Status of Benthos and Reef Fish Communities in Pujada Bay, Davao Oriental, Mindanao

Lea  A. Jimenez,; Bernadette  J. Nanual,; Reynaldo  M. Nogodula,

Status of Benthos and Reef Fish Communities in Pujada Bay, Davao Oriental, Mindanao

Bernadette J. Nanual | Reynaldo M. Nogodula | Lea A. Jimenez

Discipline: agriculture, food and related studies

Abstract:

Coral reef resources, particularly corals, macrobenthos and reef fish in Pujada Bay in the southeastern coast of Mindanao were assessed in 2002 to determine their status. A one-shot standard survey methods of corals and their associate fish was conducted in the reef sites of Guang-guang, Manguihay, Lawigan, Mamali and Macambol. Softbottom macrobenthos in these reef sites were monitored for one year. Hard coral cover in Pujada Bay was in a poor to fair category. Reef fish had low diversity and indicator species were low in abundance - the conditions indicative of a degraded reef. Reef fishes were dominated by low-valued species and high-value species had low incidence - a profile symptomatic of overfishing. The preponderance of herbivore fish species in some reef areas bespeaks of the important role of vegetation in supporting the productivity of the reef. The reef sites supported a diverse group of macrobenthos largely, mollusks. Reefs in Macambol showed a good coral-reef fish condition while that in Mamali was in a poor state. Despite the latter, the reef supported a good number of macrobenthos and reef fish. Protective, enhancement and rehabilitation activities are needed to stop if not reverse the dismal situation of the Bay. Good management of land-based activities must also be pursued alongside reef ecosystem management.

References:

Abbot, R.T. & Dance, S.P. 2000. Compendium of Seashells. California: Odyssey Publ. 411 p.
Alcala, A.C. & Russ, GR. The role of socio-economic factors in coral reef protection and management. In press.
Choat, J.H. & Bellwood, DR. 1991. Reef Fishes: Their history and evolution. In P.F. Sale (ed.), The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. USA-Academic Press, Inc. 39-66 p
DENR. (Undated). Community-Based Coastal Environmental Program for Pujada Bay (Model Site). CEP Prirner. p.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and Department of Interior & Local Government. [DENR, DABFAR & DILGI. 2001. Philippine Coastal Management Guidebook: Managing Municipal Fisheries. Cebu City, Phi. 122 p.
Engermann, J.G. & Hegner, R.W. 1981 Invenebrate Zoology. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co. p.
English, S, Wilkinson, C. & Baker, V. (ed.). 1997. Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources. Townsville, Australia: Australian Institute of Marine Science. 390 p.
Environment and Natural Resources Atlas of the Philippines. 1 9 9 8 . philS.: Environmental Center of the Philippine Foundation. P
Gomez, ED., Aifio, P.M., Licuanan, W.R.Y. & Yap, H.T. 1994. Status report on coral reefs Of the Phi’s. In: Proc. 3rd ASEAN-Australia Symposium on Living I Costal Resources. P
Gomez, E.O. & Chavez, V.B. 1987. Research on Philippine Mollusks, In: Mafigaser, M.A. & Lantican. C.M. (ed). Status of Molluscs Resources and Prospects for Development. Phils_: Phi. Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research & Development, BeaureuFisheriesAquat1cResources. p.
Hilomen, V.V. 1998. Output of workshop on the standardization Of field methods for the assessment of coastal resources of the Sutu-Celebes Project. p.
Hodgson, G. & Liebeier, J. 2002, The Globäl Coral Reef Crisis: Trends and solutions. Phl. Reef Check Foundation. 77 p
King, M. 2007. Fisheries Biology, Assessment and Management. UK: Blackwell Pubishing. 382 p
Jeffries, M.J, 1997. Biodiversity and Conservation. London: Routledge. p.
Nanola, CL. Jr., P.M. AliöO, AL. Dantis, M.C. Rafiola, V. Hilomen & J. Cabansag. 2002. Understanding Philippine Reef Fishes: A key to fisheries management and marine biodiversity conservation. In: Aliöo, P.M., Miclat, E.F.B. Nahola. CL. Jr.,
Roa-Quiaoit, HA. & Campos, R.T (ed.), Atlas of Philippine Coral Reefs. Quezon City, Phl.: Philippine Coral Reef Information (Philreefs), Goodwill Trading co., Inc. 22-26 p.
Nichols, J.T. & Bartsch, P 1945. Fishes and Shells of the Pacific World. NY: Macmillan Co. p.
Ray, G_C. & Grassle, J.F. 1991. Marine biological diversity. BioSdence 41 (7):453- 457.
Robertson, D.R 1991. The role of adult biology in the timing of spawning of tropical reef fishes. In: Sale, P.F. (ed.). The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. USA: Academic Press, Inc. 356-386 p.
Robichaud, D. Hunte, W. & Chapman, M.R. 2000. Bulletin of Marine Science 67(2): 331-844.
Sabelli, B. 1980. Simon and Schuster’s Guide to Shells. Feinberg, H.S. (ed.). NY: Simon and Schuster’s, Inc. 512 p
Sancho. C., Solow, AR. & Löbél, p.s. 2000. Environmental influences on the diel timing of spawning in coral reef fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 206:133-212.
Savin. G, & White,A.T ‘967. Neighboring islands may not be the same. Tropical Coastal Area Management. 2(2):7-10
Schoppe, S. 2000. A Guide to Common Shallow Water Sea Stars, Brittle Stars, Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers and Feather Stars (Echinoderms) of the Philippines. Singapore: Times Media Private Ltd. p.
Silvoza P L. 1998. Sea Gardens in Danger. Canopy International. 24(5): 2.
Sotto, F. B. & von Cosel. 1982. Some commercial bivalves of Cebu, Philippines. The Philippine Scientist. 19:43-101.
Vincx. M.D. & Coomans, A. 1998. The Benthos of the Sea. Marine Biology, University of Gent. p.
White, A.T. 2001. Philippine coral Reets. • A natural history guides. Manila, Phi Bookmark, Inc, and Suiu Fund for Marine Conservation Foundation, Inc. p.\
Uychiaoco, A.J., Green, S.J. dela Cruz, M.T. Geite, P_A_ Arceo, H.O. AlihO, P.M & White, AT. 2001. Coral Reef Monitori for Management. Phi’ UP-MSI, UNDP GEFSrnall Grants Program, Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc, Voluntary Service Overseas, UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, CRMP, and FRMP. 110 p