Life Beneath the Tides: Seagrass Meadows in Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Giselle B. Ramos, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Tandag Campus, Rosario, 8300 Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, PhilippinesFollow
Roxan E. Caray, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Tandag Campus, Rosario, 8300 Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Seagrasses are a valuable component of global blue carbon ecosystems yet are also endangered due to natural and man-made pressures. This study assessed the seagrass resources regarding species community structure and diversity using a transect-quadrat design along the intertidal coastlines of selected towns of Surigao del Sur. Of the 19 recorded species in the Philippines, seven common species were observed: Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Thalassia hemprichii, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Halophila ovalis. Across study sites, the most evident species are T. hemprichii, C. rotundata, and S. isoetifolium; the existence of these dominant species reduces this blue carbon ecosystem diversity. The highest diversity was noted at Tandag (1.43), while Cortes and Bayabas have H' = 1.08 and H' = 1.10 respectively; nevertheless, these low diversity indices (<2.0) indicate unstable communities in these coastal towns. Multivariate analyses further demonstrated significant direct associations between seagrass species and the environmental factors that impact the growth, abundance, composition, and distribution of various species in the sites. Conversely, both natural and human-induced pressures, particularly effluents and increasing sea surface temperatures caused by global climate change, can result in sublethal effects on the quality of the habitat and the future availability of this valuable resource. Consequently, immediate action and effective methods are necessary to mitigate this unfavorable condition and preserve the seagrass beds. The present investigation addresses the dearth of knowledge on the community ecology of these species, which could be crucial for coastal management. This may also provide valuable scientific data to forge and foster public-private linkages and ensure efficient coordination among concerned agencies and the local communities.

First Page

Last Page

Recommended Citation

Ramos, Giselle B. and Caray, Roxan E. (2025) "Life Beneath the Tides: Seagrass Meadows in Surigao del Sur, Philippines," Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science: Vol. 35: No. 1, Article 4.