Influences of Physico-Chemical Water Parameter on The Natural Distribution Site of Cokcles (Tegillarca granosa and Anadara antiquata) in Coastal Areas of Kuala Kedah, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

This study has deduced the influences of physico-chemical parameter towards the natural distribution of cokcles (Tegillarca granosa and Anadara antiquata) in coastal areas of Kuala Kedah, Kedah, Malaysia. Several studies on cockle culture sites were conducted throughout West Coast of Malaysia’s waters. Kuala Kedah has been identified to have similarities in physical characteristics for cockle culture thus determining the best way to explore the coastline of Kuala Kedah of cockle culture. Cockles nowadays are one of the biggest contributions in Malaysia’s aquaculture landings. This is due to cockle’s ideal characteristics for aquaculture industries for its high growth rate, availability throughout most time of the year and highly demanded by the locals. The study used 48 hours observation on physical parameters on one point at the river mouth of Kuala Kedah River which water quality of physical and nutrients and bathymetry. The biomass of the cockles was done using swept- using a core made to harvest cockles. The 48 hours observation suggested that each of the physical parameters were homogenous while the stations physical parameter and nutrients overall showed that temperature ranged 27.90 to 28.47 ºC, salinity 28.15 to 33.92 ppt, DO 3.92 to 7.03, ph 7.62 to 8.34, turbidity 4.58 to 158.17 NTU, TSS 6.82 to 344.83 mg/L and chlorophyll a 3.17 to 18.65 µg/L in addition that study area was in a slope condition. Both T. granosa and A. antiquata were found. Present study recommended the study site can be proposed as a cockle culture site.