Zenmuse camera, while 17.08% of coral and 82.92% of non-corals with Micasense sensor. Next, Level 2 showcased 18.64% of live coral, 25.44% of dead coral, 49.85% of sand rock/silt, 3.66% of algae, and 2.41% of other objects from Zenmuse camera, whereas the Micasense sensor captured 17.08% of live coral, 27.71% of dead coral, 39.43% of sands rock/silt, 7.16% of algae, and 8.62% of other objects. Meanwhile, Micasense and Zenmuse sensors displayed 74.63% and 72.14% of accuracy, respectively, for Level 3.

Keywords: coral reefs, drone mapping, monitoring, remote sensing, sensors, classification

79 MONITORING SEDIMENT TRANSPORT USING RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN PERMATANG SEDEPA AREA

AKHMAR KAMARUDIN1*, HASRIZAL SHAARI2, AMIN NOORASID1 AND NURUL ´AIN BARUDDIN2

1Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia, 31400 Ipoh, , Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Sediment transport is important to be understand as it relates to the formation of sand banks and water quality in marine environments. Thirty sediment samples from Permatang Sedepa was collected and analyze for its particle size and chemical composition. Rare earth elements (REE) signature and heavy metals content (Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu, Hg) from collected sediments were characterize and found to be a good indicative to predict the movement of sediments. During this studies rare earth elements is used as proxies for monitoring fines sediments as the REE in Malacca Straits were enriched in fine-grained sediments where clay minerals are abundant. The REE contents were lower in coarse grained sediments with high silica fraction. The trend of REE anomalies with heavy metal distribution in sediments collected in Permatang Sedepa were found heavily effected by sediments release by the Klang, River Basin, Laut Andaman and Strait of Johor

Keywords: Sediment, rare earth elements (REE), light rare earth elements (LREE), heavy rare earth elements (HREE), heavy metals, Permatang Sedepa, Klang River Basin, Laut Andaman, Strait of Johor.

80 EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF BEACH NOURISHMENT ON LITTORAL MORPHODYNAMICS AT KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA)

EFFI HELMY ARIFFIN1,2*, MOHD FADZIL AKHIR2, MANOJ JOSEPH MATHEW2, MUHAMMAD SYAKIR ZUFAYRI ZULFAKAR1, NOR ASLINDA AWANG4 AND NOR AIENI MOKHTAR3

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 3School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 4National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Since 2008, Kuala Nerus has undergone rapid urbanization along the coastline resulting in the loss of sand along the littoral zone. The authority implemented a coastal defence project to mitigate erosion with many series of groyne, ripraps, revetments and breakwaters. Currently, the breakwaters project is combined with beach nourishment. In this study, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu beach is selected as a case study with a groyne and breakwater was emplaced after the shoreline receded ~45 m. After the beach nourishment program, the shoreline had accreted ~60 m giving rise to new beaches. Monitoring the efficiency of beach nourishment programs is necessary in order to compare the scenarios before and after the implementation of the program. To evaluate the effect of beach nourishment, we conduct hydrodynamic modeling, beach profile survey and median of particle size (D50) using MIKE, Profiler 3.2 and GRATISTAT programs respectively. The beach nourishment plan shows a lack of planning with the presence of eddies of current and high wave between the breakwater and groyne. Our results show that the coastline is retreating and the beach slope is steeper; however, behind the breakwater, accretion of a tombolo with increased sediment volumes (35 m3) is observed. After the construction of the groyne and breakwater, along the shoreline, the D50 of sediments displays a heterogeneous particle grain size as opposed to only coarse grains before the construction of the coastal defence structures. While a number of coastal planning projects are underway at Kuala Nerus, these coastal defence systems still do not effectively mitigate the erosion problem. This study can also be utilized as a coastal planning document to augment other littoral defence projects in monsoon dominated coastal environments.

Keywords: breakwater, coastal structures, beach erosion, beach recovery, hydrodynamic modeling

81 RECENT BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES IN THE SHALLOW WATER OF KELANTAN-TERENGGANU

NAZIHAH AZMI1*, OMAR ABDUL RAHMAN ABDUL MANAF1, AISHAH NORASHIKIN ABDUL A’ZIZ1, WAN NURZALIA WAN SAELAN1, 2 AND FATIN IZZATI MINHAT1, 2

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed basin that is situated on the east of peninsular Malaysia. The area is known to be home to large diversity of marine organisms. This study collects seven surface sediment samples from Kelantan-Terengganu waters, southwest of South China Sea. Approximately 300 benthic foraminiferal specimens were picked from the sediment samples collected. A total of 19 benthic foraminiferal genera were identified and the assemblages were dominated by calcareous hyaline (70.51%) followed by agglutinated (13.38%) and calcareous porcelaneous (16.11%). The common genus identified include Textularia, Amphistegina, Operculina and Heterolepa. Meanwhile, the rare genus identified are Planorbulina, Cylindroclavulina, Lagenammina, Spiroloculina, Triloculina, Bolivina, Cavarotalia, Discorbinella, Elphidium, Eponides, Lagena and Asterorotalia. Overall, the number of foraminiferal taxa in Kelantan-Terengganu waters increases with depth. Meanwhile, PRIMER v6 was used to determine the genus composition and diversity of benthic foraminifera in Kelantan-Terengganu waters. The diversity index shows that Station 6 (56 m) has the highest value (α=5.496; H’=2.225). Based on this study, the changes of benthic foraminiferal assemblages in Kelantan-Terengganu waters make them a good indicator of faunal-elevation correlation.

Keywords: tropical foraminifera, Kelantan-Terengganu waters, South China Sea, foraminiferal assemblages.

82 SEDIMENT CHARACTERISTIC OF THE BLOOD COCKLE FARMS IN SELANGOR

NORAN ALWAKHIR BIN SHAARANI1*, ABDULLAH BIN SULAIMAN1 AND ALIAS MAN2

1Technical Services Division, Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia 2Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Department of Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The blood cockle were cultured extensively in Selangor since 2007 and had become a major producer of cockles in the country. However, starting in 2011, production of cockles began to decline. An intensive research project (Growth and Mortality of Blood Cockle Study Project) to find the causes of the decline was conducted by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) of Malaysia. One of the studies under the research project is sediment characteristic over the cockle farming plot. To carry out the sediments study, FRI has requested an expert assistance from JMG to identified the sediments classes, sediment relative hardness, organic and carbonate content; and heavy metals content in cockle farming plots of Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor areas. A total of 17 cockle plots with different productivity level were selected in this study with a total of 53 core sediment samples were collected and 117 sediment samples were analysed. Cockle farming plots in the area of Tanjung Karang to Kuala Selangor (Lot KS12, KS26 and KS42) recorded a higher relative hardness of the surface sediments compared with other lots. However, the relative hardness value did not show a clear correlation with a total annual production of cockles. For the sediments distribution study, mud sediments in the presence of a sand and gravel (gsM - gravelly sandy Mud) is shows a good correlation with high productivity cockle plot, while gravel dominated sediment shows a good correlation with low or no productivity cockle plot. Cockle plot with high carbonate content is usually has less or no cockle productivity. No significant relationship or a clear correlation between cockle production and organic content in the sediment. Heavy metals content in sediments in the study area were within the background value and showed no significant differences compared with other places in Malaysia; except for Lot SB30 and Lot SB40. Lot SB30 shows a higher value in arsenic content and Lot SB40 shows a higher value of zinc content. However, no clear correlation shown between these heavy metals content in the sediment and the cockle production of the study area.

83 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ANALYSIS OF SELECTED COASTAL AREA IN ALONG PANTAI CAGAR HUTAN, KERTEH, TERENGGANU: MONSOONAL EFFECTS ON THE COASTAL SEDIMENTS AND BEACH MORPHOLOGY

RUBENEE SITHAMBARAN1 AND MOHAMAD SHAUFI SOKIMAN1*

1Geoscience Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 32610, Perak, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The shorelines of Terengganu are experiencing major alteration due to the Northeast monsoon season and the man- made structures. This study is aimed to understand the morphological changes of the beach and the coastal sediments due to the natural process and man-made structure. By utilizing the total station, the elevation along the width of the beach was measured in September and October, which was before monsoon and at the beginning of the monsoon season. From this, a reduction in the elevation indicates an early sign of erosion, but at the upstream of the groin structure, deposition of the sediments is observed. The sieve analysis proves the presence of coarse grain sediments at the beginning of the monsoon season compared to before monsoon due to the high-energy waves brought in by the monsoon.

Keywords: Northeast monsoon; man-made structure, coastal erosion, sediments; total station method; sieving

84 THE CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SURFACE SEABED SEDIMENT IN THE ONE FATHOM BANK (OFB) AND ITS SURROUNDS, OFF PORT KLANG, SELANGOR.

AMIN NOORASID ABDUL JALIL1, ABDULLAH SULAIMAN1,2*, MOHD RAIS RAMLI1, NORAN ALWAKHIR SHAARANI1

1Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, Technical Services Division, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The grab sampling survey along the Permatang Sedepa, Benting Angsa, Batuan Kencing and Pematang Ketam were studies. The project are Study for The Sustainable Offshore Sand Mining in The One Fathom Bank (OFB) and its Surrounds, Off Port Klang, Selangor. A total of 42 grab surface seabed sediment samples has been collected during the survey. Three classifications of sediment are discovered which is sandy sediment (clean Sand (S, (g)S)) was estimated covers 50% of the sampling point of the seabed surface area in 4 banks. Muddy Sand (mS, gmS, (g)mS) was estimated covers almost 35% of the seabed surface area in 4 bank and Muddy sediment (M, sM) was estimated covers almost 15% of the surface area in 4 banks. The carbonate content ranges from 1.6 to 19.8 ppm with a total of 42 samples giving a mean value of 6.6 ppm. The low concentration (less 6 ppm) are observed in the sandy sediment area at southeast part. The higher carbonate concentration content more than 12.1 ppm are observed in the muddy sediment area at northwest part of the study area. The surface organic content range from 0.0 to 1.09 ppm and giving mean value of 0.16 ppm. The high content (>1.0ppm) are only found in the muddy sand, sandy mud and mud sediment that are at northwest of study area. Geochemical analyses result for elements show manganese (Mn) concentration slightly high compare with other element. The manganese (Mn) concentration value relatively high can be found in muddy sediments. Generally, no significant changes to the seabed sediments in the study area were compared with studies has been conducted in 2001 and 2006 in Strait of Melaka.

Keywords: seabed sediment, classifications sediment, carbonate, organic, geochemical, One Fathom Bank (OFB) and its Surrounds, Off Port Klang, Selangor

85 PALAEOCHANNEL MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA DURING THE LAST GLACIAL MAXIMUM

ABDULLAH SULAIMAN1,2*, ROSNAN YAACOB2,3, AIDY @ MOHAMED SHAWAL M MUSLIM2, HASRIZAL SHAARI 2,3, SITI AISHAH ISHAK @ AHMAD4 AND SUMAYYAH MOHD NURI AL-AMIN4

1Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, Technical Services Division, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 3School of Marine Sciences and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 4Department of Petroleum Geoscience, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Palaeochannel morphology and distributions in the Straits of Malacca was studied using high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) acoustic profiles. The shallow seismic data were obtained from the surveys conducted in year 2000 using boomer sub-bottom profiler. CODA Geosurvey software is used in processing and interpretation of the shallow seismic data. The Palaeochannel were observed at depth ranging from 60 m to 88 m from mean sea level (msl). Two main shapes of channels, U-shape and V-shape were observed. The channels size is ranging between 4 m to 60 m and its depth ranging between 3 m to 17 m. Most of the channel is incised with sand while some of it was incised with mud and silts. The distributions of palaeochannel can be observed especially in the direction of the NW-SE. The formation of palaeochannel in the Straits of Malacca especially in Perak and Kelang Offshore area is likely to be highly influenced by the sea level change during Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Keywords: Boomer sub-bottom profiler, palaeochannel, sea level change, Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Straits of Malacca

86 NATIONAL OFFSHORE SAND RESOURCE STUDY III: MARINE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY OFF THE COAST OF PAHANG

MOHD RAIS RAMLI1, AMIN NOORASID1, ABDULLAH SULAIMAN1 AND V.R. VIJAYAN1

1Bahagian Perkhidmatan Teknikal, Ipoh

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The geophysical survey was carried out off the coast of Pahang using single beam echo sounder, sub-bottom profiler system and side scan sonar system, commenced on the 11th of November and was successfully completed on the 23rd of November 2015. A total of 1194 line- km of geophysical profiles (approximately 20839.41 km²) was proposed over the survey area. Generally, water depths in the survey areas range from few metres to less than 70 m seawards off Pahang shoreline. The objective of the geophysical survey is to identify and delineate the potential sand areas and other features such as coral reefs, rock outcrops, pipelines or ship wreck, which could pose potential hazards to mining activities and environments. The study area is covered with sandy seabed from towards Pulau Tioman in the south, in the water depths ranging from 7 m to 70 m. The surface sand thickness ranges from sub-metre to a maximum of 4.88 m over the sand dune area. The morphology of sand features bed forms such as sand ripples and sand waves are absent from the side scan sonar records. The sand dune features can only be seen from the sub-bottom profiler data. In general, the surface sand within the study area is interpreted to be compact and mainly consisted of fine sand. There are some shoals noted in the vicinity of Pulau Tioman and Pulau Seri Buat, which are interpreted as bedrock extrusion at seabed and with the presence of coral growths over them.

87 DETECTION OF MATANG MANGROVE FOREST SHORELINE CHANGES USING SATELLITE DATA

MUZZNEENA AHMAD MUSTAPHA1*, DIELALILA DANIEA DOMI1 AND TUKIMAT LIHAN1

1Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Matang Mangrove Forest is the largest and well-managed forest reserve in Malaysia. It is a primary biological system of sheltered sedimentary coastline where it plays an integral role at the interface between terrestrial and the marine systems. Intertidal system are sensitive to coastal change and human stressors, which add to vulnerability. To assess vulnerability, this study determined shoreline changes using water indices concept and quantified changes over 16 years. Shoreline position was determined using the MNDWI and NDWI indices applied on Landsat 7 (ETM+) (2001) and Landsat 8 (OLI) (2017) satellite imageries. The images were overlain to estimate shoreline displacements. MNDWI Index indicated higher applicability in delineating the shoreline with accuracy of 65.87% for Landsat 7 satellite (2001) and 63.49% for Landsat 8. Kuala Sepetang area indicated increase and decrease of shoreline area at 7199 and 3227 hectares respectively. Kuala Trong area also experienced positive change of 1218 hectares and reduction of 1986 hectares. Meanwhile Krang River area, indicated increase of 4642 hectares and a reduction of 3157 hectares. In total, 32.21% increase and 20.74% reduction of the Matang Mangrove Forest shoreline occurred within the period of 16 years. The result indicated the potential of water indices application in shoreline detection. Improved adaptation planning and management activities that enhance accretion can be initiated to reduce vulnerability.

Keywords: Change detection, water indices, shoreline, Matang mangrove forest.

88 SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABIILITY OF ENDAU RIVER PLUME

TUKIMAT LIHAN1*, NURLINA MOHAMAD RAZMAN1 AND MUZZNEENA AHMAD MUSTAPHA1

1Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Variation in the dispersal and size of river plume is influenced by river discharge, wind characteristic and ocean circulation. The objectives of the study were to identify spatial and temporal variability of Endau River plume using satellite images and factors influencing its variability. Images of normalized water-leaving radiance (nLw), obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua Satellite at 555nm wavelength were used to determine the spatial and temporal variability of Endau River plume for 5 years of study period from January 2007 to December 2012. The nlw555 data was processed using remote sensing software to determine plume variability. Wind data was used to demonstrate the relationship of wind magnitude and direction effect in spatial extent and evolution of plume. The results indicated three spatial patterns of Endau River plume that is propagate from river mouth to the north and along shore, dispersed along coastal and offshore, and dispersed along coast line. During northeast monsoon, the plum dispersed along the coast and offshore due to the northeast wind. Southwest monsoon showed plume dispersal to the north of Endau River mouth and extended along the shore due to southwest wind. Meanwhile, during inter-monsoon (April and October) the wind blows from east and south with low wind magnitude. During both inter monsoon the plume dispersed along the coast. The study showed that wind magnitude and direction is a main factor influencing the distribution of Endau River plume.

Keywords: Monsoon, river plume, variability, wind

89 HEAVY METALS DISTRIBUTION AND TREND IN THE SURFACE SEABED SEDIMENTS OF THE MALAYSIA OFFSHORE

ABDULLAH SULAIMAN1,2*, NORAN ALWAKHIR SHAARANI1, AMIN NOORASID ABDUL JALIL1 AND MOHD RAIS RAMLI1

1Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, Technical Services Division, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The heavy metals distribution and trend in the surface seabed sediment of the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak offshore were studied. The surface seabed sediment samples were obtained from several cruises under Marine Geology Survey Project. Total heavy metals content was measured in the bulk of dried sediment. The heavy metals analysed were mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), tin (Sn) and nickel (Ni). Generally, most of the heavy metals are observed to reflect the general concentration values in marine sediments, especially for muddy sediments. However, the concentrations of As, Cr, Pb and Ag were significantly higher in the offshore Sarawak compared to Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Any high values of heavy metal concentration are expected to be attributed to terrestrial source. With such higher heavy metal occurrences in the marine sediment in offshore Sarawak, any offshore activities such as sand mining will need to be carefully regulated in order not to degrade the quality of water that shall otherwise harm the health of the coral reefs and other marine faunas and floras.

Keywords: heavy metal, pollution, seabed sediment, sand resource, offshore Malaysia

90 TRANSPORTATION AND DEPOSITION OF SURFACE SEDIMENT IN KELANTAN AND TERENGGANU COAST

NURUL ‘AIN BARUDDIN1*, NOOR AZHAR MOHAMED SHAZILI1, SHARIZAN IBRAHIM2 AND NOOR AKHMAR KAMARUDDIN2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Department of Mineral and Geoscience, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The sediment transport and deposition in the Kelantan and Terengganu Coast was determined using multiple proxies of surface sediment samples. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results of both coast sediment indicated that the sediments are mainly quartz with several phyllosilicates minerals such as mica, illite, muscovite and vermiculite and some heavy minerals such as magnetite and ilmenite. However, there is an occurrence of tourmaline in Terengganu Coast sediment that is probably derived from local igneous source. A significant difference can be observed in fluvial and alluvial evolution between the coastal area of Kelantan and Terengganu. Mineral morphology and microscopic study on Kelantan Coast sediment shows that it is evenly sorted and is believed to be controlled by natural alluvial erosion that occurs along the Kelantan River. On the other hand, the Terengganu Coast sediment is poorly sorted and contained skewed pointed minerals with fine grain size minerals that is heavily distributed by fluvial and erosion of upstream rock and soil. Elemental ratios such as Si/Al, Fe/Al and Ti/Al are calculated based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) result. Both study areas show decreasing elemental ratios trend from shoreline to the offshore area.

Keywords: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), microscopic morphological study, elemental ratios.

91 GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RECYCLABLE AND NON- RECYCLABLE WASTE AT BEACH FOODHUB: UPTOWN KONTENA DAPO PATA, TOK JEMBAL BEACH, KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU

IZAN JAAFAR1,2*, TENGKU AZMINA ENGKU IBRAHIM3, NURUL NADZIRAH SOHAIME3

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 3School of Ocean Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the generation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste at foodhub which is at Uptown Kontena Dapo Pata, Tok Jembal Beach, Kuala Terengganu. As Uptown Kontena Dapo Pata is so popular and attracts so many visitors, the amount of solid waste generated also increases rapidly, thus poses potential threat to the environment, in particular the beach. The aim of this study was to identify the generation and characterization of the recyclable and non-recyclable waste at Uptown Kontena Dapo Pata and to promote a good waste management practice towards the food operator and the visitor. The study was also conducted to determine the existing practice of recyclable and non-recyclable waste management at the foodhub so that any feasible improvement can be made. The study was conducted using a direct method that included the process of collecting samples, weighing process and analysing data. Questionaires were also distributed to the visitors at that area. Results from sampling work revealed that the most dominant types of waste generated was organic waste or food waste represented 67% from total waste collected. The highest amount of recyclable waste generated was plastics (26%), then followed by paper (4%), aluminium (1%) and glass (1%). The least amount of waste produced was non recyclable waste with 1 % from total waste collected. Only 2 vendors separated their waste. Awareness and education about proper management of waste were high but the enforcement of law must be implemented and stringent to sustain our environment.

Keywords: recyclable waste, non recyclable waste, separation, beach, characterization, generation.

92 THE ANGLO-DUTCH TREATY 1824: WAS THE PARTITIONING OF THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO VALID?

MOHD HAZMI MOHD RUSLI1* AND WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2

1Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, , Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Subsequent to the coming of the Portuguese in Malacca in 1511, the Dutch and the British too, attempted to expand their cloak of influence into the Malay World. Despite the gradual encroachment of European powers into the Malay Peninsula, the Riau Islands and Sumatra, local Malay kingdoms were largely left untouched until the Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824 was concluded. This treaty was entered into by these colonial powers without taking into consideration its effect on the socio-political scenario of the Malay World (Nusantara). The Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824 alienated Malay territories to the likings of these colonial powers even though they have yet to entirely annexed the Malay Peninsula, the Riau Islands and Sumatra as part of their empires when this treaty was concluded. In exception of Penang, Malacca, Singapore and Bencoolen, most parts of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra were still largely independent and dominated by local sovereign Malay kingdoms such as Acheh, Johor, Minangkabau, Riau and Deli, among others. As such, based on the legal maxim nemo dat quod non habet (no one gives what he does not have), this article discusses whether or not the British and the Dutch were in the position to divide the Malay World without the consent of the local sovereign rulers. From this viewpoint, it is not too simplistic to state that the Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824 was invalid. Nevertheless, from another perspective, as the treaty merely defined the sphere of influence, not sovereignty/ownership of the Dutch and British in this region, the legal maxim nemo dat quod non habet is irrelevant and may not render the treaty invalid. This article concludes by reiterating that the Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824 brought huge socio-political impacts to Nusantara in terms of maritime boundary delimitations between Malaysia, Indonesia in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

Keywords: Malay Archipelago, Malay History, Colonialism, Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824, Ocean governance

93 MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING: THE WAY FORWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL TERENGGANU

NAZLI AZIZ1,2*, WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2, ZIKRI MUHAMMAD1, 2 AND NAIEMAN MUHAMAD @ A. RAZAK3

1School of Social and Economic Development, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 3East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The paper emphasizes the potential of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to be adopted and implemented in Central Terengganu. Central Terengganu refers to three districts, namely Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu and Marang. Central Terengganu is the most urbanised and populated area in Terengganu. Besides the land boundaries, the territorial water of Terengganu Central is demarcated by the different protected boundaries of the marine parks, namely Redang Island, and . These ecological sensitive areas need proper master plan to ensure their sustainability in the long run. These three islands and marine parks are the major ecotourism destinations in Central Terengganu but the development that have been carried out on the islands and areas surroundings their gateways in the mainland, to some extent are not integrated and sustainable. Therefore, the main goal is to underline the importance of viewing the mainland and islands in Central Terengganu as a system with varied users that involved multiple competing and conflicting uses. Thus, it seeks answers to what extent the current and future development trends in Central Terengganu have addressed the multiple competing and conflicting uses related to socioeconomic development, marine/ocean governance and conservation. It employs qualitative analysis, using a case study to understand the nature of government policies and management as well as the existing and future plans. In addition, the land use mapping is used to produce the maps. In sum, this paper suggests and concludes that MSP is one of the best options for the Terengganu State Government to improve the management of coastal and marine resources for environmental sustainability and socio- economic planning in Central Terengganu.

Keywords: Marine Spatial Planning, governance, management, development, sustainability, Central Terengganu

94 TRADITIONAL MEDICINES FROM MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: UNDERSTANDING THE CONSUMER’S KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS

NURHANANI RAZALI1, YUSNITA YUSOF1, WAN NORHAYATI MOHAMED1, ABI SOFIAN ABDUL HALIM1, NIK HAZIMAH NIK MAT1 AND HAYATUL SAFRAH SALLEH1,2*

1School of Maritime Business and Management, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Traditional medicine is a medicine that has been adopted by the world community using natural resources as a source of medication. Traditional medicines have been used alongside modern medicine as some people continue to rely on it for health care. The natural resources that are usually used in traditional medicines are derived from plants and animals. In the modern world, modern medicine has emerged through the development of science and technology to solve health problems. This study explores consumer knowledge and perceptions of the use of marine resources as a source of traditional medicine. The sample comprises community from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A qualitative method by means of in- depth interviews is used to gather the data from the respondents. The interviews involve traditional practitioners, fishermen, villagers and members of the public around the coastal areas of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Twenty-four marine resources have been identified as traditional medicines and most of the identified resources are effective in treating illnesses. The highest frequencies mentioned are seahorses that have been used as traditional medicine to cure asthma. The knowledge and believed in the benefits of using the marine resources as traditional medicine has been passed from generation to generation, especially from old folks and traditional healers. These have contributed to the positive perception towards marine resources as traditional medicine to cure illness, enhancement of sustainable livelihood, good health and well-being among users. The results of this study are valuable and useful in developing more marine resource-based alternative medicines by using scientific investigation to overcome health problems among Malaysian.

Keywords: Knowledge, Perception, Marine Resources, Traditional Medicines

95 MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING: THE CASE STUDY IN SETIU WETLAND

ZIKRI MUHAMMAD1,2*, WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2, NAZLI AZIZ1,2 AND NAIEMAN MUHAMAD @ A. RAZAK3

1School of Social and Economic Development, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 3East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Agriculture and aquaculture in coastal area grown rapidly in the recent years and has promise for further potential growth. This situation possibly because of the highly demand for agriculture and aquatic product and low growth rate of capture fisheries. Both activities bring the beneficial effect for human livelihood. However, the uncontrolled expansion of coastal agriculture (palm oil plantation) and aquaculture (shrimp farming) has serious environmental and socioeconomic consequences. Usually, both activities will lead to large- scale removal of valuable coastal wetlands and other natural resource. This paper will explore the potential Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to be implemented in coastal area in Setiu, Terengganu. The MSP will be used for analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution based on human activities in coastal area in Setiu. This study employed qualitative analysis based on reports and interview with the main stakeholders such as local authorities and non-government organization. Besides that, the study used the land use map to identify the agriculture and aquaculture acuities in coastal and wetland area. Based on the finding, the study suggests that MSP should be implemented by all agencies to achieve the sustainable development in coastal area for the green environment and socio-economic development in Terengganu.

Keywords: Marine Spatial Planning, sustainability, Wetland, Coastal Management

96 A MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE TO SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES GOVERNANCE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA: STATUS, CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

CHERYL RITA KAUR1,2 AND WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2*

1Centre for Coastal and Marine Environment, Maritime Institute of Malaysia, Unit B-6-8 Megan Avenue II, 12 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The South China Sea (SCS) is a major maritime domain for Malaysia and other bordering states, with the abundance of commercial fisheries which feature prominently in the region’s economy. Scads, mackerels and highly migratory species such as tuna make up for some of the most common commercial stocks in the region. The fisheries sector in the SCS provides a source of income for the coastal communities and ensures food security. Maritime and boundary disputes in the SCS, poor governance, weak fisheries’ management regimes, conflicts over the use of natural resources, and poor fishery practices however make it difficult to sustainably manage fisheries resource. Pointing to the need for a more pragmatic approach, this paper suggests that claimant states would be able to derive greater benefits through more effective cooperation in the management and conservation of fishery resources. A multipronged approach is recommended to address issues and challenges such as stock taking of current legislation and management guidelines and approaches across bordering states, sharing information on the status of fish stocks, assessing the effectiveness of measures taken to ensure sustainability, rehabilitating critical habitats, addressing overcapacity, and reviving efforts on the use of selective fishing gears. Additionally, addressing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing comprehensively and adopting environmental friendly practices would contribute to effective fisheries management in the SCS in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 14.

Keywords: SCS, Fisheries Governance, Sustainable Fishing, Cooperation, Multipronged Approach

97 MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY GOVERNANCE IN MALAYSIA: A WAY FORWARD

FARAHDILAH GHAZALI1*, AND MAIZATUN MUSTAFA1

1Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Surrounded by water, Malaysia is seen to have the potential to harness energy from the ocean. However, the Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 725) has confined eligible renewable energy sources under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme only for solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, mini-hydro and geothermal. This paper highlights matters pertaining to legal and regulatory requirements governing marine renewable energy development in Malaysia. A special reference with the Canadian Marine Renewable-energy Act (Chapter 32 of the Acts of 2015) (Amendment 2017) has been conducted to assess whether the current legislation would be effective to govern marine renewable energy in Malaysia and compatible with international law. The study also examined whether Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) shall have jurisdiction over monitoring the development of marine renewable energy in Malaysia. The study adopted a doctrinal approach through examination on related legislation and case laws. It is expected that the development of marine renewable energy is potentially to cause conflict among stakeholders as well as lead to positive and detrimental impacts to the environment and ocean biodiversity.

Keywords: Law of the sea, governance, environment, tidal energy, wave energy, biodiversity.

98 LIMITED THE BAY: LOCAL COMMUNITY PRACTICES IN PROTECTING MARINE AREA IN PULO BREUH, ACEH, INDONESIA

FAISAL SYAHPUTRA1*, AIDY M. MUSLIM2 AND WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2

1Faculty of Fisheries, Abulyatama University, Lampoh Keude, Aceh Besar, Indonesia 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Many development, program and regulation around the world intentionally gear up toward community involvement in environmental management. In Aceh, local custom and tradition also force the fisheries community to participate in marine management by governed fishermen activities under control of customary institution, Panglima Laot, ensuring no destructive activities that can harm the marine ecosystem. However, even with many regulations, destructive fishing still occurs in several areas of Aceh especially in islands area where the area is complex, the population is small and the authority even Panglima Laot usually located in main village of the island thus limited communication. Some villages develop their own fishing practices in utilizing their marine resources. This paper study the case of village Meulingge in Breuh Island, Aceh where the destructive fishing activities such as bombing and compressor diving, which is common practices in this island to harvest octopus and coral fish, is banned in the bay area near the village. The fishing activities which is allowed in this area are limited traditional diving, line fishing and small gill net which mostly is conducted by local villager or fishermen from nearby villages. Their motive banning destructive fishing is to protect community livelihood, particularly part-time fishermen with traditional gear, and ensure the sustainable use of the bay resources. This practice is not unheard of in Aceh where many fishermen believe they have traditional rights to manage their nearby marine area; however, practice in Meulingge village is coordinated by villager and the conflict with other fishermen is minimal because they use the economic reasoning to banned the bombing and compressor diving rather than regulation, custom or tradition by government or customary authority.

Keywords: community involvement, marine area management, panglima laot, destructive fishing practices, customary institution

99 SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG GENERATION Y IN MALAYSIA

MARHANA MOHAMED ANUAR1,2, HAYATUL SAFRAH SALLEH1,2 AND WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT2*

1School of Maritime Business and Management, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Insatiable appetite for seafood has resulted in overfishing, depletion of fish stocks and damaged of our oceans globally. Malaysian is among the world’s top seafood consumers and ranked sixth biggest consumer of seafood with an average consumption of 56.5 kg per capita. Despite consuming a large amount of seafood, Malaysian awareness towards sustainable seafood consumption is still low. This study contributes to the scare empirical literature on this subject by analyzing Generation Y response towards sustainable seafood. More specifically, this study examines; (1) the level of sustainable seafood awareness, (2) seafood purchase behavior and (3) factors influencing sustainable seafood purchase. This study uses a self-administered survey. The survey was conducted on students in two undergraduate classes at a private university in Malaysia. The participation of this study is on voluntary basis. The results of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents was aware about sustainable seafood. In terms of seafood purchase, among others Generation Y considers several issues such as price, seafood sustainability, source of seafood and fishing method. The findings are particularly useful for practitioners and policy makers planning for sustainable seafood and ocean governance.

Keywords: awareness, sustainable seafood, purchase, behavior, Generation Y, Malaysia

100 MALAYSIA IN VENTURING INTO THE DEEP SEABED MINING INDUSTRY: THE OBSTACLES AND POSSIBILITIES

NIK MUNIRAH NIK FUAD1*, WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT1 AND MOHD HAZMI MOHD RUSLI2

1 Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia 2Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Deep seabed minerals are deemed as potential resources to cater for the increasing demand for minerals. Higher concentration of precious metal is found in deep seabed minerals compared to land-based minerals which makes them more suitable in electronics and green technology sectors. At the global level the depleting land-based minerals has led to the search for marine minerals especially from the deep sea. Many countries have been granted licenses by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) (an organization under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982)), to explore and prospect minerals in deep seabed in areas beyond the national jurisdiction (ABNJ) which is known as the Area. As a developing country, Malaysia needs a continuous supply of minerals to cater the increasing demand for minerals by the related industries. The deep seabed mining (DSBM) offers a potential for meeting the increasing demand for minerals. The establishment of the deep-sea industry in Malaysia is therefore imminent. However, DSBM activities have been found to generate impacts to the marine environment. As a State Party to the UNCLOS 1982, Convention of Biological Diversity 1994 (CBD 1994) and conventions and instruments under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Malaysia is obliged to develop a set of policies and laws related to DSBM to mitigate its possible negative impacts on the marine environment. This paper highlights the possible obstacles and possibilities for Malaysia in venturing into the DSBM industry. The relevant international and national laws related to DSBM will also be observed in this paper.

Keywords: Deep Seabed Mining, Environmental Impacts, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982), International Seabed Authority Mining Code

101 MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING: A WAY FORWARD IN THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE TERENGGANU MARINE PARKS

NIK NURHAZIRAH NIK OMAR1, WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT1 AND NAZLI AZIZ2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Social and Economic Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Marine parks are designed to conserve and protect the natural habitat of marine life through the designation of protected areas. The 1992 Convention of Biodiversity (CBD), the Jakarta Mandate on Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity 1995, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) 2002 are examples of the global agenda for better conservation planning and sustainable management. As accorded by the Fisheries Act 1985, Malaysia has gazetted 42 marine parks which cover an area of about 2,000 km2. Terengganu, a state located at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and facing the South China Sea has 13 marine parks. The gazetted marine parks contribute high amount of revenues to the state and also the federal government through the tourism sector. However, the degradation of the marine parks ecosystem is occurring at an alarming rate. Among the problems identified are the influx of tourist with unsustainable activities, uncontrolled development carried out on the islands and the conflicts between preserving the needs of the local community along with the needs of the tourism industry and the needs to conserve the marine resources. Therefore, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which has been proven effective in the management of the Australian Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is proposed to be implemented to improve the existing management approach of the Terengganu marine parks in a more integrated and sustainable manner. A management plan consisting of sustainable development guidelines should be in place. Furthermore, to optimise the effectiveness of MSP, a designated authority representing various stakeholders should be established under the existing Terengganu State Parks Enactment, 2017. As a conclusion, implementation of an effective MSP needs cooperation from various stakeholders and the decision making should be made on the basis of the scientific knowledge.

Keywords: Marine spatial planning, sustainable management, Terengganu marine parks, stakeholder participation, scientific knowledge.

102 INFLUENCE OF COASTAL EROSION AFFECTED ON POPULATION DENSITIES IN KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA)

SYAZANA MD SHUBRI1, EFFI HELMY ARIFFIN1,2, WAN IZATUL ASMA WAN TALAAT1* AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Coastal zone has suffered erosion problem that damages the geography and infrastructure built from an increasing socioeconomic development activities along the coast. This problem are frequently related with human intervention in the sediment transport obstacle with constructions along the coast without a proper planning. It has also greatly affecting the local community who lives nearby. Kuala Nerus has been facing a series of coastal erosion in the past 10 years that worsen after the land reclamation for the airport expansion in 2010 and the project to deepen the Sungai Terengganu river mouth. The erosion process has been destroying houses and community’s property during rough seas especially during monsoon season. The main factor of erosion is monsoon impact, which was experienced from two types of monsoon which is northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon. During October to March, northeast monsoon will be experienced that is often times will resulting an erosion process while, during May to September, southwest monsoon will be experienced that will resulting an accretion or recovery process. With the population density of 803.1/km2, Kuala Nerus community has been suffering the impact of erosion not only from the loss of property but also from their social emotions. Thus, this paper aims to address the problem by collecting the public opinion through survey questionnaire that will be carry out to the local community. Through the quantitative data collected, this study will try to find out the relationship of impact between coastal erosion and coastal community population. Furthermore, possible strategies or mitigation measures such as proper planning and land use policies to overcome erosion in the future will be explored. It is then hoped that such recommended strategies will assist stakeholders such as policy maker in generating an effective adaptation strategies and thus, minimizing the risk to the local community and help them to sustain their life and their economic growth.

Keywords : Coastal community, coastal erosion, population, monsoon, Kuala Nerus.

103 ECONOMIC VALUATION OF SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

MAHIRAH KAMALUDIN1,2, ROSELIZA MAT ALIPIAH1AND MUHAMMAD AQIFF NAIM HASNAN1

1School of Social & Economic Development, 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

Abstract: Sea turtles maintain a vital role in oceanic ecosystems by sustaining the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds. Sea turtles in Malaysia are continually facing threats, for example, poaching, trading, and consumption of turtle eggs. Turtle egg-poaching is banned in Sabah and Sarawak, but the eggs are still openly sold for consumption in Terengganu. The objective of this study was to assess the public’s willingness to pay for the conservation of endangered marine animals, specifically sea turtles in Terengganu. The number of randomly- selected respondents for the survey was about 160, which included visitors of the Turtle Sanctuary, Dungun, Terengganu. This study employed Double Bounded Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to estimate the average percentage of willingness-to-pay (WTP) surcharge from the public water bill to conservation trust funds in Terengganu. Thus, four different percentages of water bill surcharges (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were proposed to the respondents in order to determine the respondents’ WTP to conservation funds in the state. This study demonstrated that the respondents were willing to increase their monthly water bill charges to contribute to sea turtle conservation funds for any conservation effort and activity. The study found that the respondents were willing to pay about 2.29% from their current water bills to sea turtle conservation trusts in the state. The regression has been done with STATA econometric software and the tested variables, namely water bill surcharge, income, gender, and profession. Most respondents believed that sea turtles were an icon of the state’s marine heritage. Therefore, the latter should be protected to maintain the biodiversity and heritage for the present and future generations.

Keywords: Contingent Valuation Method (CVM); conservation; sea turtle; Terengganu; willingness to pay.

104 SEASONAL VARIATION OF FOOD SOURCES AND FORAGING HABITS OF FISH IN MANGROVE-SEAGRASS CONTINUA FROM THE TROPICAL LAGOON ASSESSED BY STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES

DUNG QUANG LE1*, SIAU YIN FUI1, KENTARO TANAKA2, YUJI SANO2 AND KOTARO SHIRAI2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia 2Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8564 Japan

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The study was conducted to examine temporal changes in food sources and foraging habits of fish in mangrove-seagrass continua from the Setiu Lagoon, one of the critical nursery lagoons for juveniles of many fish species along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Four surveys, corresponding to contrasting situations of dry and rainy seasons, were carried out in two years, 2016 and 2017. There were significant spatiotemporal changes in the isotopic ratios of both primary producers and consumers. Temporal changes were mostly linked to 13C- depleted terrestrial inputs caused by the period of heavy rainfall in rainy seasons, November to February. Conversely, isotopic ratios were more enriched due to the predominance of marine organic matter as a result of tidal flushing and open seawater mixing during dry seasons. Stable isotope analyses also showed a significant difference in potential food sources between seagrasses and mangroves, indicating that this type of analysis is useful to trace fish foraging habitats and behaviours. The juvenile fish relied mainly on seagrass food sources; however, increasing proportions of mangrove or fish prey sources were observed in large juvenile fish, particularly L. lentjan and E. coioides. Spatial distance from mangroves to adjacent seagrasses and hydrologic features may be major factors profoundly influencing size-related feeding behaviours and strategies in the fish species. The large juvenile species could forage broadly in interlinked seagrasses and nearby mangroves during flood tides from the central lagoon, whereas small juvenile fish preyed primarily in seagrasses near the lagoon inlet, implying prey– predator trade-off and dietary flexibility. These findings suggest the importance of targeted fishery restoration efforts to protect interconnected habitat mosaics as critical nursery habitats for commercial reef fish during their juvenile periods in Setiu Lagoon.

Key words: SIAR, Setiu, juvenile fish, food web

105 SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION OF TOTAL MERCURY IN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM FROM SETIU LAGOON

SIAU YIN FUI1, SUHAIMI SURATMAN1 AND DUNG QUANG LE1*

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Spatial and temporal variation of the total mercury (THg) concentration was determined in the biota and surface sediments from Setiu lagoon. Two surveys, corresponding to dry and rainy seasons, were carried out in 2017. Biota samples of different taxa including fish, invertebrate (gastropods, bivalves, crustacean), and mangrove leaves were collected to investigate Hg bioaccumulation in the lagoonal mangrove ecosystem. The THg in biota showed the higher concentrations in rainy season than those in dry season. Conversely, THg concentrations in sediments tended to be lower in rainy season compared to those in dry season. These results indicate the input of contaminant sources run-off from human land activities to the lagoon; or/and the hydrological disturbance during rainy season which could release Hg in sediment to the water bodies and consequently elevate Hg concentrations in food web. Fishes were found to be the highest Hg concentrations among the taxon, however the concentrations were below the permitted level set by FAO/WHO and Food Regulations 1985 (0.5µg/g wet weight) and considered safe for consumption. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the pollutant sources and trophic contaminant transfer in the lagoon ecosystem.

Keywords: Sediment, biota, Setiu Wetlands, seasonal variations, bioaccumulation

106 THE COMBINED EFFECT OF ZINC AND PH ON GROWTH RATE, CHLOROPHYLL A CONTENT AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS ACTIVITY OF BROWN SEAWEED, PADINA BORYANA

NABEELA ALI AL-AWLAQI1*, NOOR AZHAR MOHAMED SHAZILI1, AND NURULNADIA MOHD YUSOFF2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Brown seaweed, Padina boryana is commonly found along the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia and may serve as a potential heavy metal biomonitor in the coastal zones. Along the coast, at the waters edge where P. boryana is commonly found, the pH of seawater may be found at relatively acidic levels, due to the input of humic acids. To better understand the impact on P. boryana of metal pollution at relatively low seawater pH, the combined effect of Zinc and pH on its growth rate, chlorophyll a content and photosynthesis activity were investigated in laboratory exposures. After exposure for 21 days in a mixed treatment of 6 pH variations (4 to 9) and three Zn concentrations (30, 150, 300 ppb), maximum growth rate was observed in control treatments at pH 8 with no added Zn, whereas treatments at pH 4 and 9 showed negative growth rate, with negative growth starting after 18 days. The growth rate, chlorophyll a content, and photosynthesis activity of P. boryana decreased significantly with an increase in Zn concentration. At pH 6, 7 and 8, P. boryana showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in growth rates, chlorophyll a contents, and photosynthesis in all concentrations of Zn compared with control plants (no Zinc). At pH of 6.0 and below, controls were also affected with significantly reduced growth rates, chlorophyll a contents and photosynthesis activity while Zn treated seaweed showed significant effects compared to these controls.

Keywords: Brown Seaweed; Padina boryana; Zinc; Growth; Phothosynthesis; Chlorophyll a.

107 DISTRIBUTION OF PHYTOPLANKTON IN DURING NORTHEAST MONSOON SEASON

AMIR SAFWAN HAMZAH1*, NORMAWATY MOHAMMAD-NOOR1*, AIMIMULIANI ADAM1 AND ZUHAIRI AHMAD1

1Department of Marine Science, Kulliyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) is a proliferation of phytoplankton that can produce biotoxins and cause harm to human health, as well as the environment and the organisms associated with it. The first case of HAB in Kuantan Port was recorded on November 2013, followed by another outbreak on August 2014. This study aims to investigate the phytoplankton distribution and dispersal in Kuantan Port during the Northeast monsoon season in order to identify how far the HAB can spread in case such an event would ever occur again. Phytoplankton samples were taken at Kuantan Port from three levels of depth (surface, middle, and bottom) from every hour during a period of 24 hours. Samples were preserved in Lugol’s iodine. Physico-chemical properties such as temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity, total suspended solid (TSS), and nutrients (phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia) were also taken during each sampling. Phytoplankton samples were counted and identified up to genus level. Simulation of phytoplankton dispersal in Kuantan Port was conducted using the program MIKE 21. Thirty-eight taxa of phytoplankton were identified. Phytoplankton concentration ranged from 124 cells/L to 775 cells/L. TSS value ranged from 0.0345 g to 0.0110 g. Phosphorus concentration ranged from 0.075 mg/L PO4 to - - 3.82 mg/L PO4. Nitrate concentration ranged from 1.05 mg/L NO3 N to 2.45 mg/L NO3 N. - - Nitrite concentration ranged from 0.0040 mg/L NO2 N to 0.0095 mg/L NO2 N. Ammonia - - concentration ranged from 0.045 mg/L NH3 N to 0.140 mg/L NH3 N. Analysis of Variance shows that there are significant differences across sampling time for each nutrient. This study recorded the presence of several HAB species such as Dinophysis sp, Noctilluca sp, and Prorocentrum sp. The presence of these species further indicates that several safety measures need to be considered to safeguard public health, particularly in Pahang coastal waters.

Keywords: phytoplankton, harmful algal bloom, Northeast monsoon, dispersal, Kuantan Port, simulation

108 VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS CONCENTRATION DURING SOUTHWEST MONSOON IN THE KELANTAN AND TERENGGANU WATERS

AZYYATI ABDUL AZIZ1*, SUHAIMI SURATMAN1,2*, POH HENG KOK1 AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: An oceanographic survey was conducted at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM) (i.e. Kelantan and Terengganu) facing the South China Sea during southwest monsoon in July 2017 to understand the variations in the distribution of nutrients (phosphate, silicate, dissolved organic carbon (DOC)), and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) in response to coastal upwelling event. Seawater samples were collected from five transects of 27 sampling stations within the area from 4.0 – 6.5 ºN and 102.3 -106.0 ºE and data collection was organized into horizontal and vertical distributions. The physico-chemical parameters like temperature and salinity were also been studied. We found the horizontal distribution of phosphate and chl-a was significantly higher in the coastal area compared to the offshore area, and irregular distribution pattern of DOC and silicate was observed. In addition, high concentrations of phosphate, silicate, DOC and chl-a were observed at the northern area (nearby Gulf of Thailand) compared to the southern area. It is possible that northern area received high input of nutrients from the Gulf of Thailand. Generally, vertical distribution of nutrient shows a tendency to be lower in surface water and increase toward in deep water. Upwelling event was observed in Terengganu waters as a sudden decrease in temperature (from 29.85 to 24.89 ºC) found at 4.0-5.0 ºN compared to other areas in ECPM. The results from this study can be used as a comparison as there are no nutrients baseline concentrations available in this area.

Keywords: Phosphate, silicate, dissolved organic carbon, upwelling, vertical and horizontal distribution, southwest monsoon.

109 HEAVY METALS IN TUNA SPECIES MEAT AND POTENTIAL CONSUMER HEALTH RISK: A REVIEW

NORHAZIRAH ABD AZIZ1 AND ONG MENG CHUAN1*

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Marine fishes is one of the protein source and they form a significant part of human diet around the world. In particular, tuna fisheries are considered as the largest and most specialized commercially important group of species among all commercial fishes. Anthropogenic activities have generated important transformation in aquatic environment during the last few decades. The increasing of metal pollutants in the aquatic environment has put serious question to the safety level of the fish intake to the community. The metal pollution is one of the major concern in most of the developing countries including Malaysia. These toxic metals entering the aquatic environments can lead to the bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes within other marine organisms including the fish. These heavy metals are not readily degradable in nature and they can accumulate in fish as well as human bodies to a very high toxic amount leading to undesirable effects beyond a certain limit. Heavy metal pollution in fish represent an abiding threat to human health. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to some adverse health effects such as mental retardation, kidney damage, various types of cancer and even worse, death could occur. The following review articles presents the findings of the work carried out by the various researchers in the past on the heavy metal pollution in samples of Tuna species around the world.

Keyword: tuna, metals pollution, accumulation, safety level, human health

110 PALEOPRODUCTIVITY OF SELECTED AREA IN TERENGGANU OFFSHORE DURING HOLOCENE

ERICK NAIM1, HASRIZAL SHAARI1,2* AND MOHD FADZIL AKHIR1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A short sediment core (180 cm) was sampled in the offshore area of Terengganu (TER16-GC13C), southern South China Sea (SSCS) to establish the paleoproductivity records during the Holocene. The concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) and calcium carbonate

(CaCO3) were analyzed by using Shimadzu TOC Analyzer. The age-depth model was established from carbon-14 data of the intact shells (Anadara sp., Mactra sp., Meiocardia sp., Pecten sp.) found within the sediment core. The time frame of the analyzed sediment core sample covered the mid-Holocene epoch (~7,370 yr BP). Average TOC value was 0.23±0.07% with decreasing trend towards the Early Holocene. CaCO3 content ranged from 3.38% to 12.05% with an average of 6.95±2.05% and with increasing trend towards the Early Holocene.

We supposed that TOC and CaCO3 represent the organic and carbonate-based organisms, respectively. This scenario suggests that a change in community structure had occurred in the study site in which organic (calcareous) organism population had decreased (increased) from Mid Holocene towards Early Holocene. This work is the first attempt in reconstructing paleoproductivity records in Malaysian waters.

Keywords: Paleoproductivity, total organic carbon, calcium carbonate, Holocene, southern South China Sea

111 SETTLEMENT RATE OF FOULING SERPULID FICOPOMATUS cf. USCHAKOVI PILLAI, 1960 AT SETIU WETLANDS, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

NOOR SHAHIDA ROSLI1*, NURULAFIFAH YAHYA1, IZWANDY IDRIS1,2 AND ZAINUDIN BACHOK1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Fouling polychaetes from genus Ficopomatus are known to give adverse impacts to human activities through fouling on the man-made structures such as ship hulls, seawater intake pipes and aquaculture platforms. Various study on fouling pattern of the fouling species has been done around the world. Therefore, the study on the larval attachment of Ficopomatus cf. uschakovi in Setiu Wetlands was conducted to measure the intensity of the larval attachment in this area. A monthly assessment was conducted at three stations for 14 months from May 2017 until July 2018. A frame consisting of three replicates of perspex plate (14 x 10 cm) were placed randomly at each station and collected for assessment every month. All F. cf. uschakovi tube on front and back of the plate were counted. Physico-chemical parameters collected were temperature (oC), salinity (ppt), pH and dissolved oxygen (mg/L) for surface and bottom of the water column. The results showed the larval attachment were spatially and temporally variable. Higher density of F. cf. uschakovi tube was recorded at the station with high salinity and in protected orientation. The settlement rate of F. cf. uschakovi was low, only 0.044 individuals.dm-2/month. The distribution and occurrence of F. cf. uschakovi tube in Setiu Wetlands were affected by the environmental parameters particularly the temperature, salinity and pH of the water column.

Keywords: Fouling polychaete, Serpulidae, Ficopomatus, larval settlement, Setiu Wetlands

112 MICROPLASTICS ANALYSIS IN ESTUARINE WATER: A FIELD STUDY OF SETIU WETLAND

S. R. HAMZAH1*, Y. S. IBRAHIM1 AND T. A. SABIQAH1

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Microplastics pollution has become a subject of investigation and emerging issues around the world, however least studies have been conducted on occurrences and distributions and in Malaysia. In this study, microplastics pollution in water surface was studied along mangrove area covering from northeast to the southeast part of Setiu Wetland. Microplastics samples were observed after sedimentation and filtration method, then categorized according to their physical characteristics: types and color. The result showed filaments dominated in the water surface and followed by fragments and flimsy type. For further analysis, two different instruments such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for different microplastics categories. The analytical technique of FTIR was used in order to identify the functional group of microplastics. A representative of filaments microplastics revealed functional group based on the main peak spectrum at 2893 cm-1-2955 cm-1, 1458 cm-1, and 1381 cm-1. Meanwhile, SEM visualized the morphological surface of degradation fragments and films. The results revealed polymer of polypropylene dominated in the water surface. There is a relationship between the abundance of polypropylene with microplastics pollution as the polymer is widely used in aquaculture activities along wetland such as ropes and fishing net.

Keywords: Microplastics, polymer, physical characteristics, sedimentation, filtration.

113 DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT OF GAS-WATER EQUILIBRATOR FOR CONTINUOUS PCO2 MEASUREMENT IN COASTAL WATER

SENG-CHEE, POH1,2* AND DARYL JIA JUN, LEE2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A gas-water equilibrator (GWE) was designed and deployed to extract gas from water in the field. The GWE coupled with a NDIR sensor was designed to operate in both underway and fixed station sampling and provide real-time field measurement of pCO2 by equilibrating a continuous stream of gas and water in a hybrid shower head type equilibrator. Equilibrium studies were conducted in the water tank inside laboratory on the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The time required to achieve solubility equilibrium depends on the water flow rate, the air flow rate and the chamber size of equilibrator. We determined a respond time

(t90) of 4-10 min, under air-saturated conditions and with a water and air flow rate of 3.5 and 2.0 L/min, respectively. We further improve the efficiency of the GWE by reducing the chamber size by adding marbles inside the GWE. This hybrid-GWE had significantly reduced the respond time to halve (t90 =2 min) under the same experiment settings described above.

First field deployment results show the large spatial variation of PCO2 concentrations in Kuala Terengganu estuary, demonstrating the developed GWE is able to accommodate high spatial resolution sampling strategy.

Keywords: gas-water equilibrator, greenhouse gases, pCO2, Malaysia

114 BALLAST WATER AND MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AT MAJOR PORTS OF MALAYSIA

HING LEE SIANG1*, NOR ASYIKIN RAZAK1 AND HII YII SIANG2

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Mengabang Telipot, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 2Pakar Scieno TW Pvt LTD, 25 Jalan Pengacara U1/48, Temasya Industrial Park, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Most of the current research on ballast water is focused on the issues of the transfer of marine and freshwater water organisms in coastal ecosystem with few studies focusing on the chemical contents of ballast water. Ballast water discharged by ships could be a point source of pollutants in the port waters and the marine environment adjacent to the port. In this study, we collected samples of ships’ ballast water as well as waters and sediments from major ports of Malaysia, i.e., Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Penang Port. From November 2012 to August 2013, ballast water samples were collected from 30 ships while port waters and sediments samplesnnwere collected at sampling points chosen along the ports’ berth/wharf areas. For ballast and port water samples, we analysed the nutrients and total hydrocarbons content. While for port sediment samples, we determined the concentration of heavy metals, total aliphatic (TAHs: C12 – C34) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 USEPA priority PAHs). All ballast water samples had concentrations of ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and orthophosphate in the range of 0.009 – 1.088 mg/l, 0.005 – 0.972 mg/l, 0.003 – 0.379 mg/l and 0.109 – 1.204 mg/l respectively. Port Klang waters had the highest mean values for all nutrient parameters in comparison to the other ports with the values of 0.867±0.698 mg/l, 1.242±0.454 mg/l, 0.183±0.012 mg/l and 0.594±0.243 mg/l for ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and orthophosphate respectively. Total hydrocarbons levels in water samples of ballast tanks, Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Penang Port were in the range of 2.38 – 20.767 mg/l, 3.38 – 27.50 mg/l, 4.28 – 13.91 mg/l, and 2.10 – 16.95 mg/l respectively. The sediments samples from Port Klang had the highest amount of TAHs with 92.231 µg/g, whereas for total PAHs, Port of Tanjung Pelepas recorded the highest concentration of 21.557 µg/g. Of the seven heavy metals analysed (copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, cobalt and chromium), zinc had the highest concentrations at all three ports, followed by lead and chromium.

Keywords: Ballast water, pollution, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nutrients, port water quality

115 DISTRIBUTION OF DISSOLVED ALUMINIUM (dAl) IN SEAWATER AT PULAU PERHENTIAN, TERENGGANU

KHAIRUL NIZAM MOHAMED1,2*, EDRIANA GODON1 AND FAIRUZA SHAHEERA JAAFAR1

1Department of Environmental Sciences, 2Environmental Forensic Research Unit (ENFORCE), Faculty of Environment Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The distribution of dissolved aluminum (dAl) was determined in seawater collected from Pulau Perhentian in November 2015 and April 2016. Its concentration was determined directly by using cathodic stripping voltammetry on the hanging mercury drop electrode. This method was optimized in order to fit the determination of dAl concentration in seawater at this study area. The concentration of dAl was ranged between 31.1-98.7 μg/L at surface layer and increased with depth during November 2015. On the other hands, its concentration was ranged between 30.9-167.3 μg/L at surface and decreased with depth in April 2016. It indicated that the distribution of dAl throughout the water column was different between two periods. It suggested that a possible source of Al from surface sediment due to the high current turbulence during the Northeast monsoon season in this area as suggested by previous study.

Keywords: dissolved aluminium; seawater; biological uptake; atmospheric input; monsoon

116 DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOR OF NUTRIENTS IN BESUT RIVER ESTUARY, TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

FATIN ADLINA MD NASIR1* AND SUHAIMI SURATMAN1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study was designed to determine the distribution and behaviour of nitrogen-, phosphorus- and silicon-based nutrients, chlorophyll-a and physical parameters in Besut River estuary area (southern water of South China Sea). Surface water samples at the depth of 1 meter were collected using “Van Dorn Sampler” along the salinity gradient. All nutrients behaved in a non-conservative manner in the study area. The concentrations of nitrite, ammonia, orthophosphate, total dissolved phosphate, silicate and total dissolved silicate showed positive deviation from the theoretical dilution line and their concentrations ranged between 0.15 – 2.50 µg/L, 6.36 – 72.99 µg/L, 2.00 – 850.2 µg/L, 1.60 – 30.00 µg/L, 2.00 – 620.30 µg/L and 16.50 – 277.70 µg/L, respectively. In contrast, the concentrations of nitrate, total dissolved nitrogen, total particulate nitrogen and total particulate phosphate lay in the negative region which the concentrations ranged from 42.26 – 178.53 µg/L, 63.62 – 221.67 µg/L, 1.00 – 78.69 µg/L and 2.00 – 70.20 µg/L, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that Besut River estuary could act as a source and sink for different nutrients.

Keywords: Nutrients, surface water, distribution, behaviour, Besut River estuary.

117 A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS SEA-TO-AIR FLUXES AT THE AIR-SEA INTERFACE

ROYSTON UNING1*, MOHD TALIB LATIF1, HARIS HAFIZAL ABD HAMID1, MOHD SHAHRUL MOHD NADZIR1, 2, MD FIROZ KHAN2, AND SUHAIMI SURATMAN3

1School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, 2Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia 3Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, 21030, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Photochemistry of the sea surface microlayer (SML) as the air-sea interface releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which affects the atmospheric chemistry, predominantly by forming tropospheric ozone (O3), modifying the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, and contributing to secondary organic aerosol (SOA). However, the measurement of VOCs fluxes at the air-sea interface level remains a great challenge because the current sampling methods such as screens or glass plates are not practical for highly insoluble gases (i.e. isoprene). Therefore, the main objective of this study is to present a new technique to measure VOCs fluxes at the air-sea interface. A newly developed, tested and optimized technique consists of a floating flux chamber coupled with sorbent tubes was introduced. Released VOCs at the air- sea interface was trapped in the floating chamber and sampled into sorbent tubes before analyzed using thermal desorption unit coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GCMS) in the laboratory. Recent measurement at the tropical waters showed the average isoprene sea-to-air fluxes consistent with the expected value in the reported literature. In addition, isoprene fluxes at the air-sea interface were spatially and temporally variable in this study area. In short, this study successfully applied a new technique to measure VOCs fluxes at the air-sea interface and it showed highly potential for future measurements at different environmental background.

Keywords: Sea surface microlayer, floating flux chamber, sorbent tubes, thermal desorption, TD-GCMS

118 DEVELOPMENT OF A MODIFIED GOLD SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODE FOR THE DETECTION OF TOXIC DOMOIC ACID

HAFIZA MOHAMED ZUKI1*, NORHIDAYAH MOHD NASRI1, FATIN NABILAH MUHAMAD1, NOOR SHERYNA JUSOH1, AZRILAWANI AHMAD1 AND MARINAH MOHD ARIFFIN1

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The construction of a polymerized ninhydrin-polyvinylchloride (N-PVC) membrane as a sensing material on a modified gold screen printed electrodes (Au-SPE) was developed for the electrochemical detection of domoic acid (DA), a potent neurotoxin amino acid that is responsible for the Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in human, other mammals, birds and fishes. Entrapped ninhydrin in a modified Au-SPE sensing system acts as a potential reagent that can sense the presence of toxic DA. The modified ninhydrin-Au-SPE was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) where the electrochemical behavior of ninhydrin-Au-SPE surface was investigated in the range of -0.6 to +0.85 V at 50 mVs-1 scan rate in the presence of 10 mM potassium ferricyanide in 0.1 M potassium chloride (KCl). Good responses were observed for ninhydrin-DA redox reactions with linear relationship was obtained between peak currents and concentrations. The evaluated limit of detections (LODs) are in a range of 10-5 to 10-4 M. The sensing system developed, exhibited excellent reproducibility and stability with RSD obtained between 0.8% to 1.2% range.

Keywords: Domoic acid, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, ninhydrin-polyvinylchloride membrane, modified gold screen printed electrodes, cyclic voltammetry

119 DISTRIBUTION AND SOURCES OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs) IN COASTAL SURFACE SEDIMENTS OFF TERENGGANU COAST

MURSYID SANIP1*, SUHAIMI SURATMAN1, FAIS FADZIL1, SHAHIRAH ROZMI2 AND NORHAYATI TAHIR2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 2 School of Marine and Environmental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: PAHs are a group of pollutant that is of concern in the marine environment. This study determined the distribution and sources of PAHs concentration in surface sediments of Terengganu coast. 16 stations along the Terengganu coast were collected using Smith Mclntyre grab. PAHs in the sediment samples were extracted using ultra sonication method, with dichloromethane (DCM): methanol (MeOH) (3:1) as solvent. After clean-up using saponification technique, the nonpolar component was fractioned using silica-alumina column; PAHs compounds were eluted using DCM:Hexane (1:1) mixture. Then, the samples were fractionated using silica-alumina column. 19 PAHs compounds (ΣPAHs) were determined using a Shimadzu Gas Chromatography fitted with a mass spectrometer detector (Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus). ΣPAHs detected ranged between 19.95 – 789.65 ng/g. Several molecular ratios for PAHs such as Anthracene/(Anthracene+Phenanthrene) (Ant/(Ant+Phe)), Phenanthrene/Anthracene(Phe/Ant), Benzo(a)anthracene/Chrysene (BaA/Chr), (Benzo(a)anthracene/(Benzo(a)anthracene+Chrysene)) (BaA/(BaA+Chr)), and low molecular weight/high molecular weight PAHs (LMW/HMW) were calculated. Ratio values obtained (0.10–0.97, 0.03-9.4, 0.13-51.42, 0.12-0.98, and 0.03-1.23 respectively) suggest that the PAHs found in the surface sediments of the study area mainly originates from pyrolytic sources.

Keywords: Surface sediments, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, east coast Peninsular Malaysia, pyrolytic sources, PAHs diagnostic ratios

120 ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION OF COASTAL SURFACE SEDIMENT IN TERENGGANU.

ATIKAH MD YAZIZ1, SYAZWAN AIMAN MAT HASDI1, MUHAMMAD YUSRI BIN YA'AKUB, NURFATIN ADIBAH KASSIM1 AND NOR BAKHIAH BAHARIM1*

1School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia,

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Heavy metals properties of surface sediment in the coastal zone are very crucial in understanding the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. Surface sediments at Kuala Terengganu coastal zone were collected to investigate the heavy metals concentration and ecological risk. The heavy metals were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS) which included Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn. Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) are the five indices which used to detect pollution status of the river. The result shows that Mn and Fe are the highest composition of heavy metals. This study suggested that maritime activities at the coastal zone contributed to the increment of Fe values. Overall, ecological risks assessment demonstrated that the coastal area of Kuala Terengganu is experiencing a low risk of heavy metals hazard. However, the Enrichment Factor (EF) determine that the enrichment of Cu nearby the jetties area. Based on Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) found that the significant risk of Cd. Therefore, further study of ecological risk of heavy metals is needed to ensure the quality of sediment and benthic organism habitat.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Ecological risk assessment, Enrichment Factor, Contamination Factor, Index of Geoaccumulation, Pollution Load Index

121 RARE EARTH ELEMENTS (REE) DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERISTICS IN DISSOLVED AND PARTICULATE PHASE AND IN SEDIMENT OF BRUNEI BAY, BORNEO

NOOR AZHAR MOHD SHAZILI1*, ADIANA GHAZALI2 AND JOSEPH BIDAI1

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 2East Coast Environmental Research institute (ESERI), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The rare earth element (REE) concentrations in the Bay of Brunei were measured in the riverine, main bay area and the South China Sea. The abundance of REE in dissolved, particulate and sediment decreased from light REE (LREE) > medium REE (MREE) > heavy REE (HREE). ΣREE concentration were higher in January 2014 than in July 2013 in river and estuary sampling sites in all matrices but more so in the particulate phase. LREE is highly enriched over HREE in sediment with La/Yb of 22.3 in July 2013 and 14.9 in January 2014. LREE enrichment occurs to a lesser degree in particulate phase in seawater with La/Yb in the range 11.7 to 12.8 in July 2013 and 8.4 to 10.6 in January 2014. In the dissolved phase, LREE was enriched in July 2013 with La/Yb of 3.3 – 3.5 but in January 2014, during the wet Northeast Monsoon season, LREE was depleted with La/Yb of 0.48 in bottom water and 0.74 in surface water. Enhanced scavenging by the higher SPM content entering the bay during the wet season is thought to remove LREE from the dissolved phase.

Keywords: Brunei Bay, rare earth elements (REEs), seawater, sediment, Northeast Monsoon

122 CHANGES OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN SCLERACTINIAN CORAL, GALAXEA FASCICULARIS (LINNAEUS, 1767) AFTER SHORT TERM (96 HOURS) EXPOSURE OF IRGAROL-1051

HASSAN RASHID ALI1, MARINAH MOHD ARIFFIN2, MOHAMMED ALI SHEIKH1, NOOR AZHAR MOHAMED SHAZILI3 AND ZAINUDIN BACHOK2,3*

1Tropical Research Centre for Oceanography, Environment and Natural Resources, The State University of Zanzibar, P. O. Box 146, Zanzibar-Tanzania 2School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, 3Institute of Oceanography and Environment, University of Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Antifouling biocide Irgarol 1051 has been widely used as a replacement of tributyl tin (TBT). In Malaysia we reported the level of Irgarol in coastal water up to 2021ng/L. This study therefore, examined the effect of Irgarol 1051 on fatty acids composition of reef building coral Galaxea fascicularis. The corals were exposed to Irgarol 1051 laboratory under short term exposure (96 hrs). The results showed that untreated (fresh and control) samples of G. fascicularis were not significant different (P>0.05) and were dominated by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) followed by Saturated Fatty Acids (SAFA) and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA). The treated samples (20, 100 and 500µg/L) G. fascicularis were significant different (P<0.05). The changes of fatty acids increased along with the increase of the dose of Irgarol. The present findings demonstrate that Irgarol 1051 threatens the health of corals due to changes of fatty acids composition of G. fascicularis and may have implications on metabolisms of the corals.

Keywords: Irgarol, Booster biocides, Fatty acids composition, Galaxea fascicularis, Coral reefs.

123 LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF N COMPOUNDS DURING FLOOD NEAP AND SPRING TIDES IN TERENGGANU RIVER ESTUARY, MALAYSIA

SUHAIMI SURATMAN1*, AZYYATI ABDUL AZIZ1 AND LEE HIN LEE2

1Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. 2Water Quality and Environment Research Centre, National Hydraulic Research Institute for Malaysia, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: This study was performed at Terengganu River estuary, the southern part of the South China Sea to determine the concentration of nitrogen (N) compounds such as nitrate, ammonia, dissolved organic N (DON) and particulate organic N (PON) during the longitudinal survey. In addition, the concentration of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and fractionation of total DON were also carried out. Surface water samples were collected during flood neap and spring tides from stations situated along the estuarine area. In general, higher concentrations of N compounds were recorded at lower salinity region with many anthropogenic activities. Spring tide showed a significant role in controlling the N compounds as higher concentrations were found in this condition. This is probably due to strong currents water which led to resuspension of bottom sediment, thus releasing the N compounds. Most of the N compounds showed an addition behaviour along the salinity gradient which is more pronounced during spring tide. A higher percentage of low molecular weight (LMW) of total DON was recorded during neap tide. The LMW fraction is correlated well with chl-a concentrations suggesting that the source of this fraction is through direct release from the phytoplankton. This longitudinal study shows the importance of measuring N compounds at a different tidal condition for a better understanding of N compounds distribution in the estuarine environment.

Keywords: Surface water, nitrogen compounds, longitudinal, behaviour, fractionation, Terengganu River estuary.

124 SOURCES AND COMPOSITION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN THE RIVER AND ESTUARY SEDIMENT OF KUALA KEDAH VICINITY, MALAYSIA

TERENCE RICKY CHIU1 AND MASNI MOHD ALI1,2,3*

1Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. 2Institute of Oceanography and Environment, 3Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Sixteen sampling points were taken along the vicinity of Kuala Kedah especially the Kedah river and estuary area. Surface sediments taken were determined and quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total concentration of PAHs individual compounds detected ranged from 0.29 to 1154.50 ng/g sediment dry weight. The highest concentration of total PAHs was found at the river mouth sampling point. Meanwhile, Kg.Ketayap sampling point was found with the lowest concentration of total PAH compounds. Furthermore, the highest concentration of individual compound of PAHs found was benzo[ghi]perylene for all the sampling points. On the other hand, acenapthylene shows the lowest concentration. Molecular indeces of phenanthrene/anthracene, benzo[a]anthracene/chrysene, fluoranthene/pyrene and Low Molecular Weight(LMR)/High Molecular Weight(HMR) were also determined during this study to establish the type of sources of PAHs whether it is pyrolytic or pyrogenic based. Last but not least, summarization based on the discovery on sources of PAHs, fossil fuel combustion, vehicle engine combustion, open wood combustion and charcoal combustion were the causes that contributes for the diversity of sources in the sediments of Kuala Kedah vicinity.

Keywords: PAHs, surface sediments, molecular indeces, GC-MS, pyrogenic, pyrolytic.

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