Diversity assessment of seaweeds in Mangrove and Seagrass Ecosystems in selected coastal municipalities Zambales, Philippines [manuscript]
Date
2019
Authors
Kathleen Mae C. Bautista
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Abstract
This study aimed to determine the different kinds of seaweeds present in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, the distribution pattern of the seaweeds, the economic and ecological value and the threats and problems that could affect the seaweeds. The collection of seaweeds in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems made use of random sampling method and quadrat method in selected coastal resources in the municipalities of Palguig, Masinloc, Sta. Cruz, and Candelaria Zambales, Philippines. Seaweeds from the area were collected, described, identified, classified and preserved. The vegetation of the area was determined using different ecological parameters. Results of the study revealed that there were 8 species of seaweeds existed in the seagrass and mangrove ecosystem, namely: Sargassum ilicifolium, Sargasum fulvellum, Turbinaria ornate, Halimeda macroloba, Padina australis, Neomeris annulata, Sargassum polycystum and Sargassum muticum. From the eight (8) seaweeds species that were collected, Sargassum fulvellum had the highest importance value index from the four selected coastal municipalities in Zambales. The species diversity of the seaweeds is very low in the selected mangrove and seagrass ecosystems in the four coastal municipalities in Zambales that had been assessed and monitored. The seaweeds are sources of food and medicines, used as fertilizers, cosmetics and for the extraction of industrial gums and chemicals. Based on the survey done, the seagrass and mangrove ecosystems had been greatly affected by human activities and natural calamities.