Seagrass Meadow Mapping and Characterization at Bijol Island, The Gambia

Abstract

The information on seagrass distribution is scarce in West Africa, which is needed for proper planning and management of seagrass meadows in the region. Accurate information on their distribution and abundance is required for appropriate marine resource conservation and management of seagrass ecosystems. The two seagrass species found at this site were Halodule wrightii and Cymodocea nodosa. The study involved in situ data from GPS and quadrats recording seagrass percentage cover and canopy height. A multiparameter sensor was used to record environmental parameters for example (Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, Temperature) likely to alter the structure of the seagrass communities. To gauge stakeholders’ level of understanding and participation in seagrass conservation, questionnaires targeting fishermen and institutions with a mandate of managing these resources were administered. Twenty-seven (27) transects were conducted during data collection, of which two hundred and ninety-seven (297) were the number of quadrats. We recorded a higher seagrass coverage closer to the shoreline, where it was shallower, with an average quadrat record of 47%, while the more profound part had an average record of 10%. At Tanji, one of the leading fish landing sites along The Gambian coast, only fourteen per cent (14%) of the fishermen knew what seagrasses are, while 22% of fishermen at the Brufut fish landing site knew what seagrass are. The survey indicated that only 1% of the respondents were fortunate to be sensitized to seagrass importance and management measures. Results showed that 46% of the stakeholder institutions have never participated in meetings related to the management of Bijol Island. Therefore, seagrass mapping and characterization at Bijol Island was an important step and will support managers and decision-makers in their actions.