Presentation by :

Syaza Hani binti Jamaludin (P76797)

STAL 6043 Management and Conservation of Marine Resource

Marine communities that are affected by pollution

Species richness decrease while the abundance of tolerant species increase

Result : changes in invertebrate community structure, diversity & abundance

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

Aquatic invertebrates have varying degrees of ability to withstand pollution & so it can be indicators of water quality & habitat condition

Advantage : Invertebrates incorporate & embody pollution effects that occur over time in both local & wider areas

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

Any biological species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment

Indicator species can be among sensitive, intermediate or tolerant species in a region

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• A detritus feeder removing organic material from the substrate

• Usually found in sandy areas but some species can live on bio-film on rocks

Sea cucumber

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• A voracious predator of coral that has few natural predators

• If unchecked, COT can cause massive destruction of coral reefs in a relatively short space of time

Crown of thorn (COT) sea star

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• An active predator & feed on other molluscsand sea star

• Protect coral reefs by keeping down the numbers of COT sea star

• Their shells are often collected in some areas caused massive damage to coral on the reef

Triton trumpet

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• Filter sea water to extract plankton for food

• They are sensitive to water quality & therefore a good indication of water quality

Giant clam

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• It consume periphytonwhich is a mixture of algae & other nutrients

• Periphyton is an important indicator of water quality because it is extremely sensitive to ambient nutrient concentrationSea urchin

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

• They are exceedingly important to the coral reef ecosystem

• As filter feeders they do not do well in water with fluctuating salinity and therefore are an absolute indicator water quality

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

Sea squirt

• Overpopulations : lead to dramatic loss in living coral tissue, reduced reef resilience and recovery, from diseases

• A stable ecosystem : their numbers reduced as larvae when eaten by reef fish

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

Drupella snail

1. Measuring the size range (smallest to largest of organisms in each sorted group & record on the data sheet)

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

2. Total density sum & number of groups

mild pollution : increase the abundance of a few tolerant organisms

Severe pollution : lower overall density & diversity

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

3. Other possible comparison :

Compare to reference site(s) selected to represent relatively undisturbed conditions

Compare to the best conditions found in the area

Trends at the subject sample site over time

Aquatic Invertebrates as Water Quality Indicators

THANK YOU !!!