Macrobenthos diversity along the Exclusive Economic Zone of East Coast Peninsular Malaysia

Aim: To examine the standing stock of macrobenthos along a depth gradient at regional scales in the Sunda Shelf of Malaysian Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ). Methodology: Macrobenthos was sampled with a Smith-McIntyre grab at 19 stations on the continental shelf of the South-western South China Sea (east coast of Peninsular Malaysia) within the EEZ and was carried out onboard MV SEAFDEC 11 in May/June 2016. Results: The faunal composition, abundance, and diversity of species, together with environmental parameters were studied. A total of 10,232 individuals comprising 105 families were identified. The dominant macrobenthic group was Mollusca (55.25%), followed by Annelida (26.80%) and Arthropoda (15.36%), while the Echinodermata and Miscellaneous group recorded 1.13% and 1.43% respectively. Based on Bray-Curtis species similarities, five different sample groups (SGs) were distinguished, which were located in different zones and gradients of EEZ. Interpretation: Variations in the macrobenthic community is significantly associated with depth, temperature, and salinity. Further research should be conducted on other factors that contribute to the diversity of macrobenthos along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia's EEZ.