H.J.C. Mascariňas, J.B. Otadoy
Seagrass ecosystem is an important component of the coastal and marine biodiversity, yet seagrasses remain in decline in the Philippines. This study carried out spatial assessment on seagrass ecosystem in Maribojoc Bay. The spatial dataset consists of geographic, ecological and social data. Particularly, this study determined the spatial associations across environmental variables with seagrass biotic variables. Seven species of seagrass were identified and the occurrence ranged from Thalassia– Enhalus bed to a maximum of seven species in mixed communities. Maribojoc Bay had a “fair” seagrass condition. The findings of the study provide spatial data demonstrating that seagrass ecosystem in Maribojoc Bay was influenced by several environmental factors and land-use practices. Land-use related to human development had the most important impact on seagrass biological variables in the present study. Seagrass beds adjacent to human development showed lower seagrass density, species richness, percent cover and Th shoot density. Hence, the nature of coastal land is an important determinant of seagrass health and condition. The findings of the study suggest that mitigating human activities on land adjacent to seagrass communities is more important for maintaining seagrass biodiversity. It is therefore important to consider both marine and land-based strategies for mitigating declines in seagrasses and degradation. © 2023, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.
College of Technology and Allied Sciences, Bohol Island State University, Calape Campus, Bohol, Calape, Philippines; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines
