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ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published on :   29 Oct 2026, Volume - 2
Journal Title :   WebLog Journal of Earth Science | WebLog J Earth Sci | WJES
Source URL:   weblog icon https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjes.2026.j2902
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :   doi icon https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23911887

Substrate Composition and Ecological Dynamics in Marine Environments Along the Northern Coast of Langkawi

Mohamad Saupi Ismail 1 *
Jamil Tajam 2
Khairul Naim A Aziz 2
Sharir Aizat Kamaruddin 2
Md Nizam Ismail 1
Mohamad Sajjad Mohamad Azlan 2
Mohamad Najmuddin Mohd Sairi 2
1Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Batu Maung, 11960 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
2Marine Research Station (MARES), Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 02600 Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract

A marine habitat mapping study using an Acoustic Ground Discrimination System (AGDS) was conducted at nine different locations in Northern Langkawi: Teluk Tanjung Tembun, Teluk Datai, Teluk Sungai Langgara, Pulau Jemuruk, Teluk Yu, Pulau Dangli, Pulau Gasing, Pulau Pasir, and Teluk Pasir Panjang. Depth profiles revealed distinct characteristics at each site. Greater depths (exceeding 15 m) were recorded at Pulau Dangli, Pulau Gasing, and Pulau Pasir, while shallower conditions (1.1 to 4.4 m) were observed at locations such as Teluk Yu. The distribution of hard substrates and algae-covered dead corals indicated dynamic ecological changes. Pulau Jemuruk exhibited the highest percentage (15.16%), whereas Teluk Datai recorded a lower distribution (3.08%). Rocky substrate distribution showed spatial heterogeneity across Pulau Jemuruk, Pulau Dangli, Pulau Gasing, and Pulau Pasir. Overall, Teluk Datai demonstrated extensive coral cover (38,896 m²), while Teluk Tanjung Tembun displayed moderate coverage (10,821 m2). Furthermore, Teluk Datai recorded the largest extent of sandy substrate distribution (1,125,503 m2), whereas Pulau Gasing showed the smallest coverage (86,959 m2). Finally, Teluk Pasir Panjang exhibited a significant distribution of sandy silt and clay (138,645 m2). This holistic analysis provides a framework for effective conservation efforts and enables the development of strategic management plans. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable, site-specific conservation strategies tailored to the unique challenges of each location, ultimately contributing to the preservation of coral diversity and overall marine ecosystem health.

Keywords: Acoustic Ground Discrimination System (AGDS); Marine Habitat Mapping; Substrate Distribution; Coral Reef; Northern Langkawi

Citation

Ismail MS, Tajam J, Aziz KNA, Kamaruddin SA, Nizam Ismail M, Mohamad Azlan MS, et al. Substrate Composition and Ecological Dynamics in Marine Environments Along the Northern Coast of Langkawi. WebLog J Earth Sci. wjes.2026.j2902. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23911887
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