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National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)

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Start date: 2024UNESCO Keyword: search.filters.subject.Coral reefs

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    Submerged reef features in Apo and Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines, revealed paleo sea-level history during the last deglaciation
    Munar, Jeffrey C.; Aurelio, Mario A.; Dumalagan, Edwin E.; Tinacba, Erin Joy C.; Doctor, Ma. Angelique A.; Siringan, Fernando P. (Springer, 2024-02-27)
    The morphology of coral reefs provides an effective benchmark of past sea levels because of their limited vertical range of formation and good geologic preservation. In this study, we analyze the seafloor morphology around two atolls in the Philippines: Tubbataha Reef, in Palawan, and Apo Reef, in Occidental Mindoro. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry to a depth of 200 m reveals seafloor features including reef ridges and staircase-like terraces and scarps. Depth profiles across the reefs show terraces formed within six and seven depth ranges in Tubbataha Reef and in Apo Reef, respectively. These were further observed through a remotely operated vehicle. The terraces and scarps are interpreted as backstepping reefs that were drowned during an overall rise in sea level from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Terraces are used as indicators of paleo sea level and the separation between terraces as the magnitude of sea-level rises coeval with meltwater pulse events during the last deglaciation. The pattern for both Apo and Tubbataha reefs indicates subsidence, consistent with the absence of Holocene emergent features and their atoll morphologies. Subsidence of up to 17 m since the LGM in Apo Reef is mainly attributed to the downbowing of the crust toward Manila Trench. In Tubbataha Reef, subsidence of up to 14 m is attributed to the continuous cooling of the volcanic crust underlying the atoll. These can be used to fill gaps in the tectonic history of the study sites from the last deglaciation.
    This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development (DOST-PCARRD) Geophysical Coral Mapping Project and Acquisition of Detailed Bathymetry for Coastal Erosion Management Project both under F. P. Siringan, and National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment (NACRE) Project under Hazel Arceo. We would like to mention, in particular, Dominic Jone Cabactulan, Timothy Quimpo, Ronald Olavides, Mary Ann Calleja, Patrick Cabaitan, and Cesar Villanoy who were members of the project team. We thank the Tubbataha Management Office, Sablayan Local Government Unit, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the work permits and logistical help during the surveys.
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    Multi-scale coral reef and seascape habitat variables combine to influence reef fish assemblages
    Sievers, Katie T.; McClure, Eva C.; Abesamis, Rene A.; Russ, Garry R. (MDPI, 2024-04-15)
    While benthic characteristics of coral reef habitats are a major driver of the structure of coral reef fish assemblages, non-reef habitats adjacent to coral reefs (e.g., mangroves, seagrass beds, and macroalgal beds) can affect reef fish assemblages. Here, we investigate how reef fish assemblages respond to local-scale benthic habitats within a coral reef and larger-scale adjacent seascape features (habitats within 500 m of coral reefs) on Siquijor Island in the Philippines. We examined an abundance of species for the entire reef fish assemblage and within the assemblages of parrotfishes (subfamily Scarinae) and wrasses (family Labridae). Five distinct habitat types were identified in a cluster analysis, which incorporated benthic characteristics within coral reefs and habitats adjacent to coral reefs. We found that the diversity and structure of coral reef fish assemblages were affected by benthic characteristics within coral reefs and also by benthic habitat types adjacent to coral reefs. Individual species responses and juveniles of certain species demonstrated uniquely high abundances in habitat clusters characterized by the non-reef habitats surrounding coral reefs. Considering coral reef habitats and adjacent non-reef habitats as a holistic, interconnected seascape will provide better estimations of the drivers of the structures of coral reef fish assemblages.
    This work would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the late Angel Alcala. His groundbreaking work paved the way for research in the Philippines, and his lifelong dedication to exploring and protecting the natural ecosystems of his country granted us access to crucial research sites. He also provided essential logistical and administrative support, significantly enhancing the feasibility of this project.
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    Implications of fisher perceptions on coral restoration in Tondol, northwestern Philippines
    Gomez, Rickdane; Mamauag, Samuel; Fabinyi, Michael; dela Cruz, Dexter; McLeod, Ian M.; Cabaitan, Patrick; Harrison, Peter L. (Elsevier, 2024)
    Increasing coral restoration efforts globally have been aimed at improving reef status and the ecosystem functions and services they provide, including enhancing reef fish communities and fisheries production on nearby reefs. However, empirical evidence showing the influence of coral restoration on fish stocks is limited. In Barangay Tondol, a small-scale fishing village in the northwestern Philippines, fisher knowledge and perception studies were completed through individual interviews to provide insights into the perceived impacts of local restoration efforts on coral reef conditions and fishery outputs. The influence of fishers' social demographics and fishery information to their held perceptions were also explored. Fishers’ responses showed a perceived decline in fish stocks over the last 5–10 years mainly attributed to overharvesting, and a slight improvement in coral reef condition due to a reduction in destructive fishing. Out of 53 fisher respondents, 72% were aware of coral restoration efforts in their area and held positive perceptions that theoretically, conducting coral restoration can improve their fish stocks and local reef conditions through the provision of habitat functions. Perceived actual effectiveness of the local efforts was also positive, but with a lower number of responses. Multiple hierarchical regression tests showed that, among social demographics, fishery information, and perceptions on fish stocks, perceived improvement in coral condition was associated with stronger support for coral restoration activities. These findings indicate that fishers perceive positive effects of coral restoration to local coral status and fisheries, and highlight the need for restoration practitioners to engage early on with key stakeholders to assess local fisheries status and local priorities to inform restoration strategies. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
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    Institutional dimensions of coral reef restoration in the Philippines
    Matorres, Dane Erlo; Fabinyi, Michael; Horigue, Vera; Novilla, Carmela Therese; Baria-Rodriguez, Maria Vanessa (Elsevier, 2024)
    While the Philippines is mostly known for its experiences on marine protected areas, local governments and non-government organizations are increasingly using coral restoration with the aim of rehabilitating degraded reef areas. Since the establishment of artificial reefs in the 1970s, the application, techniques and corresponding policy directives for reef restoration have evolved over time, and restoration has recently generated significant interest and investments from donors and government agencies. As the Philippines does not have a policy framework to support effective and sustainable practices for the use of different coral restoration techniques, the increase and unregulated use of restoration may result in unintended consequences and pose potential challenges to coastal management. To address this gap, we conducted a review of existing coral restoration policies, programs and projects across the country, with a focus on social, economic and governance aspects. The study collated existing published literature and unpublished information on coral restoration in the country, and conducted key informant interviews. The results show that coral restoration continues to increase, and that existing guidelines on coral restoration are poorly implemented and not widely understood among practitioners. While coral restoration projects reported ecological benefits, socio-economic impacts are limited. The evidence supports the need to review existing policies and contextualize coral restoration to contribute to relevant policy decisions about the restoration and protection of reefs.