Leaving a Lasting Mark

By Juan Victor M. Gamo

The objective of our study was to use data on coral bite marks (i.e. bite mark density

per unit area, total bite length, and bite mark dimensions) of parrotfishes to form a conjecture

as to the community composition of the parrotfishes in a fishing zone and a no-take zone in

Calatagan, Batangas, which will have implications in the level of ecosystem functioning in the

study sites. Upon knowing the community composition of parrotfishes in the area, the hope is

that ideas may be formulated on future studies and projects that would better assess the efficacy

of no-take zones in the area, the overall condition of parrotfish species in the area, and ways to

better preserve these species.

Parrotfishes are known to perform key ecological roles in coral reef ecosystems. They

are notable agents for various ecological processes such as bioerosion, biogenous sediment

generation, and sediment transport. The feeding activities of parrotfishes significantly

influences benthic community structures and contributes to the maintenance of coral reef health

and resilience. In a region (Calatagan) where tourism and fisheries is vital to the economy,

understanding reef health and the species that maintain it is vital to the conservation of its

resources and the protection of the community’s livelihood.

This project would not have been possible without the assistance of the good people of

Calataganda Travel & Tours Services in Calatagan, Batangas; in particular, Kuya Apay and

Kuya Jessie Delos Reyes. Kuya Jessie was responsible for the overall accommodation

including food and equipment, while Kuya Apay was the boat navigator throughout the trip

who ensured our safety. Gratitude is also owed to the SOSE Dean’s Office, SOSE Sanggunian

and the Office of Admission and Aid for their financial assistance through their subsidy grants.

Special recognition is owed to Bea Gruta, Pawee Javier, and all the members of the

SOSE SAS team who accommodated the subsidy requests and provided generous subsidy

grants to multiple thesis groups. The panel who accommodated our request, led by Mr.
Christopher Peabody, did a really good job in getting to know our study and suggesting tweaks

in our methods to cut down our costs. Ate Cha Cenas was also very thorough in explaining the

necessary steps in order to acquire the check for the grant; and the process of giving back our

valid receipts.

Our study was a success; and much of this is attributed to the support of the SOSE

Dean’s Office, the SOSE Sanggunian, and the SOSE SAS team. We are hopeful that our thesis

will leave a lasting mark not just in the community of Calatagan, but also in the Ateneo

community. We were encouraged to publish our study in a journal, and we are highly motivated

to do so. Awareness regarding the importance of parrotfishes on our local coral reefs needs to

be significantly raised. Considering their various significant roles in the reef ecosystem, a

possibility of extinction of these reef herbivore species would be a major setback to the

abundance and diversity of the coral reefs in the Philippines. We hope that our study may serve

as a beacon of light that may illuminate the significance of the parrotfishes to our fellow

Filipinos.