Annual variations in diversity, distribution and abundance of the benthic macrofauna in the two most recreational sandy beaches on Sichang Island, Chonburi Province, in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand
Keywords:
Sandy beach, benthic macrofauna, biodiversity, distribution, abundanceAbstract
Field study was conducted from January to December in 2022 to examine the diversity, distribution, and species richness of benthic macrofauna in the two famous recreation sandy beaches, Sichang Island, Chonburi Province in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. At each location, two study stations were selected representing the areas with high tourism activities and low tourism activities. Each study station consisted of three sampling stations allocated at the upper zone, the middle zone and the lower zone. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the diversity index of benthic macrofauna between the two sandy beaches but not for the two study stations or three sampling stations. In conclusion, the results showed no decreasing benthic biodiversity, densities or a change occurring in the community in year-round at the two study stations and sampling stations at Tham Phang Bay and Tha Wang Bay, Sichang Island. As well, the authors suggest the use of Donax sp. as a bio-indicator for human impacts and environmental changes on the sandy beach as they could serve as potentially simple and economical tools for long-term monitoring of irreversible loss in biodiversity.
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