Spatial Distribution and Quantitative Assessment of Seagrass Meadows in the Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Gujarat, India
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The present study assessed the spatial distribution and quantitative attributes of seagrass meadows in the Marine National Park and Sanctuary (MNP&S), Gujarat, using remote sensing, GIS and field-based quadrat sampling during February–March 2025. LISS-IV imagery (5.8 m spatial resolution) was used to delineate seagrass distribution, followed by field verification. A total of 103 quadrats were sampled across five islands to assess species composition, leaf-pair density, abundance, frequency, relative composition and canopy cover. Three species, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis and Halophila beccarii, were recorded. The mapped seagrass extent was 787.80 ha (7.88 km²), with the largest extent occurring in the Bhaider–Noru–Chank–Mitha-Khara Chusna–Tam Reef group (503.22 ha). Halophila ovalis was the most widespread species, occurring at all five sampled islands. Its highest leaf-pair density was recorded at Narara (499.33 leaf pairs m⁻²), while maximum canopy cover was recorded at Dhani (21.85%). Halophila beccarii, a Vulnerable species, was restricted to Dedeka-Mundeka, Dhani and Pirotan. The present assessment provides a contemporary baseline for seagrass distribution and species-level ecological attributes in the MNP&S. Differences from earlier estimates indicate the need for standardized, repeatable monitoring before temporal decline can be conclusively established.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7224762616