Mohd Hafizbillah Zawawi, Mohd Hanafi Idris, Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, and Wong Sing King

pp. 147 - 153

Abstract

Basic taxonomic information forms the important basis for the documentation, resource management and utilization of
marine biodiversity such as seaweeds. A taxonomic assessment of seaweeds in the coastal areas of Bintulu, Sarawak, East
Malaysia, was conducted monthly from May 2011 to May 2012. Species composition was recorded following NaGISA
protocols, direct observation, and SCUBA and snorkeling techniques. A total of 54 species were identified, classified into
Rhodophyta (23 species), Chlorophyta (16 species) and Phaeophyta (15 species). The highest abundance was recorded at
Kuala Similajau (25 species) while the lowest was recorded at Kuala Nyalau (12 species). As the present study was conducted
by examining species collected from both rocky shores and the reef area for the first time, a higher number of species was
documented compared to previous studies conducted in the same general area but focusing only on particular habitats.
Thirty species found in the current survey represent new records for the locality including some with economic potentials.