Distribution of Seagrass Communities and associated sea cucumbers in North Red Sea Protectorates, Hurghada, Egypt

Abstract

The current research was carried out to understand the diversity and distribution of seagrass beds and the associated sea cucumbers in order to support decision makers in the management of the natural resources. During 2019, six sites were surveyed using scuba diving and snorkeling; two of them are located within the boundaries of the Northern Protected Islands (Shaab Saad and El Fanader reefs), two sites around Hurghada offshore islands (Abu Monqar Island and south El Gifton Island). For the other two sites, one lies offshore (Shabrour El Sheraton) while the other is known as Milia Pharoun and is found inshore near the Hurghada coast. Two species of seagrass; namely, Halophila stipulacea and Thalassodendron ciliatum were recorded. Results revealed that in all sites, H. stipulacea showed the highest abundance with a mean coverage of 50%, while T. ciliatum was detected with a cover percentage of 10. Abu Monqar Island has the highest abundance of seagrass with a mean coverage of 65% compared to the lowest mean coverage of 15 % at Shabrour El Sheraton. The sea cucumbers recorded at all study sites represented five species, including Holothuria atra, H. fuscogliva, H. scabra, Actinopyga mauritiana and A. miliaris; all occurred at a low abundance.