Quantifying Shoot Density and Biomass of Seagrass Beds in the Central Coast of Vietnam

This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive database of shoot density and biomass characteristics of seagrass beds in several coastal waters in Central Vietnam. The survey process of the characteristics related to shoot density and biomass of seagrass beds was carried out mainly in the dry season (from April to September) during the period from 2017-2019. The data were collected at six sampling locations in Lang Co lagoon, Thua Thien Hue Province; five sampling locations at Cua Dai estuary in Quang Nam Province and Van Phong bay, Khanh Hoa Province; and finally in Ly Son MPA (Marine Protected Area) with nine sampling locations. The characteristics of shoot density collected through the field surveys obtained the difference in the Central Coast region. DW (Dry Weight) biomass of seagrass in Lang Co lagoon and Cua Dai estuary reached 76.56 ± 52.38 (g DW)/m²) and 53.21 ± 57.66 (g DW/m²), respectively dominated by Thalassia hemprichii and Halodule pinifolia in Lang Co lagoon and Cua Dai Estuary, respectively. The rate of above- and below-ground biomass was different. Seagrass species tended to grow below-ground part compared to above-ground part. The study results would be a significant database on environmental informatics to promote the sustainable management of seagrass resources in the central coastal areas of Vietnam.