Seagrass Species Composition and Distribution in Coastal Water of the Red Sea in the Sudan

A study of seagrass species composition and distribution along the Sudanese Red Sea coast revealed that Dungonab Bay, within the Sanganeb Marine National Park and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park, supports the highest biodiversity with seven species and an average total percentage cover of 36.56%. Thalassia hemprichii emerged as the dominant and most widely distributed species, while Halophila minor, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassodendron ciliatum were found in only one site each. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in seagrass percentage cover between species but not between sites, with environmental factors such as water temperature and pH showing negative correlations, whereas salinity and transparency exhibited positive correlations with seagrass cover. This research highlights the ecological significance of Dungonab Bay and provides insights into the environmental conditions influencing seagrass distribution in the region.

Abdelmoneim Karamalla Gaiballa, & Ali, O. M. M. (2023). Seagrass Species Composition and Distribution in Coastal Water of the Red Sea in the Sudan. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.8300433