First report of seagrass (Halophila beccarii) from the mid-southern coast of Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal

Abstract

This current investigation presents the very first evidence of the vulnerable ocean turf grass, Halophila beccarii, in the intertidal region of the Andharmanik River, mid-southern coast of Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal. It was found in the muddy and shallow section of the mangroves, dominated by Sonneratia alba, Acanthus ilicifolius, and Avicennia marina. The meadow had an average density of 652 ± 71 shoots/m2. The presence of H. beccarii on Bangladesh's mid-southern coast is a positive indication of the enhanced health of the ecosystem. The presence of H. beccarii in this area will enhance water quality and sediment stability. This is the first record of any seagrass species on Bangladesh's mid-southern coast.