Abstract
Abstract Marine protected areas in the sampling sites have been established 8-13 years ago. This study was conducted to have a baseline information on the diversity, density and biomass of coral reef fishes inside and outside the five marine protected areas (MPAs) of Casay, Argao; Cawayan, Dalaguete; Daan-Lungsod Guiwang, Alcoy; North Granada, Boljoon and Sta. Cruz, Ronda (Control). Coral reef fishes in the MPAs were identified using Fish Visual Census Method. Results of the t-test showed that the mean diversity (fish species/250m2) of target and non-target fish species found in areas inside and outside the MPAs were significantly different. In terms of target species, the inside and outside density showed no significant difference. Similarly, density (ind./1,000m2) of non-target species inside and outside also showed no significant difference. This is an indication that fish density inside and outside the MPAs were more or less of the same condition. The mean biomass (kg/1,000m2) of target species inside and outside the MPAs showed a significant difference in contrast with non-target species inside and outside the MPAs which showed a no significant difference. Higher biomass of target fish species belonging to family Caesonidae (fusiliers) and Scaridae (parrotfishes) were commonly observed inside the MPAs. Results showed that fish species were more diverse with higher density and biomass inside the MPAs than the outside area. However, fish diversity and density were contributed mostly by non-target species. Hence, the need for a long-term protection and a well-managed MPA to improve fish population in terms of diversity, density and biomass specifically, target fish species.
Highlights
Coral reef fishes form one of the most diverse community associations of animals in nature
Reef fish status of the Marine protected areas (MPAs) were determined based on fish diversity expressed as, fish density expressed as and fish biomass expressed as
Based on Hilomen’s classification, diversity of target species were categorized as poor to moderate while non-target species were moderate to high in condition inside the MPAs (Table 4)
Summary
Coral reef fishes form one of the most diverse community associations of animals in nature. A near shore fish fauna in excess of 2,000 species is known from the Philippines, the generally acknowledged center of diversity of coral reef fishes. Coral reef fishes are highly diverse, both in number of species and in range of forms (Alcala, 2001). Marine protected areas (MPAs) are valuable tools in protecting coral reef habitats and managing near-shore fisheries and play important roles in the overall conservation of marine biodiversity (Green et al, 2011). MPAs positive impacts have long been studied since its establishment in the year 1970s and have become popular tools for fishery management and biodiversity conservation in increasing fish population in the Philippines, and worldwide. When properly designed and well managed, an MPA can meet various marine and coastal conservation needs by preserving habitat and important species and protecting specific areas. In particular, can be effectively managed through implementation of “no-take” areas on reefs (Roberts and Polunin, 1993)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
