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In Partial Fulfilment of the

Requirements in Environmental Science

Submited by:

CANDORTCI 1st Year BSIT Students

Submitted to:

Allen Kelly R. Conte

Instructor

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I.c Title Page

II.c Table of Contents

III.c Rationale

a.c Objectives

b.c Significance

c.c Scope and Limitation

d.c Related Literatures

IV.c Materials and Methods

V.c Results and Discussion, Significant findings

VI.c Conclusions, Recommendations and Summary

VII.c Literature Cited

VIII.c Appendices
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A. Objectives

At the end of the activity the students are able to:

1.c Determine the species composition and abundance of mangroves and other associate

species in the selected sampling plots of Guang-guang., Mati Davao Oriental

2.c Determine the abiotic factors such as substrate type and leaf litters of the sampling plot.

3.c Identify human induced disturbances in the area.

4.c Submit data sets of the above mentioned objectives.

B. Significance

The significance of the observation is to know the population of the biotic factors in area

of study and know what the factors that affect their population are. Another significance is to

formulate a solution for the depletion of marine life in Pujada Bay as a whole.

Knowing those mangroves and seagrass ecosystems are vital in the maintenance of

marine environment, there is of course, a need for a study how we can preserve our marine

natural resources for the use of the future generations.

C. Scope and limitation

The scope of the study is situated in Guang-guang, Dahican, Mati City. It includes the

seagrass ecosystem parallel to the shoreline. The study also includes the mangroves growing the

said site.

The scope of the study is in the Guang-guang mangroves protected area, with the

following GPS coordinates and identified in the map below:

GPS reading

First Area 100 meters

1.c N 6.9173658 E 126.2612396 > Starting point

2.c N 6.9175575 E 126.2612504 > 25 meters

3.c N 6.9177599 E 126.2612799 > 50 meters

4.c N 6.9179596 E 126.2613094 > 75 meters

5.c N 6.9181466 E 126.2613228 > 100 meters

Second Area

1.c N 6.9170676 E 126.260604

2.c N 6.9170676 E 126.2604752

3.c N 6.9171422 E 126.2604859

4.c N 6.9170969 E 126.2605959

Map Set-Up:
D. Related Literatures

Seagrassses

Seagrasses are flowering plants that belong to kingdom Plantae. It is classified into four

families, (Posidoniaceae, Zosteraceae, Hydrocharitaceae, or Cymodoceaceae) in the order of

Alismatales (a type of monocotyledon plants), it grows in environments ranging from brackish

water to fully saline marine environments. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagrass

Compared to land plants

Seagrasses have many similarities to land plants, including the ability to produce energy

utilizing sunlight through photosynthesis, but they have no supportive stems and trunks that

allow land plants to overcome gravity. Seagrasses are instead supported by the natural buoyancy

of the water. They are strong enough, however, to dampen the effect of ocean currents in order to

provide protection for other organisms. http://ehow.com

Physiology

Seagrass in the tropics are induced to flower under continuous light. it suggest that the

length of a day only play a minor role in reproduction. Sea grasses grow all year round in the

tropical parts of the world. http://www.sciencedirect.com

Threats on seagrass bed

Humans harvest clams, oysters, mussels and crabs for food. These and many other

species are dependent on the health of the seagrass bed which is a part of the intertidal zone.

Human activities that disrupt the balance of the intertidal zone can have long-term adverse

effects.

During the process of human exploitation, many of organisms suffered from the loss of

ecosystem balance. Hence, then depletion and even extinction of species is on its process.

www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/_habitat.htm

Importance to humans

It is because that sea grasses like other photosynthetic plants convert carbon dioxide to

oxygen. In this case it has a major part of oxygenating the marine waters which is beneficial to

animals. Therefore it has a major impact in the food web which we humans are part of.

Hundreds of marine plants and animals live among seagrasscand form a complex and

fragile community.cSea turtles and manatees graze upon seagrass. Many types of shrimp, crabs,

worms, snails, and small fish spend their entire lives within seagrass meadows. Larger fish and

seabirds visit seagrass meadows to eat these smaller animals.c

Seagrass also improves the water quality by stabilizing loose sediment and filtering some

pollutants out of the water. Without seagrass, many areas would be a seascape of unstable

shifting sand and mud. Seagrass communities are an integral part of the web connecting shallow

water habitants that link wetland and mangrove communities to hard bottom and coral reefs.

cc

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_seagrass_important_to_us_human
Implementing laws on sea grass

As describe in The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, section 92, the operation of

destructive fishing gear and fishing practices that can destroy our seagrass bed. The government

implemented strict rules and regulations with fines which two (2) years to ten (10) years

imprisonment and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) to Five

hundred thousand pesos (P 500,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment

http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/legislation/irr_8550/fishery_code_irr.pdf

Mangroves

are variety of trees that grows up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal

sediment habitats in the tropical and subtropics ± mainly between latitudes 25° N and 25° S.

Such bosks are also part of the mangrove forest biome. The saline conditions tolerated by

different species ranging from brackish water, through pure seawater (30 to 40 ppt), to water

concentrated by evaporation to over twice the salinity of ocean seawater (up to 90 ppt).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove

Physiology

Mangroves grows in an environment where the water is has high salinity changing water

levels, and in sediments deprived with oxygen which would certainly exclude most plants.

However, mangroves survive in these conditions. They have evolved certain morphological and

physiological responses, which allow them to avoid the pitfalls of these harsh conditions.

Mangroves grow all throughout the year. It grows by saplings from their roots, although

some grow by seed. http://www.nhmi.org/mangroves/phy.htm

Importance to humans

Mangrove forests are home to a large variety of fish, crab, shrimp, and mollusk species.

These fisheries form an essential source of food for thousands of coastal communities around the

world. The forests also serve as nurseries for many fish species, including coral reef fish. This

makes mangrove forests vitally important to coral reef and commercial fisheries as well.

Mangrove wood is resistant to rot and insects, making it extremely valuable. Many

coastal and indigenous communities rely on this wood for construction material as well as for

fuel. These communities also collect medicinal plants from mangrove ecosystems and use

mangrove leaves as animal fodder. Recently, the forests have also been commercially harvested

for pulp, wood chip, and charcoal production.

The dense root systems of mangrove forests trap sediments flowing down rivers and off

the land. This helps stabilizes the coastline and prevents erosion from waves and storms. In areas

where mangroves have been cleared, coastal damage from hurricanes and typhoons is much

more severe. By filtering out sediments, the forests also protect coral reefs and seagrass

meadows from being smothered in sediment.

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web3/hayesconroyj3.html
Threats on mangrove

Mangrove forests have often been seen as unproductive and smelly, and so cleared to

make room for agricultural land, human settlements and infrastructure (such as harbours), and

industrial areas.

More recently, clearing for tourist developments, shrimp aquaculture, Mangrove trees are

used for firewood, construction wood, wood chip and pulp production, charcoal production, and

animal fodder. While harvesting has taken place for centuries, in some parts of the world it is no

longer sustainable, threatening the future of the forest and salt farms has also taken place. This

clearing is a major factor behind mangrove loss around the word.

The global overfishing crisis facing the world¶s oceans has effects far beyond the directly

overfished population. The ecological balance of food chains and mangrove fish communities

can also be altered.

Coral reefs provide the first barrier against currents and strong waves. When they are

destroyed, the stronger-than-normal waves and currents reaching the coast can undermine the

fine sediment in which the mangroves grow. This can prevent seedlings from taking root and

wash away nutrients essential for mangrove ecosystems. http://wwf.panda.org

Implementing Laws on mangroves

According to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, SECTION 94. The conversion of

mangrove area into fishpond is unlawful and prohibited.

http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/legislation/irr_8550/fishery_code_irr.pdf
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A.c Material

Transect tape, quadrat, secchi disk, alcohol thermometer, hand held refractometer,

calibrated rope, floaters, pH meter, water bottles, camera, watch, goggles, slate board,

pencil and paper or notebook.

B.c Methods

Data to be collected and processed in the following steps:

‡ The study site will be selected using GPS

‡ Transact line is perpendicular to the shoreline. The length

depends on the vegetation type (dense and sparse;

zonation pattern)

‡ The plot dimension is 10 m x 10 m.

‡ Within each plot, counts are made for tree counts; and in

1 m x 1 m subùplot counts are made for seedlings and

sapling.

‡ Counting the numbers of three class of maturity namely,

trees, saplings and seedlings by species within the plot

‡ Trees more than 4 m are measured species wise for

numbers and Girth at a breast height of 1.3 m

‡ Saplings between 1ù4 m and seedlings below 1 m are counted species wise for numbers

‡ Measure height of all the individuals species wise

‡ No. of benthic individuals of major groups in 0.25 x 0.25

m quadrates will be counted.

Data processing:

‡ Density is measured species wise and total in each plot as

follows:

Density of each species (no/ha)= no. x 10,000 m2 / area of

plot in m2

o Total density of all species = sum of all species densities

‡ Basal area is measured species wise and total in each plot as

follows:

o Basal area (m2) of each species = 0.005 x DBH

o Total basal area of all species (m2/ha)= sum of all species

basal area / area of plot in m2 x 10,000 m2

‡ Relative density = no. of individuals of a species / total no. of

individuals of all species x100

‡ Relative dominance = total basal area of a species / basal area of

all species x 100

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A. Table of results of Seagrass

Abundance Species Water temperature Water Water Substrate Salinity

Quadrat of seagrass Current Depth Type pH Content Human

Top Middle Bottom Disturbances

c Sandy

10 m 100 %
 sp. 27º C 27ºC 27 º C 4 m/s .70 m with 1.025ppt

seagrassess pebbles 35% 5-7

ic Waste

c sp. Sandy products

20 m 13 % seagrassess, 27º C 28ºC 27 º C 0.3 m/s .70 m with 1.025ppt like diapers

³bahag-bahag´ decayed 35% 5-7 and

shells

c sp. 1.025ppt cellophanes

30 m 100 % seagrassess 27º C 27 º C 25 º C 0.26 m/s .80 m Fine sand 35% 5-7 ic Swimmers

40 m 63 %
c sp.c 27º C 27 º C 27 º C 0.28 m/s .90 m Fine sand, 1.025ppt

seagrassessc shells 35% 5-7


 sp. 1.025ppt

50 m 50 % seagrassess are 27º C 26 º C 27 º C 0.38 m/s .90 m Muddy 35%

quite dominant 5-7

60 m 56 % 
c sp. 27º C 28 º C 28 º C 0.23 m/s 1m Sandy 1.025ppt

seagrassess 35% 5-7

70 m 63 % 
c sp. 27º C 27 º C 28 º C 0.20 m/s 1m Muddy 1.027ppt

seagrassess and sandy 39% 5-7

80 m 75 % 
c sp. 27º C 28 º C 27 º C 0.18 m/s 1m Muddy 1.048ppt

seagrassess 47% 5-7

90 m 44 % 
c sp. 27º C 28 º C 27 º C 0.20 m/s 1.3 m Sandy 1.031ppt

seagrassess 40% 5-7

100 m 100 % 
c c sp c 27º C 28 º C 27 º C 0.17 m/s 1.5 m Sandy 1.028ppt

seagrassessc 37% 5-7

B. Table of results of Mangroves

c c c c c c c c c

 c 
c 
c  c 
c  c  c 

c 
c  c

c   c
c  c  

 c
 
c

  c

Bakhaw 21 mm 1 15 mm 1 5 Sandy

Babae with

pebbles
 ic Waste

products like
Bakhaw 39 mm 1 18 mm 1 9 Sandy ic Crabs
cellophanes
Babae with icSea
and food
pebbles sna
wrappers
ke

icclams

Bakhaw 33 mm 1 11 mm 1 5 Sandy

Lalaki with

pebbles

Bakhaw 25 mm 1 11 mm 1 6 Sandy

Babae with
 pebbles

Pagatpat 46 mm 1 15 mm 1 7 Sandy

with

pebbles

Bakhaw 15 mm 1 13 mm 1 14 Sandy

Babae with

pebbles
Density of each species (no/ha)= no. x 10,000 m2 / area of plot in m2

Mangrove sapling ± 600 / sq. ha.

Mangrove seedling ± 4600 / sq. ha

Snake, crabs etc. ± population uncounted

o Total density of all species = sum of all species densities

Total mangrove density ± 5200 / sq. ha

‡ Basal area is measured species wise and total in each plot as

follows:

o Basal area (m2) of each species = 0.005 x DBH

Bakhaw babae 0.005 x 80(total circumference in DBH) = 0.4 mm

Bakhaw lalaki 0.005 x 33(total circumference in DBH) = 0.165 mm

Pagatpat 0.005 x 46(total circumference in DBH) = 0.23 mm

o Total basal area of all species (m2/ha)= sum of all species

basal area / area of plot in m2 x 10,000 m2

Mangrove basal area 0.005 x 179 (total circumference in DBH) = 0.895

‡ Relative density = no. of individuals of a species / total no. of individuals of all species

x100

Bakhaw babae = 37 / 51 (x100) = 72.55

Bakhaw lalaki = 6 / 51 (x100) = 11.76

Pagatpat = 8 / 51 (x100) = 15.70

 ‡ Relative dominance = total basal area of a species / basal area of all species x 100

Bakhaw babae 0.4mm / 0.795 (x100) = 50.3 mm

Bakhaw lalaki 0.165 / 0.795 (x100) = 20.75 mm

Pagatpat 0.23 / 0.795 (x100) = 28.95 mm

B. Significant findings

We have found out the factors that greatly affect the area of study negatively which follows:

ic Human disturbances are present in the place.

ic Human waste such as plastic is present in the area.

ic There is an evident depletion of species of sea grass and other marine life.

ic It is evident that pollution is present.

We theorize that if these threats is eliminated or prevented we can say that the protected area of

Guang-guang will be ³truly protected´.

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A.c Conclusion

This data proves that human disturbances affect the natural habitat of the

particular protected area.

B.c Recommendations

It would be useful to have a comprehensive study undertaken on the links

between humans, coastal ecosystems and both commercial and subsistence fisheries in

the whole Pujada bay.

Another approach to limiting the negative external effects of Guang-guang

protected area and even Pujada bay as a whole is to control and discourage illegal fishing

activities and and any other practices, through strict implementation of applicable laws.

Regulations may be introduced in a number of ways. Fundamental issues concern what

should be regulated, what form regulations should take, and who should be responsible

for their design and enforcement. These issues are closely related and must be considered

together.

Regulations may address use of resources for undesirable activities and practices

such as illegal fishing, the outputs from such activities or their negative effects. Controls

may also be imposed directly on activities and practices. If illegal activities are upsetting

ecosystem balance in coastal ecosystems, for example, controls on illegal practices or

equipment might be appropriate.

 Summary

The most dominant seagrass in the area are 
c sp, and
c
There are

also other organisms such as sea snakes, mangroves (such as pagatpat, bakhaw lalaki and

bakhaw babae), seashells, starfish, fishes and many other marine lives.

The protected area of Guang-guang, Mati, Davao Oriental is evidently exploited by

humans, in a factor in a tolerable rate as of now. We also find out that non-biodegradable

garbage are present in the said area. It may came from the city running all through the

way in the river to get their or it might be brought by people who are bathing in the said

place.

If the government will continue to allow this things happening, time will come that the

resistance in protecting that particular place will degrade. But as of now the risk of

extinction per rate of human disturbance in the area is not alarming, as long as our

citizens are responsible enough.

 c!

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Seagrass In 
cc . Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagrass

Seagrass In .com Retrieved from

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4F-4914VR9-

HB&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1982&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_o

rigin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1695483641&_rerunOrigin=

google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=620484346c6

68679f9e79cb8721368cb&searchtype=a

THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF 1998 (RA No. 8550)cRetrieved from

http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/legislation/irr_8550/fishery_code_irr.pdf/

Why_is_seagrass_important_to_us_human In wiki.answers.com Retrieved from

wiki.answers.com

Mangrove In http://en.wikipedia.org/ Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove

Mangrove In http:// www.nhmi.org / Retrieved from

http://www.nhmi.org/mangroves/phy.htm
öessica Hayes-ConroyccWhy the World needs its Mangroves: A look into the natural and human

relationships with mangrove forests In http serendip.brynmawr.edu / Retrieved from

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f00/web3/hayesconroyj3.html

Importance of Seagrass In www.ehow.com Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/about_6505059_importance-seagrass-beds.html#ixzz1IhzHs6Nu

Importance of intertidal zone In www.ehow.com Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/about_6856404_importance-intertidal-zone_.html#ixzz1Ii4lU3kd

Mangrove threats In www.panda.org Retrieved from

http://www.panda.org/1246466884545.cgi
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The research
Human disturbances