Life Beneath the Tides: Seagrass and Soil Substrates of Siargao’s Coastal Zones | InformativeBD

Jhondel P. Baranggan,  Archie D. Cawaling, Aldwin Y. Sarmen, Mauricio S. Adlaon, and Mariah Jay E. Escatron, from the institute of Philippines. wrote a Research Article about, Life Beneath the Tides: Seagrass and Soil Substrates of Siargao’s Coastal Zones. Entitled, Sea-grass assessment and soil substrates along the coast of Barangay Union and Malinao, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES.  an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This research study comprehensively assessed seagrass characteristics using the transect quadrat method in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Three 50 m transect lines and laid parallel, separated by a 25 m distance, and readings were taken using steel quadrats placed every 5 m along the transects. A total of 11 quadrats were laid in each transect, and five seagrass species were recorded: Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, and Halodule pinifolia.As displayed in Tables 2, 3, and 4, the outcomes showed the percentage of seagrass coverage in each quadrat and the corresponding seagrass species. The dominant species varied across the quadrats, highlighting the spatial variability in seagrass distribution. Transect 1 had the highest species richness, while Transect 3 exhibited the most dominance and evenness. The study also analyzed the substrate types in the site, including clay, silt, sand, gravel, and rock. The preference of seagrass species for coarse sand substrate was seen, while rocky substrates had minimal seagrass cover. Transect 3 predominantly featured a coarse sand substrate. The findings indicate that it is suggested to implement conservation and management measures to protect and preserve the seagrass ecosystems. Restoration efforts should be considered in areas with absent or poor seagrass coverage. The dominant seagrass species should receive special attention in conservation efforts. Long-term monitoring programs are crucial to track changes in seagrass coverage and species composition. Lastly, this research provides valuable insights into the seagrass characteristics and their interplay with substrate types in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. The findings contribute to the area’s understanding and conservation of seagrass ecosystems.

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Introduction

Laws and policies have been implemented to preserve the Philippines' coastal and marine ecosystems. Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) is a significant conservation area that protects its biological integrity and beauty while encouraging sustainable development and wise use of its resources. It is a protected area under Republic Act No. 7586, spanning 278,914.131 acres of landscape and seascape in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao. These municipalities were Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Socorro, and Santa Monica (Calagui et al., 2022). On October 10, 1996, the island was designated a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) protected area Law, Presidential Proclamation No. 902. The protected area promotes sustainable practices, responsible tourism, and community-based conservation activities to preserve Siargao Island's distinctive biodiversity and natural resources. This serves as a significant conservation area, preserving Siargao's natural heritage and enhancing the livelihoods of nearby communities. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment published DAO 2016-26 in October 2016, which sets guidelines for maintaining and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems in the Philippines.

Since then, the Department has created and implemented policies and programs to address the issues causing the deterioration of natural ecosystems across the country. The efforts undertaken as part of this program aim to restore the coastal and marine ecosystem services to their original state and to improve their natural resilience.

This is accomplished using scientific research, community participation, and practical experience, all guided by precautionary principles. The primary purpose is to ensure the conservation and management of the Philippines' coastal and marine habitats. These legislative frameworks aim to guarantee these priceless natural resources conservation and sustainable management (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2016).

Seagrass meadows play a physical benefit and are critical components of SIPLAS, supporting marine life, carbon sequestration, sediment stability, and water quality enhancement. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that constitute ecologically and commercially significant ecosystems in coastal zones worldwide (Potouroglou, 2017).This contributes significantly to the Philippine coastal ecology, and some sections of the country have effectively mapped seagrass areas to manage the coast (Brazas & Lagat, 2022). Its ecosystems are significant for commercial and subsistence fisheries because they provide feeding grounds and shelter for fish, crabs, and shellfish, sustaining local fishing populations. However, anthropogenic activities, such as climate change, adversely affect seagrass meadows' health and functionality (Dunic et al., 2021).

Environment change and human activity both have an impact on seagrass habitats. Furthermore, rising temperatures, sediment erosion, and acidity are some of climate change's direct and indirect effects on seagrass meadows (Wilson & Lotze, 2019). Due to their role as trophic and nursery crucial for fishes and bigger vertebrates, seagrasses are a vital component of the coastal environment. Animal species like crabs, prawns, shellfish, and fishes devour them directly in the form of leaves and indirectly in the form of detritus and epiphytes (Edgar et al., 2001).

Seagrass beds were decimated by siltation and excessive harvesting of the plants and wildlife that were present there. In their ruthless removal of the plant in the quest for bivalves, the gleaners destroy the plant and its habitat (Tanduyan et al., 2021). Seagrasses endure natural pressures such as storms, excessive grazing, and disease, but this valuable ecosystem also suffers from human threats. Due to their coastal proximity, seagrass beds are especially vulnerable to runoff pollution from urban and agricultural areas, carrying contaminants such as pesticides, household chemicals, oils, automotive wastes, fertilizers, and other chemicals and debris. This excess leads to algae blooms, which deplete oxygen supplies and smother seagrasses, causing massive die-offs. Dredging and prop scarring also tear up meadows, leaving open spaces that take years to regrow. In addition, seagrass plants promote nutrient cycling; they act as a nutrient pump. Plants absorb nutrients from the earth through their leaves and discharge them into the water. In nutrient-deficient locations. (Reynolds et al., 2018).

Human actions have significantly impacted the seagrasses' current state. Therefore, to create plans for sustainability and conservation, it is required to evaluate its status and condition. In addition, Siargao Island's crystal-clear ocean results from this ecosystem, making it a well-liked vacation spot. In Barangay Union, Dapa, and Barangay Malinao, General Luna, seagrass beds play a significant role. It must also keep monitoring and safeguarding this ecosystem. The study aims to assess the soil substrate and determine the seagrass species in a region where several fishermen regularly fish for various species, including fish, shrimp, and grabs.

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