By: Justin Rhea M. Bandiola, Chenny Rose M. Rodriguez, Ralph Jan G. Saluna, Bencel John B. Robles, Hazel Kareen C. Villacanas, Mark Anthony J. Torres, Maria Luisa N. Cabrera, Elani A. Requieron
- Department of Biology, Mindanao State University, Philippines
- Department of Science, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Morales beach is one of the beaches located in the coastal town of Glan,
Sarangani Province and noted for its quite enormous coral reef which is
continuously degrading. This study was conducted to assess the health
status of coral reef ecosystem and to evaluate the physico-chemical
parameters of the area. Point Intercept Transect (PIT) method was used
to monitor live coral condition and the supporting fauna at a coral reef
ecosystem.
Physico-chemical parameters were obtained in situ using a
thermometer, refractometer, and a pH meter. The result of the study
showed a very low percentage cover of hard corals, no cover percentage
of soft corals and high cover percentage of other biota or substrate.
The reef areas exhibited poor coral cover with an average of 15 percent
live hard corals having family Acropora as the most dominant species
(Shannon diversity index of 1.653). Water samples obtained were within
the DENR (1990) standards suitable for the optimum growth of coral
reefs. The health status of the coral reefs in Morales beach showed a
partially disturbed reef due to human intervention. It is greatly
recommended to constantly monitor the coral conditions in order to
effectively manage and protect the increasing number of Marine Protected
Areas (MPA). Source of the original articles: A Rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs in morales Beach, Benoni, Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippine
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