National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)
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- Juvenile scleractinian assemblage and its association with adults and benthos at shallow and upper mesophotic depths in fringing and atoll reefs in the PhilippinesAlbelda, Ritzelle L.; Cabaitan, Patrick C.; Sinniger, Frederic P.; Dumalagan, Edwin Jr; Quimpo, Timothy Joseph R.; Olavides, Ronald Dionnie D.; Munar, Jeffrey C.; Villanoy, Cesar L.; Siringan, Fernando (Elsevier B.V, 2020-10-15)The juvenile stage is a critical part of a scleractinian’s life history as it is when they are highly vulnerable to various post-settlement mortality processes, which influence the structure of adult scleractinian assemblages. Although numerous studies have been done to understand dynamics of juvenile assemblages at shallow water reefs (SWRs), similar studies on deeper and less explored reefs, such as mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) remain limited. Using diver-based photo-quadrat method, we aimed to examine how juvenile scleractinian assemblages vary from SWRs (shallow: 3 to 10 m and middle: 10 to 20 m) to upper MCEs (deep: 30 to 40 m) in the fringing and atoll reefs in the Apo Reef Natural Park, Philippines. We also aimed to understand the potential association of juvenile scleractinian densities with adult scleractinian densities and benthic cover. A total of 12 families were recorded for both juveniles and adults with Poritidae being the most abundant, followed by Pocilloporidae and Acroporidae (and Merulinidae for juveniles only). Juvenile densities (ranging from 14 to 36 individuals/m2) varied among depth zone and reef type interactions and had a bimodal distribution, with the middle zone having the lowest density compared to the shallow and deep zones. Juvenile densities were correlated to benthic cover, particularly to high algal cover in the middle zone and availability of bare hard substrate in the shallow zone. Adult densities were also correlated with juvenile densities, but not commonly in the middle zone, emphasizing that it is only one of the many variables that contribute to juvenile assemblages. This study is the first to document juvenile scleractinian assemblages, how they vary from SWRs to MCEs in the Philippines and the Coral Triangle, and demonstrates the importance of benthos and adult brood stock in shaping juvenile scleractinian assemblages across depth zones.
- Fish and benthic communities in an offshore and well-managed coral reef after bleaching disturbance in the PhilippinesQuimpo, Timothy Joseph R.; Requilme, Jeremiah Noelle; Gomez, Elizabeth; Sayco, Sherry Lyn; Dumalagan, Edwin E.; Siringan, Fernando P.; Conaco, Cecilia; Cabaitan, Patrick C. (Springer, 2023-08-29)Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide. However, there is spatial variation in the extent and severity of this disturbance, with offshore and well-managed reefs presumed to be less vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance. Here, fish and benthic communities at the offshore and well-managed reefs of Apo Reef Natural Park, Philippines, were examined during a bleaching disturbance in 2016 and reassessed 2 (2018) and 3 years (2019) after using scuba surveys. Results showed that benthic communities varied more strongly with year attributed to changes in the benthic cover of coral. These changes were influenced by site, with some sites experiencing coral loss of 41–48%, while other sites exhibited minimal changes. Site differences in coral loss may be associated with coral cover, with sites that had high coral cover prior to bleaching incurring larger loss of coral cover. Fish communities varied more with sites and was associated with differences in the predominant benthos. The stability of fish communities with year despite coral loss may be attributed to the minimal loss of coral cover at some sites. For sites that experienced high losses of coral cover, the presence of alternative and deeper habitats may have provided shelter and food for more mobile fishes maintaining taxonomic composition within sites. This study shows that bleaching disturbance circumvents effective management, but impacts are variable even at small (≤ 3 km) spatial scales. Benthic community composition and presence of alternative habitats potentially alleviate the negative impacts of bleaching on reef fish diversity and abundance.We are grateful to the laboratory assistants F Castrence, R de Guzman, B Gabuay, R Valenzuela and K Adolfo for their assistance in the fieldwork. We thank the comments and criticisms of two anonymous reviewers that greatly improved the content of this manuscript.
- Reef management in developing countries: A case study in the PhilippinesGomez, E. D. (Springer, 1997-06)In general the most attractive and economically valuable reefs in the world are found in developing countries. Because of these attributes, they have also become the most endangered. Due to anthropogenic threats to their productivity, there is a growing need for management. Programs for their conservation and rehabilitation are being mounted at local, regional, and international levels. Local efforts are widely distributed, showing signs of both failure and success. The situation in developing countries differs from that which prevails in developed countries for various reasons, including level of awareness, infrastructure, and law enforcement. A case history of saving a coral reef ecosystem is described in this study. It involves a recent plan to build a cement factory in the Philippines at Bolinao.
- Microbial community structure and settlement induction capacity of marine biofilms developed under varied reef conditionsPadayhag, Blaire M.; Nada, Michael Angelou L.; Baquiran, Jake Ivan P.; Sison-Mangus, Marilou P.; San Diego-McGlone, Maria Lourdes; Cabaitan, Patrick C.; Conaco, Cecilia (Elsevier, 2023-08)Coral larval settlement relies on biogenic cues such as those elicited by microbial biofilm communities, a crucial element of coral recruitment. Eutrophication can modify these biofilm-associated communities, but studies on how this affects coral larval settlement are limited. In this study, we developed biofilm communities on glass slides at four sites with increasing distance from a mariculture zone. Biofilms farthest from the mariculture area were more effective at inducing the settlement of Acropora tenuis larvae. These biofilms were characterized by a greater proportion of crustose coralline algae (CCA) and gammaproteobacterial taxa compared to biofilms from sites closer to the mariculture zone, which had a greater proportion of cyanobacteria and no CCA. These findings suggest that nutrient enrichment due to mariculture activities alters the composition of biofilm-associated microbiome at nearby reef sites and indirectly causes poor coral larval settlement.
- Reef location and season, but not recruitment substrate contour and composition, affect coral recruitment patternsdela Cruz, Dexter W.; Harrison, Peter L. (Elsevier, 2024)Most studies have quantified coral recruitment using recruitment tiles temporarily deployed on reefs. However, the wide range of tile types used in different studies potentially influences recruitment patterns thereby hindering accurate comparisons among reef areas. We examined the effect of different tile types with different surface structure and composition on spatial (reef locations) and temporal (season) patterns of coral recruitment in the northwestern Philippines. Dead coral skeleton, terracotta, and fibre-cement tiles were deployed and retrieved quarterly over a 15-month period. In contrast to previous studies, patterns of standardized density and composition of recruits were consistent among tile types. Recruits varied spatially and were highest in Caniogan reef, followed by Cory reef and Lucero reef, suggesting that coral recruitment in the Bolinao-Anda Reef Complex (BARC) is influenced by reef location and existing coral cover. Highest recruitment was also found during the peak coral spawning season. The results of this study contrast with some previous reports which indicate that coral recruitment patterns are strongly influenced by recruitment substrate types. Our study suggests that once sufficient biological conditioning of the tile surfaces has occurred, the microbial and algal community present on the different tile surfaces are similarly conducive to larval settlement of some coral taxa. © 2024 The Authors
- Saving the seas must be a way of lifeNg, Lauren Wendell (Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, 2023-02-01)The Philippines is home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Looking at many of our popular tourist attractions—Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, La Union, and other named and unnamed coastal beauties—it is difficult not to see how these coastlines have brought in people from all over the world, all with a common appreciation for the magnificence of our finest beaches. What’s more is that the appeal of these sites does not stop at the earth’s surface. Looking beneath the waters, you will be fascinated by the sheer diversity of life thriving within the seabeds, which people so often overlook because there we are, overwhelmed by the surfing, water sports, and life above sea that we barely have enough time to consume all what these wonderlands have in store.
- Chinese vessels continue clam harvest in PanatagCardinoza, Gabriel (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc., 2019-06-14)Chinese fishing vessels continue to gather giant clams at Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea despite protests from maritime officials, according to Pangasinan fishermen who sailed there in late May. Unless Chinese fishermen were stopped, the giant clam population in the West Philippine Sea would soon be decimated, said Yoyoy Rizol, a fisherman based in Infanta town, Pangasinan province.
- China’s reef destruction P231.7 B so far: Pay upBondoc, Jarius (Philippine Star Printing Co., Inc., 2020-06-17)China owes the Philippines P231.7 billion for continuing reef destruction and poaching since 2013. With the UN court holding Beijing liable for ecological damage, the Philippines can exact indemnity. China state assets in the Philippines and overseas rightfully can be seized. Government must press payment. Why and how was discussed last week by scientists and international law and relations experts. Over half of the 110 million Filipinos live in coastal communities, relying on marine resources for daily needs. Recompense will correct years of China atrocity and injustice in the West Philippine Sea. Foreign aggression in exclusive economic zones will be deterred.
- Senator wants to stop China’s island-building activities at seaTadalan, Charmaine A. (BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation, 2020-04-28)A Philippine senator on Monday filed a resolution seeking legal and diplomatic approaches to force China to stop its “destructive” reclamation activities in the South China Sea. Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel also said the government should force China to pay the Philippines P200 billion for damages on reefs within its territory in the past six years. “China’s sense of entitlement to our seas has caused severe and irreparable harm to our ecosystems,” Ms. Baraquel said in a statement. She estimated damages caused by China’s reclamation activities at P33 billion a year, assuming the value per hectare of a coral reef is $353,429 based on a 2012 study by Ecosystem Services.
- Who manipulated fishermen? Palace points to Diokno, IBPAurelio, Julie M.; Salaverria, Leila B. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc., 2019-07-12)Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday said human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) manipulated a group of fishermen into petitioning for an environmental protection order from the Supreme Court. Panelo was reacting to Diokno’s accusation on Wednesday that state lawyers used underhanded tactics by talking secretly to his clients, who then disavowed the petition filed in their behalf by the IBP in April. “I think it’s the other way around,” Panelo told reporters. “He should ask himself in the mirror because that questions applies to him.”