Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar

Journal of Aquaculture & Marine Biology

Abstract Research Article

Seagrasses provide ecological services to marine organisms that contribute

Volume 6 Issue 4 - 2017 towards food security and economic benifits to local communities living around their meadows. Surveys on seagrass taxonomy, distribution and extent were thecarried guidelines out in Myanmarof taxonomic in 14 monographs sites within and the the Myeik SeagrassNet Archipelago manual and alongto survey the Rakhine coast to assess the status of these important habitats. This study follows 1Director, Marine Science Association (MSAM), Myanmar 2Marine biologist and Research Diver in Marine Conservation recorded, including Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea rotundata, C. serrulata, Programme in Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Myanmar Halodulespecies diversity, uninervis, percent H. pinifolia, cover Enhalusand extent. acoroides, A total ofThalassia 11 species hemprichii, of seagrasses Halophila were 3Director, Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Myanmar beccarii, H. decipiens, H. ovalis and H. major. Of these, Halophila pinifolia *Corresponding author: Halophila beccarii was the Science Association, Myanmar (MSAM), Yangon, Myanmar, Rakhinemost commonly coast. Other observed uniquie species species and distributions the only one include to be distributed Halophila acrossmajor all 14 Email: U. Soe-Htun, Director, Marine study sites. In contrast, was onlyH. ovalisrecorded at Ma Gyi along the encountered along the Myeik Archipelago. The habitat types of seagrasses which Received: | Published: November 01, 2017 was solely found along the Rakhine coast and which was exclusively April 24, 2017 between the two Coastal Regions were also found to be differred with seagrass meadows in Taninthayi most commonly observed in coastal intertidal habitat whereas those in Rakhine were recorded in the fringing reef and deep subtidal habitat. In terms of species diversity among the 14 study sites, Ma Gyi Gyaing and Pho Htaung Gyaing showed the highest in Rakhine with 9 species each while Zar Det Ngye I (East) and Pa Law Kar Kyan I in Taninthayi contained 7 species each. Highest percentage cover of seagrass meadows was observed at Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing, in Rakhine with 67.00% and the highest coverage in Taninthayi at Lampi I (East) with 64.57%. Given the environmental services provided by seagrasses Rakhinetheir protection given its within species Myanmar diversity, is beingcritical. the All only areas site should to conatin be granted the Vulnerable a certain listedlevel of Halophila protection beccarii although species priotiry and firstly beacsue needs of itsto behigh given percent to Ma cover. Gyi Gyaing Such anin

area should be gazzetted as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) along with Pa Law RakhineKar Kyan Coastal I., Zar DetRegion Ngye given I. (East) their andspecies Lampi diversity I. (East) and in extent. the Taninthayi Coastal Region and Ma Gyi Gyaing, Pho Htaung Gyaing and Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing in the Keywords: Biodiversity; Conservation; Ecological accounts; Morphology; Local distribution; Myanmar; Percent cover; Rakhine Coastal Region; Taninthayi Coastal Region; Seagrasses taxonomy

Introduction

populationsand contaminant globally filtration, have seen producers a reduction of in oxygen, their distribution recycles of plants of approximately 72 species, representing less than 0.1% of duenutrients to habitat [8]. destruction However, sinceand marine 1980 pollution about 60% [1,2]. of seagrass Seagrasses are a relatively small group of submerged flowering Seagrasses occur all along three Coastal Regions of Myanmar, globallythe angiosperm have been taxa seen growing reductions in shallow in their coasts distribution of the tropical since 1980 and subtropical regions. However, about 60% of seagrass meadows (Martaban) and Taninthayi. Ten species of seagrasses has been documented and includes the provision of sheltered habitats and describednamely Rakhine, in Myanmar Ayeyarwady and include, Delta viz., and Syringodium the Gulf ofisoetifolium Mottama [1,2]. The ecological importance of seagrass beds has been well , Cymodocea serrulata et Magnus, C. rotundata Ehrenberg et Hemprich ex Ascherson, 7].crucial Furthermore feeding, spawning they are and key nursery primary grounds producers, for economically involved in Halodule(Ascherson) uninervis Danty (Forsskal) Ascherson, H.(R. pinifolia Brown) Ascherson epibenthicimportant speciesand benthic of marine production; invertebrates provide andimportant fish species nutrients [3- Hartog [9], Enhalus acoroides (Linnaeus f.) Royle, Thalassia (Miki) Den

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com

hemprichii (Ehrenberg) Ascherson, Halophila beccarii Ascherson, H. decipiens Ostenfeld and H. ovalis people calling seagrasses Leik-Sar-Phat-Myet(R. Brown), meaning Hooker the f [10-15]. food of Their importance to Myanmar fishers is well known with local Dugong dugon marine turtles. In addition, the seagrass meadows are known to serve as important feeding grounds for the sea cow, andwhich the is global recognized decline as in endangeredsegarss beds, species the protection under the of seagrasses IUCN Red list. Given their importance, both ecologically and economically, biodiversity,within Myanmar distribution is seen as andparamount. coverage The of objectiveseagrasses of thisat selectstudy was to know the updated information on the current status of sites within the Taninthayi and the Rakhine Coastal Regions of areMyanmar. conserved This and information used for long will termbe used monitoring to guide of the seagrasses. creation of Marine Protected Areas within Myanmar to ensure such habitats Materials and Methods the Taninthayi coast (Figures 1 & 2) and four study sites in Ten study sites were selected in the Myeik Archipelago along

Rakhine (Figures 1 th& 3) to gain anth understanding of April in Tanintanryi of their andstatus 1st and suitability for MPA designation. Surveys were conducted in 2015 between the 6 of March to 4 Figure 2: The survey sites of seagrass areas in the Myeik Archipelago, to the 31 May and included the following sites: in the Taninthayi Coastal Region.

Figure 1:

Map showing 14 study sites with the biodiversity and distribution of seagrasses growing in the Taninthayi and Rakhine The survey sites of seagrass areas in the Rakhine coastal Coastal Regions: 1. Zar Det Gyi; 2. Zar Det Ngye (West); 3. Zar Det Ngye Figure 3: region. (East); 4. Pa Law Kar Kyan I. (St Luke I.); 5. Nyaung Wee I.; 6. Bo Cho I.; 7. Lampi I. (East); 8. Lampi I. (West); 9. Taw Wet I. (South); 10. Taw Wet I. (North); 11. Ohn Kyun I.; 12. Ma Gyi Gyaing (Shwe Thaung Yan); 13. Taninthayi coastal region: PhoAbbreviations: Htaung Gyaing; Si: Syringodium and 14. Maung isoetifolium Shwe Lay; Cr:Gyaing. Cymodocea rotundata; Cs: C. serrulata; Hu: Halodule uninervis; Hp: H. pinifolia; Ea: Enhalus Zar Det Gyi I. acoroides; Th: Thalassia hemprichii; Hb: Halophila beccarii; Hd: H. decipiens; Ho: H. ovalis and Hm: H. major

Seagrass bed was located in front of the mangrove communities at Lat 10.02003º, Long 98.28963º. Substrates are muddy sand

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 3/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

becoming sandy mud to offshore. The area of seagrass bed and sandy mud to offshore. The area of seagrass bed was 32.80 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross-transects was was 28.90 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross- estimatedZar Det Ngye on March I. (West) 23, 2015. transectsTaw Wet I.was (North) estimated on March 11, 2015. nearSeagrass shore becoming bed was located sand to in offshore.front of the The mangrove area of communitiesseagrass bed muddySeagrass sand bed and was becoming located insandy front mud of the to mangrove offshore. communities The area of at Lat 10.11687º, Long 98.28199º. Substrates are muddy sand at Lat 11.40776º, Long 98.12032º. Substrates are predominantly was 12.10 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross- seagrass bed was 45.50 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along transectsZar Det Ngye was estimatedI. (East) on March 22, 2015. theRakhine cross-transects Coastal Region:was estimated on March 11, 2015. Ohn Kyun I. inshoreSeagrass and bed sandy was mudlocated at inoffshore. front of theThe mangrove area of seagrasscommunities bed at Lat 10.1251º, Long 98.3045º. Substrates are muddy sand SubstratesSeagrass are bed muddywas located sand inin front nearshore of the sandyand sandybeach withoutmud to was 19.90 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross- mangrove communities at Lat 16.388765º, Long 94.229125º. transectsPa Law Kar was Kyan estimated (St. Luke) on March 24, 2015. offshore. The area of seagrass bed was 17.30 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross-transects was estimated on May 8, 2015. Located in front of the mangrove communities at Lat 10.13461º, Ma Gyi Gyaing Long 98.21011º. Substrates are muddy sand nearshore and sandy mud to offshore. The area of seagrass bed was 83.00 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross-transects was SubstratesSeagrass are bed muddy was located sand nearshore in front of and the sandy sandy mud beach to offshore. without Nyaung Wee I. estimated on March 21, 2015. mangrove communities at Lat 17.072122º, Long 94.451406º.

The area of seagrass bed was 39.83 ac. The percent cover of nearshore,Seagrass becoming bed was located sandy mudin front to offshore.of the mangrove The area communities of seagrass seagrasses along the cross-transects was estimated on May 1, at Lat 10.50319º, Long 98.23227º. Substrates are muddy sand in 2015.Pho Htaung Gyaing bed was 46.40 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross- Bo Cho I. transects was estimated on March 20, 2015. in nearshoreSeagrass bed and was sandy located mud in to front offshore. of the The mangrove area of communitiesseagrass bed at Lat 17.170547º, Long 94.491739º. Substrates are muddy sand . SubstratesLocated are in frontmuddy of sand the in sandy nearshore beach and without sandy mangrove mud to was 94.22 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross- communities at Lat10.66216º, Long 98.26º Water depth 5m. transectsMaung Shwe was Layestimated Gyaing on May 2, 2015. offshore. The area of seagrass bed was 382.50 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses along the cross-transects was estimated on SubstratesSeagrass are bed muddywas located sand inin front nearshore of the sandyand sandybeach withoutmud in Lampi I. (East) March 18, 2015. mangrove communities at Lat 18.305367º, Long 94.329312º.

offshore. The area of seagrass bed was 23.79 ac. The percent cover SubstratesSeagrass are bed muddy was located sand and in frontsandy of mud the sandyto offshore. beach The without area of seagrasses along the cross-transects was estimated on May 15, mangrove communities at Lat 10.70202º, Long 98.27984º. 2015. of seagrass bed was 216.70 ac. The percent cover of seagrasses Fresh and live materials of seagrasses growing in the natural alongLampi the I. (West) cross-transects was estimated on March 19, 2015. beds of 14 study sites were sampled by uprooting the seagrasses with a small trowel or knife from 6-3-2015 to 31-5-2015. Snorkeling or scuba equipment was used for the submersed habitats of seagrasses growing in subtidal zone of the Rakhine Seagrass bed was located in front of the sandy beach without during the ebb tide in the Myeik Archipelago. The collections Substrates are muddy sand nearshore and sandy mud to offshore. coast indepths between 2-5m, while surveys were conducted mangrove communities at Lat10.88089º, Long 98.07436º. were initially washed, cleaned and preserved in 10% formalin The area of seagrass bed was 10.60 ac. The percent cover of in seawater. Samples of seagrasses were examined mainly on seagrasses along the cross-transects was estimated on March 16, pressed on herbarium sheets to prepare as voucher specimens the vegetative characters with a dissecting microscope, and then 2015.Taw Wet I. (South)

for each locality. As for taxonomic account, all specimens were identified using the standard monograph of seagrasses prepared Seagrass bed was located in front of the mangrove communities by den Hartog & Kuo et al. [9,16]. This study had followed the at Lat 11.37642º, Long 98.12234º. Substrates are muddy sand

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 4/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

very common; remnants of many scars of liberated shoot distinct, old shoots usually deciduous from main stem. classification system used by Fortes [17]. All voucher specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of Department of Marine b. Local distribution: (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region- Science, Mawlamyine University (MMB), Mawlamyine, Myanmar. the SeagrassNet protocol by Short et al. [18,19], consisting of three Zar In relation to the ecological accounts, this study has followed Det Gyi I., Zar Det Ngye I. (West & East), Pa LawThe Kar Rakhine Kyan CoastalI. (St. Luke Region Island),- Nyaung Wee I., Bo Cho I., Lampi I. (East fixed, parallel, 50 m cross-transects referred to as cross-transects & West), Taw Wet I. (North)(Figures 1,2); (2) A, B and C, with cross-transect A closest to shore and C most Ohn Kyun, Ma Gyi, Pho Htaung Gyaing, seaward; B, midpoint of these cross-transects were established on Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing (Figsures 1,3). a transect laid2 out seaward, perpendicular to the shore. Percentage cover of seagrasses was visually estimated within 12 randomly intetidallyplaced0.25m in the quadrats coastal along areas each of the cross-transect Myeik Archipelago using a(Figure photo guide of percent cover. As noted above these works were done

4A) but subtidally in the Rakhine coastal areas using snorkling or scuba equipment (Figure 4B). Positions and areas of seagrasss for 10each secs. study The site physical were recorded parameters, by GPS namely with extent temperature being recorded using by walking around the seagrass bed taking GPS points every a mercurial thermometer, salinity using a refectometer, water depths using handheld sounder were measured in the field. The Resultstypes of substrate were also recorded.

Syringodium isoetifolium CymodoceaIn the present rotundata study, Ehrenberg a total of et11 Hemprichspecies of exseagrasses Ascherson, were C. serrulataidentified: including (Ascherson)Halodule uninervis Danty, (Forsskal) Ascherson, H. pinifolia (Miki) den Hartog, Enhalus acoroides (R.(Linnaeus Brown) f.) Ascherson Royle, Thalassia et Magnus, hemprichii (Ehrenberg) Ascherson, Halophila beccarii Ascherson, H. decipiens Ostenfeld; 10. H. ovalis H. major 1). A detailed account of the taxonomy of these plants including (R. Brown) Hooker f. and (Zoll.) Miquel (Table species,identification only one, guide, Halophila ecological beccarii accounts is considered and supplementary Vulnerable survey data were shown in Appendices 1-8 of this report. Of these Least Concern. according to the IUCN RedList, with all other species listed as Syringodium isoetifolium (AschersonDanty (Figure 5) a. Description: Figure 4: in intertidal zone in the coastal areas of the Myeik Archipelago of the Plants erect; the rhizome 1 mm thick, with A-B A: Recording the percentage cover of seagrasses growing internodes, 1.4-2.5 cm long; each node giving a shoot with in subidal zone in the coastal areas of Rakhine. 1-3 leaves; leaves terete, tapering to the tip, 5.5-12.5 cm in Taninthayi. B: Investigating the percentage cover of seagrasses growing length (or longer), 1 mm wide, base covered by leaf sheath, Cymodocea serrulata (R. Brown) Ascherson et Magnus b. 1-3Local cm distribution: long. (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region- No data; (2) The Rakhine Coastal Region- (Fig. 8) a. Description: Erect plants moderate in size; the rhizome Ma Gyi, Pho Htaung 1mm in diameter, slightly larger than C. rotundata, CymodoceaGyaing, Maungrotundata Shwe LayEhrenberg Gyaing (Figures et 1,3).Hemprich ex Ascherson (Figures 6-7) a. Description: Erect plants moderate in size; the rhizome internodes 2.2-3.3 cm long; shoots with 2-3 leaves at each node with lingula; leaf blade linear, flat, 4-13 cm long, rhizome creeping, less than 1mm in diameter; erect shoots 4.5-5.5 mm wide, margin entire with 9-15 nerves, apex cylinder, internodes 1.5-6.0 cm long; one root per node; b. serrulate,Local distribution: tapering at (1) the The base, Taninthayi leaf sheaths Coastal 1.5-3.0 Region- cm long. aggregated and formed cymosely; leaf blades, linear, falcate, Zar with 2-4 leaves, borne at the nodes with lingual or densely (FiguresDet Gyi I., 1, Zar 2); Det (2) Ngye The I.Rakhine (West & Coastal East), PaRegion Law -Kar Kyan I., Nyaung Wee I., Bo Cho I., Lampi I. (East); Taw Wet (North) 1.5-9.5 cm long, 1.5- 2.0 mm wide, petioles- 0.1-1.1 cm Ohn Kyun long with lingula, leaf-tip obtuse, leaf margin entire with I., Shwe Thaung Yan (Ma Gyi), Pho Htaung Gyaing, Maung 8-10 nerves, leaf sheath 1.3-1.7 cm long; deciduous form Shwe Lay Gyaing (Figures 1, 3).

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 5/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Figure 5: Syringodium isoetifolium: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Figure 6: Cymodocea rotundata: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Figure 7: Cymodocea rotundata: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Deciduous form of

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 6/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Figure 8: Cymodocea serrulata: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Halodule uninervis (Forsskal) Ascherson (Figure 9)

a. Description: Rhizome not exceeding than 1 mm thick; the b. apex,Local leaf distribution: sheath present, (1) The 1.5-3.0 Taninthayi cm long. Coastal Region- Zar internodes 1.8-3.5 cm long; erect shoot arising 1-3 flat, Det Gyi I., Zar Det NgyeThe RakhineI. (West &Coastal East), PaRegion- Law Kar Kyan I., linear blades at each node with lingula; leaf blades flat, 13- Nyaung Wee I., Bo Cho I., Lampi I. (East)(Figures 1,2); Taw 25 cm long, 1-2 mm wide, margin entire, the black central Wet (North); (2) Ohn Kyun vein at the leaf tip, which does not splits into two at the I., Shwe Thaung Yan (Ma Gyi), Pho Htaung Gyaing, Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing (Figures 1,3).

Figure 9: Halodule uninervis: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Halodule pinifolia (Miki) den Hartog (Fig. 10) Rakhine Coastal Region

a. Description: Plants small; the rhizome less than 1 mm, - Ohn Kyun I., Ma Gyi, Pho Htaung EnhalusGyaing, acoroides Maung Shwe(Linnaeus Lay Gyaing f.) Royle (Figures (Figure 1,3). 11) with internodes, 1.5-5.4 cm long; nodes bear erect shoots, a. Description: each with 2-3 leaves; leaf blades flat, 4-25 cm long, not more than 1 mm wide, the black central vein at the leaf tip, which Plant erect; the rhizome thick, about 1-2 cm b. splitsLocal intodistribution: two at the (1)apex, The lingua Taninthayi present Coastal at each Region node. in diameter with tough black fibers; shoots pronounced at the node, with 3-6 leaves; leaf blades flat and linear, 70-180 - Zar slightlycm long, serrulate 0.8-2.0 cm in wide,young with leaves. 35-55 nerves and ribs at the Det Gyi I., Zar Det Ngye I. (West & East), Pa Law Kar KyanThe margin, apex obtuse, base narrow without lingula, margin I. (St. Luke I.), Nyaung Wee I., Bo Cho I., Lampi I. (East & West), Taw Wet I. (South & North)(Figures 1,2); (2)

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 7/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

b. Local distribution: (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region- The Rakhine numerous relatively short internodes and a short erect Coastal Region- Zar several shoot scars between successive erect shoots with Det Ngye I. (East), St. Luke I. (Figures 1,2); (2) Pho Htaung Gyaing (Figures 1,3). b. stem Local bearing distribution.- 2-6 leaves. (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region-

TheRakhineZar CoastalDet Gyi I.,Region- Zar Det Ohn Ngye Kyun I., St.I., ShweLuke ThaungI., Naung Yan Wee (Ma I., BoGyi), Cho Pho I., HtaungLampi I. Gyaing, (East), TawMaung Wet Shwe (North)(Figs. Lay Gyaing 1, 2); (2)

(Figures 1,3).

Figure 10: Halodule pinifolia: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenberg) Ascherson (Figure 12) a. Description:

than 1mm in Plantsdiameter, moderate distichously in size; intervalsarranged of and internode- formed 1.9-9.0 cm long; one root per node; rhizome creeping, less

dendroid in shape; leaf blade linear, falcate, 1.5-15.0 cm Figure 11: Enhalus acoroides: A. Habit, B. The natural bed, C. Male long, 1.5- 2.0 mm wide, petioles- 0.1-1.1 cm long without lingula, leaf-tip obtuse, sometimes serrulate, nerves 8-11, characterizedjoined by perpendicular by a thick crossrhizome veins prominently with 9-13 nerve.marked Leaf by flower (arrowhead), D. Female flower (arrowhead) and E. Fruit tip rounded with very fine serrulations. A common species (arrowhead).

Figure 12: Thalasia hemprichii: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Halophila beccarii Ascherson Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld : Plants small; the rhizome less than 1mm in Plants small; the rhizomes less than 1 mm in a. Description (Figure 13) a. Description: (Figure 14)

diameter with internodes 1.1-1.6 cm long; each node bears diameter; internodes 1.2-2.7 cm long; leaf blades lanceolate petiolated leaves; leaf blades linear to lanceolate, 5.5-7.5 to oblong, 1.0-1.7 cm long, 3-6 mm wide; margin finely mm long, 1.5-2.0 mm wide, petiole 8-14 mm long, apex byserrated, a pair of with transparent conspicuous scale. midrib and persistent cross- acute, base attenuate, margin entire, with 1-3 paralleled veins, apex obtuse, petiole 1.0-1.7 cm long, base unclosed b. veinsLocal anddistribution: no cross-veins. (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region b. Local distribution: (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region- No data; (2) The Rakhine Coastal Region data; (2) The Rakhine Coastal Region- - No - Magyi (Figures 1,3). Ohn Kyun I., Magyi, Pho Htaung Gyaing (Figures 1,3).

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 8/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

roots up to 50 mm long,1.5 mm diameter. Scales 2, glabrous, margins entire, petiole scale 3-5 x 1-2 mm, rhizome scale 4-55 x 1.0-2.5 mm; leaves petiolate, fleshy, purple to light green, 15-30 mm long, leaves bright to dark green, ovate, symmetrical:oblong to elliptic, margins 15-25 entire; mm long, surface 9-11 mmglabrous; wide, L:Wdistance ratio 1-3:1; apex acute or acuminate; base cuneate to attenuate,

between intramarginal veins and lamina margin ratio 1:20.8-25.6; cross-veins distinct,18-20, distance between b. adjacentLocal distribution: cross veins 0.7-1.25(1) The Taninthayimm wide. Coastal Region- No data; (2) The Rakhine Coastal Region-

Ohn Kyun I., Ma Gyi, Pho Htaung Gyaing, Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing (Figure 1 & 3).

Figure 13: Halophila beccarii: Habit.

Figure 15: Halophila ovalis: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Figure 14: Halophila decipiens: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed.

Halophila ovalis (R. Brown) Hooker f. a. Description: Plants small; the rhizome less than 1mm (Figures 1,3) Figure 16: Halophila major: A. Habit, and B. The natural bed. in diameter, slightly larger than H. decipiens, internodes Halophila pinifolia of petiolated leaves; leaf blades lanceolate to obovate or observed species and the only one to be distributed across all 1.8-2.4 cm long; erect shoot at each node, bearing a pair In this study, Halophilawas the beccarii most commonly elliptic, 1.5-2.2 cm long, 7-10 mm wide, margin entire, species14 study distributions sites (Table 1).include In contrast, was only apex obtuse, base rounded, petiole 2.2-3.0 cm long, midrib Halophila major alongrecorded the atRakhine Ma Gyi coast Gyaing and along the Rakhine coast. Other uniquie prominent with 14-17 cross-veins, the distance between H. ovalis the Tanintharyi coast. The most frequently observedwhich was species found the intra-marginal vein and the lamina margin ratio 1:12 was encounteredand only along b. toLocal 1:16. distribution: (1) The Taninthayi Coastal Region- Cymodocea rotundata H. ovalis Thalassia hemprichii. Enhalus acoroides and Zar Halophilaalong the beccarii transects was Det Gyi I, Zar Det Ngye I (West & East),The Pa Law Rakhine Kar KyanCoastal I ( while the least was Region-St. Luke NoI), Nyaungdata. Wee I, Bo Cho I, Lampi I (East), Taw Wet in abundance. were not recorded along the transects and only I (South & North)(Figures 1 & 2); (2) opportuniscally observed during the survey and considered low Halophila major (Zoll.) Miquel (Figure 16) a. Description: Plants moderate in size; slightly larger than The tidal habit of seagrasses between the two Coastal Regions H. ovalis was also found to differ with seagrass meadows in Taninthayi most commonly observed in intertidal zones whereas those in , perennial; rhizomes slender to robust, fleshy, Rakhine were recorded in the subtidal zone (Table 3). In terms of transparent, internodes 25-40 mm long, 1-2 mm diameter; species diversity among the 14 study sites, Ma Gyi Gyaing and Pho

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 9/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

term monitoring of seagrass beds and provide the ability to quanitatively measure the impact of management interventions Htaung Gyaing showed the highest in Rakhine with 9 species each while in Taninthayi Zar Det Ngye I. (East) and Pa Law Kar Kyan four had been previously studied using the same methodology I. contained 7 species each. Highest percentage cover of seagrass aimed at seagrass conservation. Of the 14 sites surveyed, only meadows was observed at Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing, in Rakhine with 67.36% and the highest coverage in Taninthayi at Lampi [14], which were located in the Tanintahyi Region, and so inI. (East)terms of with species 64.57% diversity (Table or density 2) (Figures from 17-18).inshore Althoughto offshore. no comparisions can be made. Of the four only one, Lampi I. (East) statistical tests were undertaken no clear pattern was observed showed an increase in percentage cover with 64.57% recorded in the current survey compared to 45% in the 2007 surveys [14]. A number of reasons maybe responsible for this increase such as a decrease in shrimp and fish catch in the area leading trawlers to search elsewhere for catch or from the increase in presence of Department of Forestry staffs at Marine National Park headquarters in the Lampi Island opposite to the seagrass bed, resulting of greater support by the the NGO community to the MPAs management. Two of the other sites, Taw Wet I. (North) and Nyang Wee I., did show a decrease in percentage cover but monitoredonly by 9% to and ensure 11% thatrespectively, its only withstatistical such errorsa result causing potentially this down to transect placement. These sites will however need to be

decrease and not anthropoengic impacts such as bottom trawling. The final site, which had previously been surveyed in 2007, was Lampi I. (West) and this seagrass bed has seen an extensive loss in percentage cover with 18.75% recorded in this survey compared to 80% cover in 2007. Boat activity in this area was observed to be quite high during the surveys with this part of Lampi Island providing protection for many boats during periods of high winds notedand as tosuch have could a high be targetedcover of bysand trawlers sediments when smothering conditions awaytheir stems.from the The islandcurrent are support unfavourable. being provided These to seagrass manage this beds Marine were

may help to ensure this seagrass beds protection and long term conservation.National Park by organisations such as the Italian NGO Oikos Figure 17: of The percent cover of seagrasses along 3 cross-transects in Zostrea marina In the present study, however, unlike Kress [20] no specimens 14 study sites. Abbreviations: A, B and C- Cross-transects. were recorded. This species normally occurs in Coastaltemperate Regions waters ofand Myanmar. known to Furtherextend intosurveys the higher are thereforelatitudes of Myanmar waters and has previously been found in all three

needed to eludciate the status of this species within the country.

thoseSeagrass in Rakhine meadows are commonly were mostly found in intertidal in the subtidal zone encounteredzone in front in front of the mangrove communities in Tanintharyi whereas

of the sandy beaches (except for the seagrass meadow Pho Htaung areasGyaing of locatedRakhine behind due to themoderate mangrove and favourable swamp). For environmental this reason, parametersthe luxuriant but growth not in ofcoastal seagrasses areas wasof the observed Myeik Archipelago in all coastal of Tanintharyi Coastal Region due its natural habitat in the interdal

study, other uniquie species distributions include Halophila major zone under heavy environmental stresses (Table 3). In theH. present ovalis

Figure 18: Myeikwhich wasArchipelago. solely found along the Rakhine coast [21] and which was exclusively encountered along the coastal areas of the The mean percent cover of seagrasses along 3 cross- transects in 14 study sites (Mean seagrass cover per site (±se). Discussion Although Soe-Htun et al. [12] reported there were no stresses in the meadows of seagrasses in coastal areas of Myanmar, with these ecosystems showing pristine and climax conditions; they The current study was able to develop an easily replicable are now facing the problems such as smothering by sand as noted baseline for 14 seagrass sites within Myanmar to allow for long above. Such issues can arise from trawlers stirring up sediments

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 10/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

beds targeting shrimps and other marine species destroying Myanmaror from land-slides are exposed where to a forestnumber areas of threats have been including cleared runoff such thesehabitats. habiats. Bottom Smoothering trawlers also of seagrasses operate directly in sediments through from seagrass sand as those observed on Zar Det Gyi I. In general, seagrass beds in mining operations in the Myeik Archipelago resulting in reduced released from industrial zones located in the upper areas of ability of seagrasses to photosynthesize. naturalfrom cities seagrass and towns beds andare hazardousseen as serious wastes andthreats oil dispersalsto these

Table 1:

Biodiversity of seagrasses distributed in 14 study sites in the Taninthayi and Rakhine Coastal Regions of Myanmar.

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 11/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Table 2: Coverage of seagrass beds in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine coastal areas.

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 12/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Table 3:

The physical parameters of seagrass beds in 14 study sites.

Management actions are therefore required immediately to consequences for both the aquatic environement and for people’s terms of species diversity of seagrasses, Ma Gyi and Pho Htaung ensure these habitats are not lost which would have deveastaing Gyaings showed the highest in the Rakhine Coastal Region with in Myanmar to manage all these areas focus must be steered 79 species of while seagrasses Zar Det (Tables Ngye (East) 1). Highest I. and percentage Pa Law Kar cover Kyan of I, livelihoods. However given the limited resources available represented higest in the Myeik Archipelago waters including areas. Therefore, to prioritise the most important sites and towards those sites which could be considered key biodiverse seagrass meadows was observed at Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing, in developed for the surveyd areas using uniqueness (in terms Rakhine Coastal Region with 67.36% whereas the lowest was offocus species management representation), inteverntions species a simple richness ranking and systempercentage was at Lampi I. (West) with 18.75% (Tables 2), (Figures 17-18). Other sites worthy of immediate protection include Pho Htaung some level of protection six sites stood out in terms of the above Gyaing (94.22 ac), Zar Det Ngye I. (East)(19.90 ac), Pa Law Kar seagrass cover (Tables 1-4). Although all sites should receive Kyan I. (St. Luke I.)(83.00 ac), Ohn Kyun I. (17.30 ac) and Maung most important site being 1) one of the most diverse, 2) the only Shwe Lay Gyaing (23.79 ac) (Tables 3). As a first step, these sites siteparamters to conatin with Halophila Ma Gyi Gyaing beccarii (39.83, the ac) most in Rakhinethreatened consider of all the should be provided some level of protection either as strict no- negativelytake MPAs impactor has carefullythe seagrass. managed gear restricted areas with a strong emphasis on bottoms trawlers and other gears with may 12 species recorded with a ranking of Vulnerable under the IUCN Redlist, and 3) because of its high percentage cover. Moreover, in

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 13/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Table 4: the least. Shaded boxes indicate priority sites. Seagrass sites ranked according to uniqueness, species richness and percentage cover with 1 being the highest priority for protection and 5

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 14/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

Conclusion human capacity and various other resources to manage such interventions.Such processes As such can a howevernumber of take required time actions and require have A total of 14 study sites- ten study sites, viz., Zar Det Gyi I, Zar management of seagrasses in Myanmar and designed to guide Det Ngye I (West), Zar Det Ngye I (East), Pa Law Kar Kyan I (St. decisionbeen recommended makers in developing which are conservation seen as necessary plans for for seagrasses effective ofLuke the I), Taninthayi Naung Wee Coastal I, Bo Region Cho I, andLampi four I (East),study sites, Lampi namely I. (West), Ohn Taw Wet I (South) and Taw Wet I (North) in the Myeik Archipelago to 1.ensure these habitats are protected as follows: Kyun I., Ma Gyi Gyaing, Pho Htaung Gyaing and Maung Shwe Lay Designation of key seagrass areas as marine protected Gyaing in the Rakhine Coastal Region, were surveyed to assess Taninthayiareas (MPAs) and linked Rakhine with Coastal wider Regions. spatial planning exercises the currentMyeik Archipelago status of seagrasses and Rakhine growing coastal along areas the coastalof Myanmar, areas for the two main coastal areas with seagrass beds notably includingof Myanmar. Eleven species of seagrasses, were recorded from, 2. Encourage international support and form partnerships Syringodium isoetifolium Cymodocea rotundata C. serrulata, Halodule uninervis, H. pinifolia, Enhalus acoroides, , , , and ecosystems. Thalassia hemprichii Halophila beccarii H. decipiens H. ovalis with regional bodies for the conservation of seagrass H. major. Taxonomic key to the species of seagrasses collected Share the results of local and regional research on seagrass ecosystem functions and values, and establish national 3. fromOf the the two11 species study areas of seagrasses in Myanmar: collected in this study, only one, management of seagrass ecosystems. Halophila beccarii and regional ecological networks and corridors for the Halophila beccarii is considered Vulnerable according to the IUCN institutions such as government departments and HaloduleRedList, with pinifolia all other species listed as Least Concern. 4. Provide financial and technical support to various Myanmar was only recorded at Ma Gyi Gyaing. Of these species, based biodiversity conservation efforts. Halophila beccarii wasspecies the andmost beacsue commonly of its observed high percent species. cover, Ma universities, including capacity-building for community- Gyi Gyaing, being the only site to conatin the Vulnerable listed

diversityshould be and gazzetted extent. as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) along with 5. Improve public knowledge and recognition of the Pho Htaung Gyaing, and Zar Det Ngye (East) given their species importance of seagrass habitats through nationwide Acknowledgments education and awareness programmes targeting policy and decision makers, fishers and local communities and those involvedStrengthen in activitiesnational, whichregional impact and seagrassinternational beds. efforts to MyanmarThe first Phamaceutical author, U. Soe-Htun Factory is very (MPF), grateful Yangon, to the lateMyanmar Dr. U. 6. cause great biodiversity loss in seagrass communities. forMin-Thein, invaluable Director guidance (Retd), in Microalga the studies Biotechnology of seagrasses Department, since his ensure invasive alien species are controlled, which could programme on invasive alien species. This should include the development of an effective work surveys in Maung Shwe Lay Gyaing in 1980. We are indebted to 7. Robert Howard, FFI Myanmar‘s Marine Conservation Programme Intensify water pollution prevention for industrial Manager, for his useful assistance during this study. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the local people who kindly andhazardous marine wastesareas by from establishing the special monitoring economic systems zone and regularly examine the water quality standards for costal Association,help us in many Myanmar ways during (MSAM) our fieldfor theirtrips. Manyhelpful thanks assistance go to U Thaung Htut and U Zaw Lin Tun, Staffs of Marine Science effective legal frameworks for conservation of seagrass from the the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) 8. meadows.Ensure seagrass conservation is included in any coastal in the preparation of the manuscript. Funding for this work

plans. AgricultureProject “Seagrass Organisation Monitoring (FAO) in Myanmar”,of the United under Nations, a joint isproject most development projects and in all regional/state development appreciated.with Fauna & Flora International and BOBLME of the Food and 9. Undertake further detailed research on seagrass habitats including surveys of the ecosystem services provided by Conflict of Interest None. seagrass beds with a special focus on their importance to 10. fisheries;Regularly monitor the status of seagrass ecosystems along References the coast of Myanmar including on ground surveys and 1. satellite remote sensing analysis. Conservation Monitoring Centre. University of California Press, 11. Green EP, Short FT (2003) World atlas of seagrasses. UIMEP World 2. Berkeley, USA, pp.332. securityIdentify issuesthe potential for local impacts communities. on seagrasses from climate seagrass distribution and diversity: A bioregional model. Journal of which may cause these habitats to degrade leading to food Short FT, Carruthers T, Dennison W, Waycott M (2007) Global

Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 350(1-2): 3-20.

Citation:

Soe-Htun U, Maung A, Mon S, Ha ST, Aung ST et al. (2017) Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(4): 00164. DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00164 Biodiversity, Distribution and Coverage of Seagrasses in the Myeik Archipelago and Copyright: 15/15 Rakhine Coastal Areas, in Myanmar ©2017 Soe-Htun et al.

3. Dawes CJ (1981) Marine botany. Wiley. Interscience pp. 629. 13. phytogeographicSoe-Htun U, Mya distribution Kyawt Wai , of Thida the Nyunt,species Soe of PaASEAN Pa Kyaw, nations. Mu Mu Aye (2009) Seagrass of Myanmar with special reference to the 4. Zieman JC, Zieman RT (1989) The ecology of the seagrass meadows of the west coast of Florida: A community profile. US Fish Wild Serv Journal of Myanmar Academy of Art and Science. 7(5): 263-387. Biol Rep 85(7.25): 155. Revised ranges of seagrass species in the Myeik Archipelago, 14. Novak AB, Hines E, Kwan D, Parr L, Mya Than Tun, et al. (2009) 5. Dawes CJ, Phillips RC, Morrison G (2004) Seagrass communities of the Gulf Coast of Florida: Status and ecology. Florida fish and wildlife Myanmar.Tint Tun, Barry Aquatic B (2011) Botany Preliminary 91(3): 250-252. observation on the seagrasses conservation commission fish and wildlife research institute and the of Lampi and neighbouring islands of the Myeik Archipelago, Tampa Bay estuary program. St. Petersburg, pp. 74. 15. Myanmar. Proceedings of the th th SEASTAR 6. Adulyanukosol K, Poovachiranonrd S (2006) Dugong (Dugong dugon) 6 International Symposium on and seagrass in Thailand: present status and future challenges. In: SEASTAR2000 and Asian Bio-logging Science (The 10 Arai N (Eds.), Proc 3 Int. Symp. SEASTAR and Asian Bio-logging 7. workshop) Thailand pp. 85-91. Science pp. 41-50. Halophila Thouars (Hydrocharitaceae) from Japan. Acta Phytotax. 16. Kuo J, Kanamoto Z, Iizumi H, Mukai H (2006) Seagrasses of the genus Nakanishi Y, Hosoya S, Arai N, Nakanishi Y, Katsukoshi K, et al. (2006) rd The distribution of seagrass meadows and dugong feeding trails in 17. Geobot 57(2): 129-154. the dry season around Talibong Island, Trang Province, Thailand. In: Arai N. (Ed.), Proc 3 Int. Symp. SEASTAR2000 and Asian Bio-logging Fortes MD (1993) Seagrasses: Their role in marine ranching. In: 8. Science pp. 55-62. Ohno M & Critchley AT (Eds.), Seaweed cultivation and marine ranching. Kanagawa International Fisheries Training Center Japan. Orth RJ, Carruthers T, Denisson JB, Duarte CM, Fourqurean JW, et al. 18. International Cooperation Agency (JICA) pp. 131-151. (2006) A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems. BioScience 56(12): 9. 987-996. Short FT, Coles RG (2001) Global seagrass research methods. Elsevier 19. Science, Amsterdam pp.506. Den Hartog C (1970) The sea-grasses of the world. North-Holland 10. Publishing Company. Amsterdam: 275 pp. Short FT, McKenzie LJ, Coles RG, Vidler KP, Gaeckle JL (2006) SeagrassNet manual for scientific monitoring of seagrass habitat. Min-Thein U, Aung-Myint U, Kyi-Shwe U (1979) A list of some 20. Worldwide Edition. University of New Hampshire Publication. 75 pp. noteworthy species of marine algae and Angiosperms from the shrubs, herbs, and climbers of the Myanmar. Contributions from the Andrew Bay, Burma. Proceedings of the Burma Research Congress. Kress WJ, Defilipps RA, Yin Yin Kyi (2003) A checklist of the trees, 11. pp. 10-17. 21. United States National Herbarium 45: 1-590. MyeikSoe-Htun (Mergui) U, San-Tha-Htun Archipelago. U, Tech. Aye-Mon-Sein, Rep pp. 7. Daw, Ni-Ni-Win, et al. (1997) A summary reports on the seaweeds and seagrasses of the ofNguyen Halophila XV, Detcharoen (Hydrocharitaceae M, Tuntiprapas P, Soe-Htun U, Sidik JB, et 12. al. (2014) Genetic species identification and population structure (2001) Notes on seagrasses along Myanmar Coastal Regions. Bull ) from the Western Pacific to the Soe-Htun U, San-Tha-Htun U, Mu Mu Aye, Daw, Ni-Ni-Win, et al. Eastern Indian Ocean. BMC Evol Biol 14(92): 1471-2148. Mar Sci Fish Kochi Univ No. 20: 13-22.

Citation: