Describing the importance of seagrass habitat to the associated fisheries in Kay Reyna, Lian, Batangas, Philippines

Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Antonio Samuel Mamauag

Defense Panel Chair

Priscilla Hope Swann

Defense Panel Member

Priscilla Hope Swann
Hilarie P Orario
Laurence Robles

Abstract (English)

The Philippines hosts the second-highest diversity of seagrass species globally, playing a crucial ecological, and socio-economic role in coastal communities in the tropics. Seagrass beds are highly productive marine ecosystems and particularly serve as habitats and nursery grounds for a wide array of marine species, including those of economic importance to small-scale fisheries. This study is the first to assess the ecological importance of seagrass habitats in Kay Reyna, Lian, Batangas, and the ecological service (i.e. fisheries) that local fishing communities can benefit from. Using a modified version of the HINGACU-Palawan technique, three most commonly observed seagrass species were identified: Enhalus acoroides, Halodule pinifolia, and Thalassia hemprichii from an expansive seagrass bed in Kay Reyna. Species composition and density seemed to vary with zones (proxy to depth), with the middle zone showing the highest density. These results, however, remain to be validated due to lack of replication. Nonetheless, the current conditions of the seagrasses in Kay Reyna reflect established taxonomic and growth characteristics for tropical settings. A combination of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), one-on-one interviews, and a preliminary fish landing survey revealed, among other things, that the small-scale fisheries in Lian suggest overfishing. Moreover, the rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens was the most commonly occurring commercially important fish targeted in the fishing grounds of Kay Reyna near seagrass beds. The fish landing survey showed an average fish length of approximately 18.0 cm TL, which appears to be larger than those in previous studies. There are several possible explanations and one of which may be that the Kay Reyna rabbitfishes may be subjected to low levels of exploitation given that the sampled area is under strict fishery regulation. However, limitations in sampling frequency necessitate further studies to confirm conclusive generalization of the trends we observed. Nonetheless, we believe that these preliminary findings provide key insights to the management of biological resources, maintaining marine biodiversity while utilizing them sustainably.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Seagrasses--Philippines--Batangas; Fisheries--Philippines--Batangas

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Embargo Period

8-18-2025

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