Seaweeds composition in littoral zone of Blue Lagoon, Port Dickson

This research work was conducted to study the taxonomy of marine macroalgae (seaweeds) in Blue Lagoon, Port Dickson. A 300 m transect line was laid vertically to the shoreline to enable observations and specimens collection. Percentage cover of seaweeds in these quadrats was estimated, images were captured and specimens were collected. The taxonomy of seaweeds was determined based on their morphological character. Anatomical investigation was done to some species which need further clarification in terms of their species identification. A total of nine species of Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta had been recorded. All specimens were categorized into four Families namely Caulerpaceae, Cladophoraceae, Udoteaceae and Ulvaceae. Member of Caulerpaceae has recorded the highest number of species, representing 66% of the total seaweeds recorded in this study. Chlorophyta was represented by six species and the remaining is of Phaeophyta. There is distinctive character of seaweeds according to the position of the quadrat. The upper part of the line transect was dominating solely by Chlorophyta while the lower part of the line transect was occupying by Phaeophyta.