Seagrass vegetation analysis and mapping in a biodiversity-rich cove of the West Philippine Sea

Abstract

There were three identified species of seagrass in the coastal waters of Maragondon, Cavite. It was recorded in the year 2020 during the first Cavite Seagrass Exploration. The study was conducted during the month of November 2021, the last month of the wet season in the Philippines. The study determined the vegetation structure, percent cover, total area, and location of the seagrass meadows. Line transect and quadrat methods were used to determine the vegetation structure and biodiversity index of the seagrass meadows. The Braun-Blanquet technique was used to determine the percent cover of the seagrass, epiphytes, and macroalgae. There were three species found in the area - Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Halodule univervis, with a very low diversity index (< 1.9999 H’). This number could have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem as well as on the local communities. The most frequently occurring, highly dense, and most abundant species among the species present is H. hemprichii. The seagrass covers range from 32% to 42% while the macroalgal cover and epiphyte cover range from 12.7% to 32% and 15% to 53.6% respectively. The newly discovered seagrass meadows in Cavite have a total area of 1.05 hectares and it is located in Patungan Cove in Maragondon, Cavite. These seagrass meadows play a vital role in the preservation and nursery of fish and other marine organisms and are also an important source of livelihood for the fishermen and local communities. Lastly, continuous assessment and monitoring of the seagrass meadows and rehabilitation programs were proposed for the sustainable management of the area.