Density and Distribution of Marine Benthos in the Cambodian Water

Abstract

The density and distribution of marine benthos were examined between 7-18 November 2016 from 24 Stations with the aimed of studying the benthos community in terms of abundance and species diversity. There are 18,953 individual samples collected by Smith Mc-Intyre grab with dimension of 0.1089 m2 A. total of 5 groups were identified. Total marine benthos abundance was recorded 3,783 ind./m2, 3,673 ind./m2 and 2,094 ind./m2 respectively in station 8, station 24 and station 15. The Crustacea (10,395 ind./m2) was dominant all the study station (except in station 4, 12 and 23) in the Cambodian Water. The overall composition of marine benthos are Crustacea (54.7 %), Polychate (33.3 %), Mollusca (4.3 %), Echinidermata (2.0%) and Other groups. The present study reveals that the marine benthos and their abundance are variable among the Cambodia Water. The obtained information can be use for the further study of seasonal change of marine benthos and conserve biodiversity of the Cambodia Water.