Utilization of nursery propagated grey mangrove (Avicennia Marina forssk)‎ vierh (1904)‎ seeds and wildlings in the treatment of shrimp pond effluent water in Jazan Area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Mature seeds (propagules) of the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) were collected from three different localities lying along the Jazan Red Sea coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The season of seed collection extended from early January to mid April.

Large–sized seeds ranged in diameter from 38.0 – 50.0 mm; while the smallest ones ranged in diameter from 18.0 – 35.0 mm.

The husks were removed from seeds and undamaged ones, which were free from insect infestation, were reared in the mangrove nursery.

The overall rearing period of seeds lasted for about 7- 8 months during which they attained a height of about 100 cm.

A.

marina wildlings, on the other hand, were collected from intertidal areas adjacent to Arabian Shrimp Company-shrimp farming site during the period May - July.

They were placed in polythene bags and transported directly to the nursery where they were reared for a period of about 5 -6 months during which they attained a height of 75- 84 cm...

A total number of 19,262 A.

marina seeds and wildlings were successfully reared in the nursery, with an average survival rate of about 77.3 % and 87.8 % respectively.

Fully grown seedlings (i.

e.

those attaining a height of 75- 100 cm) were subsequently removed from the nursery and planted on the sides of the farm main drainage system to absorb excess nutrients present in the shrimp farm effluent water before being discharged into the surrounding Red Sea water.

Water parameters (i.e.

temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen) recorded for the mangrove nursery and main drainage canal were all within the limits favourable for the growth of A.

marina seedlings.