Spatial and Seasonal Standing Crop of Seagrass Communities during Adverse Times in the North-Western Province of the Philippines

Abstract

Standing crop of seagrass beds and their associated species in Ilocos Sur were studied. It looked into the species classification as to their division, class, order, family, genus, species, and scientific names. Further, the seasonal and spatial standing crop of the species in terms of average number of individuals (N) in every square meter and environmental factors were determined. Differences in spatial and standing crop in the areas were computed, and the relationship of ecological factors was likewisedetermined. This study used descriptive- correlational research design. Surface water temperature, salinity, and pH were monitored every sampling period in each quadrat to determine their influence on the species’ standing crop. Mean, analysis of variance, Scheffe Test and simple bivariate correlation were the statistical tools used. Results showed that ten seagrass species inhabit the four communities of the province. All belong to Division Angiospermae, Class Monocotyledonae, and Order Alismatale. Six (6) belong to Family Cymodoceaceae and four (4) belong to Hydrocharitaceae. These seagrass species belong to the genera Cymodocea, Enhalus, Halodule, Halophila, Thalassia, Thalassodendron and Syringodium. The biomass production of seagrassesin San Esteban, Santiago and San Juan was very high. In all the sites, salinity positively affected the standing crop; temperature had negative effect on it while pH had no effect. Thirty six (36) organisms were found out associated in the seagrass communities. Further monitoring is recommended to have a better assessment of the resource in order to identify factors causing disturbances to the seagrass habitats and to determine appropriate management efforts.