This study is the first large‐scale genetic population study of the three dominant tropical species of seagrass in the southern Philippines. The aim was to understand the genetic diversity, population structure, and clonality of Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea rotundata for appropriate ecosystem management and conservation. Population genetics analysis for the 15 sites was performed by using polymorphic microsatellite markers within the regional geographical scale. The results showed that the population genetic parameters across the Mindanao region are low to high. Overall, Clonal richness was highest in E. acoroides, followed by T. hemprichii and C. rotundata, indicating sexual reproduction is prevalent. The largest genet found in the study was at Rizal, Northern Mindanao, wherein throughout the sampling area only one genet was identified. The mean FIS (coefficient of local inbreeding) values were positive (heterozygous deficit) with some sites deviating from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Significant pairwise population genetic differentiation was found among many sites. Isolation by distance (IBD) was detected in T. hemprichii and C. rotundata (P < 0.05) but not in E. acoroides (P = 0.253). IBD is present among populations, maybe influenced by the ocean current system in the southern Philippines, but it has to be confirmed yet in the future study. If the goal is to maintain the genetic connectivity of these ecologically important seagrass species, conservation planning and implementation of marine protection should be considered at the regional scale – following the Mindanao Ocean currents.
A study was conducted to assess the abundance and value of commercially important bivalves and gastropods within the seagrass beds of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. The line transect method was used to assess the diversity of the bivalves and gastropods within the seagrass beds and coring was used in collecting sediment samples. Laguindingan was categorized as undisturbed site, while Rizal as disturbed site. The results identified three families of gastropods in undisturbed and thirteen families in disturbed, comprising a total of seven bivalves and six gastropods. Cyprea sp. Dominated in undisturbed area, while Anadara inequivalves dominated in disturbed area. The diversity index in disturbed (1.57) was greater than in undisturbed (0.88) probably due to high organic matter (2.56ppm) compared to the undisturbed area (1.92ppm). Ironically, the total volume of bivalves and gastropods production in disturbed area was higher at19.84 kg compared with2.23 kg in undisturbed. In terms of total monetary value, the undisturbed production could yield PHP 22,672.32 (USD 466.48) in an approximated area of 165 ha, while PHP 422,130.50 (USD 8,685.37) in 326 ha in the disturbed area. The study revealed that higher diversity resulted in higher production with greater monetary value derived from bivalves and gastropods in disturbed area contributed by higher organic load. Protection and management of the seagrass beds is likely most needed in both disturbed and undisturbed are as to support not only a robust but also a healthy production of shellfish fit for human consumption.
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