Publication
Abstract:The seaweed Kawkawayan (Gracilaria sp.), marketed as a food product in the Ilocos Region, has the potential for high profitability due to its growing demand across various industries. The research, conducted in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, used the raft culture method to assess growth by measuring average weight every 15 days and analyzing its relationship with seawater parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, salinity, water current, conductivity, water temperature, and total dissolved solids). The data were analyzed using a descriptive correlation design, employing the Mean and Pearson Product Moment of Correlation. A 3.5 X 5 m raft with six monolines containing 23 seedlings was installedin the culture site.The results indicated that pH, conductivity, TDS, and turbidity were within the normal range, whereas temperature, salinity, DO, and water current were above the average. Gracilaria's weight increased consistently every 15 days, reaching a peak of 22.99 gon the 105thday. However, there was no significant correlation between the weight gain and the measured seawater parameters. The fluctuations in Gracilaria’sweight were linked to thallus breakdown caused byvigorous water movements.The study’s findings should be made available tofisherfolks in the coastal communitywho cultivate Gracilaria; optimal cultivation of this seaweed can be obtained when disturbances are minimal particularly from February to May thus boosting aquaculture productivity. Alternative cultivation methods like tubular nets and cage systems, along with valuable seaweed species, are recommended. Fisherfolks’ participation is crucial for their success and the future of seaweed farming and marine resource conservation.
Keywords:Gracilaria sp;raft culture method;water parameters;growth increment
Abstract:Zooplankton, which graze on the water column, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of phytoplankton communities and reducing the frequency of blooms. Despite their substantial contributions to the marine ecosystem, their value to coastal communities was frequently overlooked because of their microscopic nature. The lack of data on marine zooplankton in the Ilocos Sur Region motivated this study conducted in Brgy. Fuerte, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, to generate new insights into the zooplankton community. It aims to analyze zooplankton morphology, abundance, and physicochemical parameters. Sample collection was conducted during the evening (7 pm to 10 pm). Surface water samples were collected using a handheld fine mesh plankton net (50 m) and preserved with formaldehyde and Lugol’s solution. Thirteen groups of zooplankton populations were recorded in Brgy. Fuerte, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. They were categorized into two kingdoms: Animalia and Chromista. Common zooplankton included Nauplius larvae, Calanus sp. (Calanoid), and Dioithona sp. (Cyclopoid). The overall density of zooplankton recorded was 192,050 cells/L, which comprises four stations. Regarding species density, the top five dominant species were Favella sp. (Tintinnids) with 163,689 cells/L, Nauplius larvae with 13,478 cells/L, Calanus sp. (Calanoid) with 9,300 cells/L, Sabellaria sp. (Middle trochophore larvae) with 1,283 cells/L, and Dioithona sp. (Cyclopoid) with 1,211 cells/. Future studies should investigate the complex relationships between physicochemical factors and zooplankton abundance and diversity while extending the sampling period to include additional zooplankton species. Understanding these relationships will enhance the comprehension of ecosystem dynamics and develop more effective coastal water management strategies.
Keywords:Zooplankton, Stations, Density, Species diversity, Water parameters, Population, Ilocos Sur
On-going
- Tracer Study on the Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences (E-22-23-c37)
- Marine Macrobenthic Algae of the Coastal of Ilocos Sur, Philippines (AFNR-22-23-C11)
- Women in the Codium Industry: A Comparative Analysis of their Roles and Contributions (AMRRDC-25-1)
- Development of Gracilaria sp. – Enriched Kimchi: A functional and Sustainable Food Innovation (AMRRDC-25-2)
- Species Diversity and Composition of Mangroves in Ilocos Sur, Philippines (AFNR-22-23-c11)
- Development and Acceptability of Seaweed-Crisps (AMRRDC24-5)
Presentation
- Being a Woman in the Ilocano Fishing Industry: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology (2024)
- Growth Performance of Gracilaria sp. (Kawkawayan) using the Raft Culture Method (2024)
Citations
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2025) https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2026050
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2025) https://doi.org/10.21608/ejabf.2025.442764
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