Seagrass Diversity and Distribution in Maribojoc Bay, Bohol, Philippines

Abstract

Seagrasses are major parts of coastal and marine biodiversity. Unfortunately, these aquatic plants and their ecological values are virtually unknown to many Filipinos. This study assessed the seagrasses in Maribojoc Bay, particularly in the coastal areas of the three municipalities, namely Maribojoc, Dauis, Panglao, and the City of Tagbilaran. Ecological assessments were conducted to determine the composition, abundance, distribution, percent cover, diversity, dominance, and evenness of seagrass species. Eight sampling sites were surveyed from October to December 2020. Seven seagrass species were identified, with Thalassia hemprichii as the most abundant (52.79%). There was a significant difference (p>0.05) in seagrass species relative abundance. The Shannon diversity index implies low diversity (H’=1.40) of seagrass species. High dominance (2.98) and low evenness (0.72) were attributed to the high abundance of T. hemprichii in the seagrass beds. The seagrass coverage was characterized by patchy and continuous meadows, with percentage cover ranging from 17.45% (poor) – 60% (good). Maribojoc Bay had a seagrass percentage cover of 38.65%, which can be classified under “fair” conditions. Seagrass community structure implies sparse coverage and low diversity, probably due to the deterioration of once-continuous meadows. However, further studies concerning seagrass communities are recommended in order to implement rehabilitation program or improve current management in Maribojoc Bay.

Anthropogenic Activities Alter The Seagrass Ecosystem In Southern Philippines

“…It was observed in the Mexican Caribbean, where ecological tourism makes the turtlegrass, T. testudinum, sparser, shorter, grow more slowly, and have more epiphytes (Herrera-Silveira et al 2009). In addition, seagrass habitat destruction due to the unregulated expansion of coastal development for tourism is among the major pressures identified by coastal communities in Maribojoc Bay, Bohol, Philippines (Mascariňas and Otadoy, 2023). Moreover, the results revealed a decrease in seagrass cover with increasing anthropogenic activities, consistent with previous reports on the negative impact of human activities on seagrass beds.…”