Assessment on the seagrass cover in Cabucan Island Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu Philippines

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Research Paper 01/09/2020
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Assessment on the seagrass cover in Cabucan Island Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu Philippines

Yhebron J. Lagud, Ferlyn V. Logronio, Junnasir M. Sakilan, Rosanilio M. Yagos
J. Bio. Env. Sci.17( 3), 93-100, September 2020.
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Abstract

The importance of seagrasses for the sustainability of the fisheries resources to ensure food security, cannot be discounted. It played an important role in the marine ecosystem due to their productivity level that benefits any organism in the marine ecosystem. An assessment on the seagrass cover is essential to provide a baseline data for the conservation and protection of this ecosystem to maintain sustainability of this resources. The study investigated the status of seagrasses using three transect lines and ocular inspection. Three species of seagrass were identified on the area, namely Enhalus acoroides, Thallasia hemprichii and Thallasia testudinum. The condition of the seagrass beds were determined and identified to be generally under good condition, 51-75% coverage. Results showed that sediment nutrient availability, water flow and water level were significantly associated to the abundance of the seagrasses. The observed activities like blast fishing and placement of seagrass meadows into seaweeds farm threaten the seagrass ecosystems of the area. Thus, the importance of seagrass should not be overlooked in implementing policies, management and conservation in the area.

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