Publication
Abstract: Local information on coral reproductive patterns is vital for coral reef conservation, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts. In the Philippines, data on the sexual reproductive strategies of broadcast spawning scleractinian coral species have slowly progressed. However, this information is mainly restricted to the country’s northern region. Here, we provided notes on the sexual reproduction of four Acropora species and one Favites species that were monitored and sampled from September 2015 to December 2016. The highest mean fecundities of polyps (mean ± SE) were variable for each species (Acropora cf. gemmifera: 14.3 ± 1.16, A. cf. sarmentosa: 8.35 ± 0.16, A. cf. valida: 11.2 ± 0.09, A. aff. tenuis: 23.7, Favites cf. abdita: 309.9 ± 33.94). The largest mean oocyte GMD for each species were variable. For Acropora spp., the values ranged from 425.28 to 539.16 μm, and is higher than F. cf. abdita (273.44 ± 2.85 μm). Although the in situ spawning was not observed for these aforementioned species, ex situ (laboratory) spawning was observed for A. cf. anthocercis colonies in October 2015 and October 2016, 11 nights after the full moon. The observations showed that the spawning duration in selected coral reef sites in the central Philippines are extended from April to December.
Keywords: Scleractinia · Broadcast spawning · Coral reproduction · Acroporidae · Merulinidae
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
Abstract: Studies on corals are lacking in Ilocos Sur’s marine protected areas (MPAs), hindering management effort development. This study evaluated the health status of coral reefs in the San Esteban Fish Sanctuary. Hard coral cover, hard coral diversity in terms of Taxonomic Amalgamation Units (TAUs), and coral reef health status in terms of live coral coverage, algae coverage, sand coverage, and coral mortality index were measured in two sampling stations inside an over-a-decade-old fish sanctuary that does not have previous data on its coral reef health status. The Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method was employed to take image samples subjected to the Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe) software for analysis. The study revealed that the coral reef in San Esteban Fish Sanctuary is in good condition with a hard coral cover of 30.0%, falls under Hard Coral Cover Category C, and a hard coral diversity of 16.8TAUs that falls under Diversity Category D. The fish sanctuary is also in a healthy condition based on excellent live coral coverage, algae coverage, sand coverage, and low coral mortality index. The two stations are more or less the same in terms of the aforementioned parameters. Overall, it is recommended to continuously strengthen the enforcement of the fish sanctuary to protect its coral reefs, measure other parameters that might impact and indicate coral reef health status, employ evaluations inside and outside MPAs in the province, and use high-resolution cameras during image sampling for more efficient analysis
Keywords: Coral cover, coral reef diversity, coral health status, marine protected areas, Ilocos Sur
On-going
- Women in the Codium Industry: A Comparative Analysis of their Roles and Contributions (2025), SDG 5, 8, 10 -(AMRRDC-25-1)
- Development of Gracilaria sp. – Enriched Kimchi: A functional and Sustainable Food Innovation (2025), SDG 2, 3, 12 – (AMRRDC-25-2)
- Development of Graciliaria-Enhanced Chips (2024), SDG 2, 3, 12 – (AMRRDC-24-5)
- Status of Natural Mangrove Stand in Ilocos Sur, Philippines (2022), SDG 13, 14, 15 – (AFNR-22-23-c11)
Awards
- LOCAL
- 2025 Gawad Saliksik, October 16, 2025, UNP, Vigan City
Presentation
Citations
- Notes on the Sexual Reproduction of Selected Broadcast Spawning Corals in Cebu, Central Philippines (2026), SDG 4, 13, 14, 15 – Cerna: Notes on the Sexual Reproduction of Selected… – Google Scholar
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2026), SDG 2, 8, 12, 13, 14 – Ilac: Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. using the… – Google Scholar
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2025), SDG 2, 8, 12, 13, 14 – Ilac: Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. using the… – Google Scholar
- Evaluation of Coral Reef Health Status in the Fish Sanctuary of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur (2025), SDG 11, 13, 14, 15 – Mendoza: Evaluation of Coral Reef Health Status in… – Google Scholar