BASELINE REPORT ON COASTAL RESOURCES for Culion Municipality

September 2006

Prepared for:

PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Palawan Center for Sustainable Development Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 5300

Email: [email protected] Tel.: (63-48) 434-4235, Fax: 434-4234

Funded through a loan from :

JAPAN BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Prepared by:

PACIFIC CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL in association with ALMEC Corporation CERTEZA Information Systems, Inc. DARUMA Technologies Inc. Geo-Surveys & Mapping, Inc.

Photo Credits:

Photos by PCSDS and SEMP-NP ECAN Zoning Component Project Management Office

This report can be reproduced as long as the convenors are properly acknowledged as the source of information

Reproduction of this publication for sale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Printed by:

Futuristic Printing Press, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Suggested Citation:

PCSDS. 2006. Baseline Report on Coastal Resources for Culion, Municipality. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Tables v List of Figures vii List of Plates x List of Appendices xi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xii

CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 1

1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Materials and Methods 6 3.0 Survey Results 7 4.0 Discussions 10 5.0 Summary 12 6.0 Recommendations 12

CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 13

7.0 Introduction 13 8.0 Materials and Methods 13 9.0 Results 14 10.0 Discussions 21 11.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 22

CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 23

12.0 Introduction 23 13.0 Materials and Methods 23 14.0 Results 24 15.0 Discussions 39 16.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 40

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 42

17.0 Introduction 42 18.0 Materials and Methods 42 19.0 Survey Results 43 20.0 Discussion 54 21.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 55

______iii CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 57

22.0 Introduction 57 23.0 Objectives 57 24.0 Expected Output 57 25.0 Methods 58 26.0 Results and Discussions 62 27.0 Recommendations 82

REFERENCES 83

______iv List of Tables

Table Title Page No. No.

1 Coral Reef Survey Sites Surveyed by Werner and Allen, Culion, 2 Palawan, 2000 2 Coral Survey Sites Surveyed by HAYUMA Foundation, Culion, 3 Palawan, 2000 3 Coral Reef Survey Sites of PCSDS, Culion, Palawan, 2000 4 4 Proposed Coral Reef Core Zones (Areas with More than 50% Live 9 Coral Cover) 5 Geographic Positions of Fish Survey Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004 13 6 Total Number of Species Recorded Per Station, Culion, Palawan, 2004 15 7 Importance and Occurrences of Reef and Reef-associated Fish Species 15 Observed from Stations, Culion, Palawan 2004 8 Number of Families and Species By Category, Culion, Palawan, 2004 16 9 Species Richness and Frequency of Occurrence of Fish Families, 19 Culion, Palawan, 2004 10 Top Ten Frequency Occurring Reef Fishes, Culion, Palawan, 2004 19 11 Top Ten Frequent Occurring Target Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004 20 12 Top Ten Frequent Occurring Major Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004 20 13 Top Ten Frequent Occurring Indicator Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004 21 14 Fish Species Richness of 14 Sampling Sites from Reports of MERF, 22 1993 and Werner in 2000, Culion, Palawan, 2004 15 Location and Characteristics of the Macrophyte Stations, Culion, 25 Palawan, 2004 16 Macrophyte Cover Diversity (as Seagrass Species Richness N and 27 Seaweed Generic Richness, Culion, Palawan, 2004 17 Seagrass Occurrence Per Stations by Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004 30 18 Composition, Diversity (as Species Richness N, Range 1 to 8), and 38 Dominant Seaweed Genera Associated with Seagrass Communities in each Station, Culion, Palawan, 2004 19 Characteristics of Coastal Environments and Seagrass Communities by 41 Category by Stations (presence/absence of epiphyte load, canopy cover on bottom, diversity, ecological group, resource value to dugongs) Used as Criteria in Pinpointing Candidate ECAN Core Zones (green highlights), Culion, Palawan, 2004 20 Estimated Number of Fisherfolks in Culion 42 21 List of True and Associate Mangrove Species Identified and Recorded 63 in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 22 Distribution and Abundance of Top Ten Mangrove Species in Different 65 Sampling Sites of Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004

______v Table Title Page No. No. 23 The Diversity Indices of 43 Sampling Sites in Mangrove Forest of 66 Culion, Culculated Using Different Diversity Formula, Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 24 The Relative Values of the Average Overall Diversity Index and 67 Evenness of Mangroves in Culion, Palawan based on Fernando Biodiversity Scale (1998) 25 Comparison of Biodiversity Index of Mangrove Habitat in Other 68 Countries/Sites, Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 26 The RF, RDen, RDom, and IV of Top 15 Mangrove Species in Culion, 69 Palawan, 2003 and 2004 27 Average Stocking (N/ha) of Timber and Pole Size Trees/Transect in 69 Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 3 28 Stand Volume (MP P/ha) of Timber and Pole by Transect in Culion, 71 Palawan, 2003 and 2004 29 Mangrove Index of Degradation and Ecological Condition Indices of 77 Culion Based on Forest Structure and Ecological Diversity Parameters, Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 30 Ranking of Mangrove Ecological Indices for ECAN Zoning and 78 Potential Management Options, Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 31 Factors Considered in Choosing Appropriate Management Strategies for 80 Mangrove Areas in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004

______vi List of Figures

Figure Title Page No. No.

1 SPOT 5 Satellite Image, Culion, Palawan, 2003 1 2 Coral Reef Survey Sites of Werner and Allen, Culion, Palawan, 2000 4 3 Coral Reef Sites Surveyed by HAYUMA Foundation, Inc., Culion, 5 Palawan, 2000 4 Coral Reef Sites of PCSDS, Culion, Palawan, 2000 5 5 ECAN Coral Reef Survey Sites, Culion, Palawan, 2004 7 6 Coral Reef Survey Coverage from Four Initiatives, Culion, Palawan 8 ECAN Zoning Component (2004) in Red dots, Werner and Allen (2000) in Blue dots, HAYUMA Foundation Inc., (2000) in Yellow dots, and PCSDS (2000) in Green dots 7 Proposed Coral Reef Core Zones (sites with more than 50% Live Coral 9 Cover). Symbols represent the following Initiatives: Red (ECAN 2004), Blue (Werner and Allen 2000) and Yellow (HAYUMA 2000), Culion, Palawan, 2004 8 Status of Coral Reefs from Werner and Allen (2000), HAYUMA 10 Foundation Inc., (2000), PCSDS (2000) and this Study (2004). Red dots represent Proposed Coral Core Zones or Areas with more than 50% Live Coral Cover, Blue dots are Reefs with 31-50% Live Coral Cover, Yellow dots Indicate Areas with 11-30% Live Coral Cover and Open Circles are Depauperate Reefs (less than 10% Live Coral Cover, Culion, Palawan 9 Thirteen (13) Fish Survey Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004 14 10 Distribution of 22 Stations (Station Numbers below the black dots are 23 Stations Surveyed in Feb. 11 Distribution of 22 Macrophyte Stations by Bed Width, Culion, Palawan, 26 2004 12 Cross-bed Depth Profiles (cm. mean+/-SD) in the Macrophyte Stations, 26 Culion, Palawan, 2004 13 Seagrass Canopy Cover, as Mean ± SEM, Primary Axis) and Maximum 28 Number of Species (Diamonds, Secondary Axis) with Distance from Shore (in meters). Top Graph, Profiles in Narrow Beds (≤150m); Both Graph, Profiles in Moderately Wide Beds (≥150m), Culion, Palawan, 2004 14 Mean Seagrass Canopy Cover Per Station (range 5 to 50% depicted by 29 the Size of the Symbols). Encircled Symbols are Stations with > 40% Canopy Cover, Culion, Palawan, 2004 15 Enhalus acroroides Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, 31 Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

______vii Figures Title Page No. No.

16 Thalasia heprichii Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, 31 Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 17 Halophila ovalis Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, 32 Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, Palawan, 2004 18 Cymodocea rotundata Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all 32 Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 19 Syringodium equisetifolium Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all 33 Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 20 Halodule pinifolia Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, 33 Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawna, 2004 21 Halodule uninervis Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, 34 Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 22 Cymodocea serrulata Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all 34 Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 23 Distribution of Staions by A. Seagrass Species Richness N, and by B. 35 Number of Seaweeds Genera. Species Seagrass Communities are Composed of 24 Diversity of Seagrass Meadows (as Species Richness N, Range = 1 to 8, 36 Culion, Palawan, 2004 25 Two Ecological Groups of Seagrass Meadows. The Dendrogram and 37 Species Occurrence Scores are from TWINSPAN’s Classification of the 22 Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004 26 Location of Two Ecological Groups of Seagrass, A. Green Symbols – 37 Canopy Cover Range between 5 and 40% Red – between 20 and 50% B-Green-Low. N, Range 1 to 4; Red - Generally Species, Range 4 to 8, Culion, Palawan, 2004 27 Locations of Candidate ECAN Core Zones, Orange Lines: Proposed 40 Seagrass Core Zones Based on Ecological Characteristics and Resource Value to Dugongs (encircled dots) 28 Dugong Distribution (red diamond-regular dugong sightings; black star- 48 reported calving ground; green square-dugong sighted), Culion, Palawan, 2004 29 Turtle Distribution (green sun – turtle sightings; green diamond – 49 reported turtle nests) Culion, Palawan, 2004

______viii Figures Title Page No. No.

30 Dolphin Distribution (blue sun), Culion, Palawan, 2004 49 31 Whale distruction (yellow sun), Culion, Palawan, 2004 50 32 Dugong Sightings (1-Binudac, 2-Burabod, 3-Canimango, 4-Chindonan, 50 5-Galoc, 6-Lamud), Culion, Palawan, 2004 33 Turtle Sightings (1-Binudac, 2-Burabod, 3-Canimango, 4-Chindonan, 51 5-Galoc, 6-Lamud), Culion, Palawan, 2004 34 Dolphin Sightings (1-Binudac, 2-Burabod, 3-Canimango, 4-Chindonan, 51 5-Galoc, 6-Lamud), Culion, Palawan, 2004 35 Whale Sightings (1-Binudac, 2-Burabod, 3-Canimango, 4-Chindonan, 52 5-Galoc, 6-Lamud), Culion, Palawan, 2004 36 Respondent Source: Laws on Marine Wildlife Protection 54 37 Picture Showing Satellite Image Map of Culion, Palawan 58 38 Layout of Subplot for Measurement of Mangrove Regeneration 59 39 Picture Showing dbh Measurement of Rhizophora apiculata 60 40 Rhizophora apiculata 64 41 Rhizophora mucronata 64 42 Xylocarpus granatum 65 43 Lumnitzera littorea 65 44 Satellite Map of Baldat, Culion, Palawan, 2003 72 45 Satellite Map of Barangay Lumber Camp, Culion, Palawan, 2003 72 46 Satellite Map of Barangay Halsey, Culion, Palawan, 2003 73 47 Satellite Map of Galoc, Culion, Palawan, 2003 73 48 Satellite Map Showing Barangay Loac, Culion, Palawan, 2003 74 49 Satellite Map of Lato Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, Culion, 74 Palawan, 2003 50 Satellite Map of Lamud and Marily Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, 75 Culion, Palawan, 2003 51 Satellite Map of Barangay Binudac Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, 75 Culion, Palawan, 2003 52 Satellite Map of Barangay Osmeña Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, 75 Culion, Palawan, 2003 53 Picture Showing Clear Cutting Activities in the Mangrove Areas of 76 Culion

______ix List of Plates

Plates Title Page No. No.

1 Bushy Corals of the Genus Acropora in Culion, (Photo taken by D. 2 Raymundo, February 2004) 2 The Hard Coral, Acropora, Dominates this Reef in Culion. Seen at 6 the Bottom of the Picture is the Branching Coral, Porites cylindrica, (Photo by D. Raymundo, February 2004) 3 Aftermath of a Blasted Reef. This Scene is Observed along the East 11 and West Coast of Culion Municipality 4 Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle) 44 5 Erethmochelys imbricate (Hawksbill Turtle) 44 6 Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Turtle) Adult and Juvenile 45 7 Tursiops truncatus (Bottle-nosed dolphin) 45 8 Globicephala macrochynchus (Pilot Whale) 46 9 Orcinus orca (Killer Whale) 46 10 Physeter macrocephalus (Sperm Whale) 47 11 Rhincodon typus (Whale Shark) 47

______x List of Appendices

Appendix Title Page No. No.

A List of Coral Species, Culion, Palawan, 2003 (CI Database) 85 B Marine Macrobenthic Algae, Culion, Palawan, 2004 91

______xi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Baseline survey on coral reefs, reef fishes, seagrasses and seaweeds, and marine mammals were completed in February 2004 through the efforts of the ECAN Zoning Component of the Sustainable Environmental Management Project in Northern Palawan (SEMP-NP), executed by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS). nd Of the eight (8) priority areas of the project, Culion was ranked as 2P P priority in which baseline survey of marine resources was conducted.

Culion municipality is the southernmost member of the triad municipalities of the o o o Calamianes Group of Islands. It lies between 11P P33’- 12P P3’ north latitude and 119P P45’- o 120P P12’ east longitude. Islands and islets on the northeast side, which is slightly protected from the northeast monsoon, flank the main island. The western section is open to the South China Sea and is directly exposed to the southwest monsoon. Not many islands or islets are located on this side of the mainland.

Coral survey concentrated on the reefs generally located along the northern half of the municipality harboring high percentage of live coral cover. The same area contains the eighteen (18) proposed coral core zones by high percentage of live corals. Survey results showed high potential for sustainable coral conservation through government lease of reef areas for mariculture such as culture of pearl producing oysters.

Of the thirteen (13) reef fish stations surveyed, stations 8 (San Miguel), 10 (Back of Church) and 13 (Ibaan) had the highest species richness and are therefore, recommended as potential core zones. However, general reef and reef-associated species count yielded a relatively low number considering the high complexity of the geography of Culion Island. Therefore, it is recommended that sites identified as potential core zones be immediately declared as protected areas and a more complete reef fish database from which management decisions can be made be conducted.

Seagrasses and seaweeds data on bottom cover and composition of vegetation and substratum features were obtained from 22 geo-referenced stations classified into two major groups: (a) speciose communities that covered from 20 to 50% of the bottom, and (b) communities composed of up to four (4) species that covered 5 to 40%. Data generated showed seagrasses dominating the shallow sandy bottoms that extended only up to a moderate distance from the shore (bed width = 110 ± 15 m SEM). Leaf canopy cover appeared uniform nearshore (~100 m) while overall cover was low at 31 ± 1% (range between 6 ± 2 and 48 ± 4%). Of the species encountered, Enhalus acoroides was cosmopolitan, present either as monospecific stands (Stations 3 and 7) or mixed with as much as seven (7) other species. Species richness was variable across the meadows. Seaweeds associated with seagrasses covered 10 ± 1% of the bottom (max = 26 ± 3%) and were represented by 18 genera, four (4) of which were commonly encountered – Padina, Halimeda, Caulerpa, and Sargassum. Black-spined urchins (Diadema setosum) and horned seastars (Protereaster nodosus) were the frequent macroinvertrates; Synapta sp., holothurians, ascidians, and sponges were occasional for all stations surveyed. Most stations harbored graze marks of Dugong dugon. Coastal sectors, i.e., off the western and south- southeastern coasts of the mainland as well as the western coasts of Dipalian, Lajo, and Lamud Island are therefore proposed as ECAN core zones. ______EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xii Marine mammal survey resulted in the identification of areas frequented by Dugongs such as Galoc waters extending to Canimango as calving habitat and Sitio Libing as a feeding ground. It was reported that Dugongs are opportunistically seen in most areas of Culion. Turtle sightings on the other hand were relatively high in Galoc and Lamud and lowest in Binudac. Community identified turtle nesting beaches should be protected to avoid deliberate taking of eggs from turtle nests and slaughter of turtle mostly caught in seaweed farms. On cetaceans, there seem to be no indicative negative pressure in the areas surveyed. Further, consistent sightings of cetaceans during the summer months and animal aggregations most likely suggest a feeding ground in the area. However, cetacean species identified needs to be confirmed and other species need to be identified through boat surveys. Poor knowledge of the status and biology of dugongs, turtles, and cetaceans has led to little understanding or recognition of their role within marine ecosystem and the economic benefits that could be derived from their conservation. Organized conservation awareness programs on marine wildlife should be established in the communities

URhizophoraU UapiculataU (Ra) is the most dominant and important mangrove species in Culion in terms of the most frequent and dense mangrove species recorded. Further, it has consistently recorded the highest value of Relative Frequency, Relative Density and Importance Value against the rest of the species encountered. However, mangrove assessment revealed forty three degraded sites while nineteen areas are in bad ecological condition needing immediate protection and management. Further, all stands surveyed were categorized as low volume stand based on DENR and FAO standards.

______EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xiii CHAPTER I CORAL REEFS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Recent satellite imageries indicate that reefs are generally located along the northern half of Culion with discontinued reef fringes on the southern half and becoming extensive along indentations as shown in Figure 1.

N

Figure 1. SPOT 5 Satellite Image, Culion, Palawan. 2003

Coral reefs of Municipality of Culion have been surveyed extensively and data are available from separate efforts of the HAYUMA Foundation, Inc. (2000), PCSDS (2000) and Werner and Allen (2000). Though the reports were all released in the same year, actual surveys were done in different years, viz., Werner and Allen in 1998, HAYUMA Foundation, Inc. in 1999, and PCSDS in 2000.

Werner and Allen (2000) visited 13 sites from 6-21 February 1998. Most had moderate coral cover (Plate 1) and only one site visited had more than 50% coral cover

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 1 (Saddle Rock). In one instance, a reef at Lajo Island was observed to be severely infested by sea urchin, Diadema setosum (see Table 1).

Table 1. Coral Reef Survey Sites Surveyed by Werner and Allen, Culion, Palawan 2000

North East %Coral Site Name Remarks Latitude Longitude cover hundreds of Diadema setosum; five Southeast end of Lajo Island 11.986500 119.960667 5.00 seagrass species; low coral species diversity sea whips common; coral bleaching and Isolated rock off southern tip of Galoc Island 11.930833 119.820000 20.00 algal growth; low coral species diversity three seagrass species; moderate coral Southeast tip of Galoc Island 11.943667 119.833667 40.00 species diversity Southwest tip of Galoc Island 11.946833 119.824500 21.67 moderate coral species diversity Southern tip of Galoc Island 11.940667 119.822333 7.50 moderate coral species diversity moderate coral species diversity of mostly Culion Island, 10 km north of Halsey Harbor 11.954500 119.892000 15.00 faviids low diversity in coral species dominated by Research Channel, Culion Island 11.759000 119.931667 21.00 rapidly growing Acropora, Montipora and Porites high coral species diversity of non-Acropora Rhodes Island in Helsey Harbour, Culion Island 11.758667 119.968000 32.50 corals South branch of Halsey Harbour, Culion Island 11.734500 119.950500 37.50 high faviid diversity coral area close to shore in 1-3m depth with Southwestern tip of Culion Island 11.677833 119.943333 18.75 100% coral cover Saddle Rock, Culion Island 11.767833 119.891833 65.00 high coral species diversity moderate coral species diversity dominated Southwest side of Lusong Island 11.978167 120.018667 35.00 by Echinopora species Northwest end of Chindonan Island 11.926167 120.035667 26.33 dense stands of Porites cylindrica

coral cover > 50%

Plate 1. Bushy corals of the genus Acropora in Culion. (Photo taken by D. Raymundo, February 2004).

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 2 Table 2 lists the 28 sites surveyed by the HAYUMA Foundation, Inc. (2000) and with various coral reef conditions. Among these, there were only 7 sites (25%) that maintained reefs with coral cover of more than 50%. These were Ugnisan2, Amancia, Lamud2, Lamud3, Manggahan1, Olazabal and Pangatlong Boya Shoal.

Table 2. Coral Survey Sites Surveyed by HAYUMA Foundation, Culion, Palawan 2000

North East %Coral Site Name* Remarks Latitude Longitude cover Uson-Pusot 11.65935 119.95577 25.00 Glen Cove 11.67763 119.94619 35.00 Kabul-kabul 11.87090 119.88719 42.90 stunted coral growth Katuldan 11.85557 119.89383 27.70 stunted coral growth Berg 11.78535 119.91621 47.00 stunted coral growth Saddle Rock 11.76687 119.88979 No estimate Sinco Shoal 11.92162 119.84736 25.00 Ugnisan2 11.97049 119.86426 50.90 Ugnisan3 11.96330 119.85283 47.20 Ugnisan1 11.95495 119.86638 47.60 Sabang 11.94489 119.83182 17.00 Bacbac 11.93661 119.97952 40.70 Sambag Shoal (=Naglayon?) 11.94044 120.03448 30.60 Sargassum bed dominates before the corals Sambag-Marily 11.95112 120.02414 47.10 Amancia 11.94660 120.01613 52.30 narrow flat of mixed seaweeds and corals Marily 11.96022 119.97993 37.40 narrow flat of mixed seaweeds and corals Lamud3 11.96419 119.95570 62.40 Lamud2 11.97507 119.96350 58.50 Lamud1 11.97336 119.96624 39.80 Siuk 11.91327 120.02058 41.80 Mangahan2 11.90793 120.00778 32.50 Mangahan1 11.90300 119.99594 53.70 Palumpong 11.89808 119.99594 35.40 Pier (=Boya??) 11.89760 120.01764 43.30 exposed to pollution and domestic activities Olazabal 11.89068 120.02352 63.60 sandy coralline substrate Pangatlong Boya Shoal 11.90704 120.06740 75.00 Klod"s Reef 11.91327 120.06726 20.00 Chindonan 11.91991 120.06979 31.20 shallow and wide reef flat

*site coordinates approximated from figures coral cover > 50%

The period during which PCSDS conducted their survey seems to have coincided with the infestation of the crown-of-thorns (COT) sea star (Acanthaster) in some, if not most, areas of the municipality. In particular, Rhodes Island harbored a sizeable number of COTs and several were observed around Saddle Rock. None of the reefs visited during the PCSDS campaign found to have coral cover above 50% (Table 3).

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 3

Table 3. Coral Reef Survey Sites of PCSDS, Culion, Palawan 2000

East %Coral Site Name North Latitude Remarks Longitude cover Acanthaster (COT); reef condition fair in Saddle Rock*1 11.76838 119.89260 12.50 eastern shore, very poor at 20ft coral at NE heavily silted and smothered; NE Rhodes Is*1 11.75722 119.96398 12.50 Tridacna; COTS corals patchy along sand and silt bottom; SW Rhodes Is* 11.74894 119.94927 39.00 anchor damage; blast scars; many COTS and Diadema scattered and sparse coral around inner islets; fair coral cover off steep southern Inner Halsey Harbor*1 11.75182 119.93558 37.50 slope of Bacoan islet; Balactop Island with small reef with fair cover sand and rock substrate; fair coral cover; Nabacbacan*1 11.67482 119.94831 37.50 sea turtle high coral diversity; large stands of Inner Naglayan Reef* 11.94503 120.02640 43.00 Acropora, Porites, soft corals in shallow areas Shark Point Marily Is*1 11.96084 120.01778 5.00 coral poor Pearl Farm Channel*1 11.95748 119.94673 12.50 reef patchy and silted shallow fringing reef; extremely poor SE Galoc Is*1 11.94948 119.83750 5.00 condition Chindonan Island 11.94896 120.05619 8.00 Chindonan Island (facing Sangat) 11.93196 120.07037 10.00 Kalanggaman Reef (Peace Corps Reef) 11.86426 120.10807 8.00 Banauan Island (Cawa-Cawa) 11.88114 120.07218 10.00 Bugor Island 11.91521 120.04643 10.00

*coordinates approximated from site description 1 % coral cover is midpoint of qualitative estimate

Figures 2, 3 and 4 depict the coral reef sites of the three initiatives discussed above. It is interesting to note that in all these sites, the southeast section of Culion municipality was not covered.

12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

11.80

orth latitude (degrees) N 11.75

11.70

11.65 119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees) Figure 2. Coral Reef Survey Sites of Werner and Allen, Culion, Palawan, 2000

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 4 12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

11.80 orth latitude (degrees)

N 11.75

11.70

11.65

119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees)

Figure 3. Coral Reef Sites Surveyed by HAYUMA Foundation, Inc., Culion, Palawan, 2000

12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

11.80

North latitude (degrees) 11.75

11.70

11.65

119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees)

Figure 4. Coral Reef Sites of PCSDS, Culion, Palawan, 2000

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 5 The coral reef data available for Culion and compiled in the database prepared by Conservation International (CI) Philippines was accessed to generate a list of coral species together with their endemicity and conservation status (IUCN). Presently, there are 304 species of corals belonging to 71 genera in Culion (Appendix A). Of these, six (6) are endemic to the country, 27 are rare and 32 are endangered species of corals. An example of coral species found in Culion is the hard coral acropora (Plate 2).

Plate 2. The hard coral, Acropora, dominates this reef in Culion. Seen at the bottom of the picture is the branching coral, Porites cylindrica. (Photo by D. Raymundo, February 2004).

2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field survey protocols were followed from the Technical Manual, which were mainly patterned after English et al. (1997). The manta tow reconnaissance technique was primarily employed in the surveys. Due to constraints in time and resources, only a particular stretch of a reef was chosen and a series of five (5) consecutive tows of 2-minutes each at regular speed (1 knot) was carried out. Spot dives were also employed to check smaller reefs on occasion. Work concentrated on the northern and eastern section of the municipality since coral reef conditions at the western section were known to be poor a priori because one of the team members was previously involved in an extensive coral reef survey (A. Principe, HAYUMA Foundation, Inc.). This strategy was employed to cover the widest possible area with the given constraints. A strict timetable was also set for the team that worked at the present municipality (Culion) to rendezvous with the rest of the team at El Nido for another survey.

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 6 The start and end of each tow was marked geographically using a global positioning system (Garmin Summit). Scoring categories outlined in the Technical Manual are those of English et al. (1997) and modified in Montebon (1997) as follows: 0=no cover, .1 - 10%: 2=11-30%, 3=31-50%; 4=51-75% and 5=76-100%. Conspicuous coral genera and life forms were also noted together with observations on reefal features such as algae and substrate type.

3.0 SURVEY RESULTS

Figure 5 depicts coral reef areas surveyed. Of the entire manta tow tracks, only 5% had a score of 5 (76-100% coral cover), 13% fell under category 4 (51-75%), 27% occupied a score of 3 (31-50%), more than half or 51% were in category 2 (11-30%) and only 4% had a low score of 1, translating to a coral cover of less than 10%.

12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

ude (degrees) t i t 11.80

h la t

Nor

11.75

11.70

11.65

119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15

East longitude (degrees)

Figure 5. ECAN Coral Reef Survey Sites, Culion, Palawan (2004)

A composite of the survey areas covered by the present study and previous initiatives is presented in Figure 6. The northern section with the complex of islands was covered

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 7 sufficiently. The western and eastern areas are both covered but the southeastern section still remains to be worked on.

12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

11.80

(degrees) latitude North 11.75

11.70

11.65

119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees)

Figure 6. Coral reef survey coverage from four initiatives. Culion, Palawan ECAN Zoning Component (2004) in red dots; Werner and Allen (2000) in blue dots, HAYUMA Foundation, Inc. (2000) in yellow dots and PCSDS (2000) in green dots.

The sites that harbor coral cover of more than 50% were observed by the ECAN study team along the stretches at Dimanglet Island, Marily Island and one spot at San Miguel (Table 4). From the initiatives of Werner and Allen (2000), only Saddle Rock was observed to have corals of more than 50% cover while HAYUMA (2000) found six (6) areas namely: Ugnisan, Amancia, Lamud, Manggahan, Olazabal and Pangatlong Boya Shoal. None of the coral reefs visited during the PCSDS (2000) surveys were found to have a coral cover of more than 50% (Table 4).

Figure 7 shows the locations of the coral reef areas with high cover (>50%) from the different survey programs as listed in Table 4. All, but one, are located at the northern section of the municipality which were surveyed by Werner and Allen in 2000.

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 8 12.00

11.95

11.90

s) 11.85 ree eg (d

e

titud 11.80

la rth

No 11.75

11.70

11.65 119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees)

Figure 7. Proposed Coral Reef Core Zones (Sites with more than 50% Live Coral Cover). Symbols represent the following Initiatives: Red (ECAN 2004), Blue (Werner and Allen 2000) and Yellow (HAYUMA 2000), Culion, Palawan 2004

The general status of coral reefs of Culion municipality is shown in Figure 8 wherein the different degrees of coral cover are depicted. Most sites are dotted in either blue or yellow, which indicate that most reefs have an average coral cover of about 30%. Few sites have been noted to have a cover of less than 10%.

Table 4. Proposed Coral Reef Core Zones (Areas with more than 50% Live Coral Cover)

North East %Coral Program Year Site Name Latitude Longitude cover

Werner & Allen 2000 Saddle Rock, Culion Island 11.76783 119.89183 65.00

Hayuma 2000 Ugnisan2 11.97049 119.86426 50.90 Hayuma 2000 Amancia 11.94660 120.01613 52.30 Hayuma 2000 Lamud3 11.96419 119.95570 62.40 Hayuma 2000 Lamud2 11.97507 119.96350 58.50 Hayuma 2000 Mangahan1 11.90300 119.99594 53.70 Hayuma 2000 Olazabal 11.89068 120.02352 63.60 Hayuma 2000 Pangatlong Boya Shoal 11.90704 120.06740 75.00 ECAN 2004 Dimanglet Is. 11.97647 119.96208 76-100 ECAN 2004 Dimanglet Is. 11.97608 119.96547 76-100 ECAN 2004 Dimanglet Is. 11.97658 119.96989 76-100 ECAN 2004 Dimanglet Is. 11.97692 119.97094 51-75 ECAN 2004 Dimanglet Is. 11.97867 119.97517 51-75 ECAN 2004 Marily 11.98128 119.87719 51-75 ECAN 2004 Marily 11.98003 119.87458 51-75 ECAN 2004 Marily 11.97967 119.87294 51-75 ECAN 2004 Marily 11.93889 119.99656 51-75 ECAN 2004 San Miguel? 11.93100 120.04772 51-75

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 9

12.00

11.95

11.90

11.85

11.80

North latitude (degrees) 11.75

11.70

11.65

119.80 119.85 119.90 119.95 120.00 120.05 120.10 120.15 East longitude (degrees)

Figure 8. Status of Coral Reefs from Werner and Allen (2000), HAYUMA Foundation, Inc., (2000), PCSDS (2000) and this Study (2004). Red dots represent Proposed Coral Core Zones or Areas with more than 50% Live Coral Cover, Blue dots are Reefs with 31-50% Live Coral Cover, Yellow dots indicate Areas with 11-30% Live Coral Cover and Open Circles are Depauperate Reefs (less than 10% Live Coral Cover, Culion, Palawan

4.0 DISCUSSIONS

Culion municipality has adequate secondary data to come up with the status of its coral reefs. The present endeavor added to this pool of data and verified some of the existing studies. There was only one specific area where percent coral cover remained similar from previous surveys. This was Lamud2 by HAYUMA (2000) or what was identified as Dimanglet Island in the present study (see Table 4). The rest of the verified sites have invariably deteriorated.

Earlier figures represented the sites surveyed from several initiatives including those currently surveyed (Figures 6). Figure 8 shows the status of coral reefs of Culion municipality using all of those data. This indicates that only 17% of the surveyed reefs have coral cover of more than 50% and another 34% of the reefs visited support coral cover

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 10 between 31-50%. While only 10% of the surveyed reefs showed coral cover of less than 10%, about 39% contain corals in the cover range of 11-30%.

Most reefs therefore, fall under the midrange value (manta tow category score of 2-3) and sustain an average coral cover of about 30% (Figure 8). Relative to Busuanga and Coron, coral reefs of Culion are in better condition (see Busuanga and Coron Coral Reef Baseline Survey Report).

Notice, however, that there is a paucity of data at the southeast section of the municipality. This area was restricted because of pearl farms lining the coasts. It may be assumed that with the regular patrolling of pearl farm personnel, the reefs in this section have been preserved as in the case of Busuanga. However, this will only hold true if massive exploitation has not reached this area prior to the establishment of the pearl farms. If so, at least the present protection will allow recovery of the reefs here.

At the western side, observations revealed widespread destruction of reefs primarily from blast fishing (Plate 3) and other illegal fishing activities. Anchor damage is also apparent in many sections of the reef around the municipality. Destruction of corals, which releases competition for algal species, results in an ecosystem cascade with a population explosion of herbivores. In this case, since fishing pressure is heavy, the herbivore population is evident at the grazer level, such as the sea urchin Diadema setosum (e.g. Lajo Island) (McClanahan et al. 1994).

Plates 3. Aftermath of a blasted reef. This scene is observed along the east and west coast of Culion municipality.

Another threat looming around the coral reefs of Culion or Palawan in general is the breakout of crown-of-thorns (COT) sea star or Acanthaster planci. Infestation levels were

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 11 observed during the PCSDS campaign but not in the present endeavor. The wave of population growth has apparently subsided presently but it should be noted that even shifting monsoons has been identified to contribute to its very episodic emergence (Glynn 1993).

The relatively good condition of coral reefs of Culion municipality needs to be attended to in terms of proper management to avoid environmental deterioration. Present demand in fisheries coupled with the menace of natural destructive forces (physical and biological) warrant immediate action that will improve, or put in place, protective measures. Thus, the ECAN Zoning Project is timely in its instigation to come up with a management framework that is based on the results of this particular survey and inputs from the other components of the project. Survey photos are presented in plates number (1) to (6).

5.0 SUMMARY

• Sources of secondary coral reef data for Culion municipality are available at least from 3 initiatives • Coral reefs of Culion are generally in better condition relative to the rest of the Calamianes • The northern section of the municipality harbors coral reefs with high percent coral cover • Pearl farms offer protection to adjacent coral reefs where there are preservation or recovery outside of being an MPA

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

• Establish as core zones the sites listed in Table 4 (depicted in Figure 7). • Select further core zones along the northern section of the municipality between island complexes especially those that are indicated by blue dots (Figure 8). • Support the selection of these additional core zones from other biological/ecosystem components of the project. • Promote the lease of coral reef areas for the mariculture of pearl-producing oysters as part of the coral reef protection program.

______CHAPTER I: CORAL REEFS 12 CHAPTER II REEF FISHES

7.0 INTRODUCTION

A rapid and qualitative reef fish survey was conducted to help construct and contribute to the listing of fish species that occur in specific reef sites in Culion and its surrounding islands and to provide valuable inputs in identifying sites with the highest species richness as potential core zones.

8.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specific sites where coral reefs were surveyed were the same sites identified for fish community survey. Using snorkeling equipment, an observer swam along the reef for about 10 to 20 minutes (depending on factors such as water visibility, number of observable fish species, etc.). All fish observed were identified to the lowest possible taxon and recorded on an underwater state. Fishes were identified based on visual appearance and comparing these with photographic references (Allen, 1991; Randall et al., 1997; Lieske and Myers, 2001; and FishBase, 2000). Fish were later categorized as target, indicator or major fish species on the “importance” data compiled in FishBase 2000 (Froese and Pauly, 2000).

The survey method limited the observations and subsequent species listing to numerically dominant and visually obvious species of fish. Cryptic and small species of reef fishes were difficult to detect and identify using this technique. Therefore, abundances and biomass of fish were not determined. Geo-referenced of the fish survey stations were determined and recorded using a Garmin Summit Global Positioning System (GPS) (Table 5).

Table 5. Geographic Positions of Fish Survey Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Date Station Barangay/Island North East Remarks 24-Feb-04 1 Ugnisan 1 11?58'46.0" 119?52'17.9" Luzon 24-Feb-04 2 Ugnisan 2 11?58'23.4" 119?51'45.9" Luzon 24-Feb-04 3 Marily A 11?58'18.6" 119?51'50.9" WGS84 24-Feb-04 4 Marily B 11?56'20.0" 119?59'47.6" WGS84 24-Feb-04 5 Near Marily 11?54'59.7" 120?01'54.8" WGS84 25-Feb-04 6 Lamud 11?57'39.9" 119?57'39.8" Luzon 25-Feb-04 7 Dimanglet 11?58'25.1" 119?58'25.1" Luzon 25-Feb-04 8 San Miguel 11?55'09.5" 120?02'15.9" Luzon 26-Feb-04 9 North Tempel 11?47'55.7" 120?07'14.5" Malcapuya; Luzon 27-Feb-04 10 Ibaan 11?39'30.4" 119?57'34.2" Luzon 28-Feb-04 11 Casinan Bay 11?50'22.4" 120?02'41.0" San Pedro Bay; Luzon 28-Feb-04 12 Burabod Bay 11?49'07.4" 120?02'34.2" Luzon 28-Feb-04 13 Back of Church 11?49'23.6" 120?01'31.2" Poblacion; Luzon

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 13

9.0 RESULTS

A total of 13 stations were surveyed in 2004 (See Figure 9). Survey stations covered 2 an approximate area of 250mP P per station. Stations were mainly situated at or near the reef crest where most of the fishes can be found. Species richness among the 13 stations ranged from 13 to 37 species (mean of 30 species). Station 8 - San Miguel had the highest species richness of 37 species, while Station 9 – North Tampel had the lowest richness value of 13 (Table 6).

Figure 9. Thirteen (13) Fish Survey Stations, Culion, Palawan 2004

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 14 Table 6. Total Number of Species Recorded Per Station, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Station Location Species 1 Ugnisan 1 31 2 Ugnisan 2 26 3 Marily A 33

4 Marily B 29 5 Near Marily 29 6 Lamud 34 7 Dimanglet 34 8 San Miguel 37 9 North Tampel 13 10 Ibaan 35 11 Casinan Bay 28 12 Burabod Bay 21 13 Back of Church 36

A total of 113 species representing 24 families of reef and reef-associated fish were recorded throughout the survey. This list included an unidentified wrasse (Cheilinus sp.), a grouper (Epinephelus sp.), an emperor bream (Lethrinus sp.) and a parrotfish (Scarus sp.). Of the total species, 49 were considered tar get species, 11 species were indicators, and the rest were major species (Table 7). Target species are fish of commercial importance and are those exploited in local fisheries. Indicator species are fish that are highly associated with their environment (i.e. coral feeding chaetodontids) and their presence or absence in an area may be indicative of the present conditions of the habitat. Major species are fish that have no commercial value in fisheries. However, they occupy important niches in coral reef ecosystems making them integral members of fish communities and marine ecosystems. A complete listing of the species recorded and their occurrences is presented in Table 8.

Table 7. Number of Families and Species By Category, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Category Family Species Major 8 53 Indicator 3 11 Target 16 49 Total Families 24 Total Species 113

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 15 Table 8. Importance and Occurrences of Reef and Reef-associated Fish Species Observed from Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Occurrence (# Family Species Category % Occurrence of stations) POMACANTHIDAE Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus Major 12 92 POMACENTRIDAE Amblyglyphidodon curacao Major 12 92

POMACENTRIDAE Chromis amboinensis Major 12 92

POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus burroughi Major 11 85

CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon octofasciatus Indicator 10 77 NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis lineatus Target 10 77 SCARIDAE Chlorurus bleekeri Target 10 77 LABRIDAE Choerodon anchorago Target 9 69 LABRIDAE Halichoeres melanurus Major 9 69 POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera parasema Major 9 69 POMACENTRIDAE Acanthochromis polyacanthus Major 8 62 POMACENTRIDAE Hemyglyphidodon plagiometopon Major 8 62 APOGONIDAE Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus Major 7 54 APOGONIDAE Sphaeramia nematoptera Major 7 54 CHAETODONTIDAE Chelmon rostratus Indicator 7 54 LABRIDAE Cheilinus fasciatus Target 7 54 LABRIDAE Labroides dimidiatus Major 7 54 MULLIDAE Parupeneus barberinus Target 7 54 SCARIDAE Hipposcarus longiceps Target 7 54 CAESIONIDAE Caesio cuning Target 6 46 LABRIDAE Diproctacanthus xanthurus Major 6 46 LABRIDAE Thalassoma lunare Major 6 46 POMACENTRIDAE Dischistodus perspicillatus Major 6 46 POMACENTRIDAE Neoglyphidodon nigroris Major 6 46 POMACENTRIDAE Neopomacentrus anabatoides Major 6 46 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus moluccensis Major 6 46 LABRIDAE Oxycheilinus celebicus Target 5 38 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus decussatus Target 5 38 POMACENTRIDAE Chromis viridis Major 5 38 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus alexanderae Major 5 38 SCARIDAE Scarus oviceps Target 5 38 APOGONIDAE Apogon sammara Major 4 31 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon trifasciatus Indicator 4 31 LABRIDAE Epibulus insidiator Target 4 31 LABRIDAE Halichoeres purpurescens Major 4 31 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus carponotatus Target 4 31 POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera cyanea Major 4 31 POMACENTRIDAE Dischistodus prosopotaenia Major 4 31 SCARIDAE Scarus ghobban Target 4 31 SIGANIDAE Siganus puellus Target 4 31 SIGANIDAE Siganus virgatus Target 4 31 TETRAODONTIDAE Arothron nigropunctatus Major 4 31 APOGONIDAE Apogon compressus Major 3 23 CENTRISCIDAE Aeoliscus strigatus Indicator 3 23 LABRIDAE Pseudocheilinus octotaenia Major 3 23

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 16 Table 8 continued . . . Occurrence (# FAMILY SPECIES CATEGORY % Occurrence of stations) LETHRINIDAE Lethrinus sp. Target 3 23 NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis ciliata Target 3 23 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus stigma Major 3 23 SIGANIDAE Siganus vulpinus Target 3 23 APOGONIDAE Apogon bandanensis Major 2 15 APOGONIDAE Apogon griffini Major 2 15 APOGONIDAE Cheilodipterus macrodon Major 2 15 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon melannotus Indicator 2 15 LABRIDAE Cheilinus undulatus Target 2 15 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus fulviflamma Target 2 15 MULLIDAE Parupeneus multifasciatus Target 2 15 PLOTOSIDAE Plotosus lineatus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Abudefduf sexfasciatus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Abudefduf vaigiensis Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Cheiloprion labiatus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Dascyllus trimaculatus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Dischistodus melanotus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Dischistodus pseudochrysopoecilus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus Major 2 15 POMACENTRIDAE Premnas biaculeatus Major 2 15 SCARIDAE Scarus frenatus Target 2 15 SERRANIDAE Anyperodon leucogrammicus Target 2 15 SERRANIDAE Cephalopholis argus Target 2 15 SIGANIDAE Siganus guttatus Target 2 15 SPHYRAENIDAE Sphyraenia flavicauda Target 2 15 ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus grammoptilus Target 1 8 ACANTHURIDAE Ctenochaetus strigosus Target 1 8 ACANTHURIDAE Zebrasoma scopas Major 1 8 APOGONIDAE Apogon frenatus Major 1 8 APOGONIDAE Archamia zosterophora Major 1 8 BALISTIDAE Balistapus undulatus Target 1 8 BALISTIDAE Balistoides viridescens Target 1 8 BALISTIDAE Sufflamen chrysopterus Target 1 8 BELONIDAE Tylosurus crocodilus Target 1 8 CAESIONIDAE Caesio caerulaurea Target 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon auriga Indicator 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon speculum Indicator 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon vagabundus Indicator 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Coradion altivelis Indicator 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Heniochus acuminiatus Major 1 8 CHAETODONTIDAE Heniochus chrysostomus Indicator 1 8 EPHIPPIDAE Platax pinnatus Target 1 8 HAEMULIDAE Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Target 1 8 HEMIRAMPHIDAE Hemiramphus far Target 1 8 LABRIDAE Bodianus mesothorax Target 1 8 LABRIDAE Cheilinus sp. Target 1 8

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 17 Table 8 continued . . . Occurrence (# FAMILY SPECIES CATEGORY % Occurrence of stations) LABRIDAE Cheilinus trilobatus Target 1 8 LABRIDAE Halichoeres chloropterus Major 1 8 LABRIDAE Halichoeres hortulanus Major 1 8 LABRIDAE Halichoeres trimaculatus Major 1 8 LABRIDAE Labrichthys unilineatus Indicator 1 8 LABRIDAE Thalassoma hardwicke Major 1 8 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus biguttatus Target 1 8 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus bohar Target 1 8 NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis margaritifer Target 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Amphiprion clarkii Major 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera talboti Major 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Dascyllus reticulatus Major 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Dischistodus fasciatus Major 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Neoglyphidodon melas Major 1 8 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus vaiuli Major 1 8 SCARIDAE Chlorurus sordidus Target 1 8 SCARIDAE Scarus globiceps Target 1 8 SCARIDAE Scarus prasiognathus Target 1 8 SCARIDAE Scarus sp. Target 1 8 SERRANIDAE Cromileptes altivelis Target 1 8 SERRANIDAE Epinephelus sp. Target 1 8 SERRANIDAE Plectropomus oligacanthus Target 1 8 total stations = 13

Of the 24 families of fish represented, the wrasses (Labridae) had the highest frequency of occurrence (Table 9). Member species of Labridae (19 species) were observed in 100% of the stations with at least three (3) species present in any one station. The damselfishes (Pomacentridae, 29 species) were also common, occurring in 92% of the stations (Table 9). The angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) were also present in 92% of the stations surveyed but the group was only represented by a single species, Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus (Table 8 and 9).

The most commonly observed species were the angelfish C. mesoleucus, and the damselfishes Amblyglyphidodon curacao and Chromis amboinensis, each of which were observed in 12 of the 13 stations (Table 8). The butterfly fish Chaetodon octofasciatus was also common, occurring in 10 of the 13 stations. The emperor bream Scolopsis lineatus and the parrotfish Chlorurus bleekeri were also common and similarly present in 10 of the 13 stations (Table 8).

The relative frequency of occurrence of each species (Table 8) showed that only 17% (n = 19 species) of the total species recorded occurred in more than 50% of the stations surveyed (range of 7 – 12 stations) while 83% (n = 94 species) of the species occurred in less than 50% of the stations surveyed (range of 1 – 6 stations).

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 18

Table 9. Species Richness and Frequency of Occurrence of Fish Families, Culion, Palawan, 2004

O ccurrence (# Fam ily Richness % O ccurrence of stations) Acanthuridae 3 2 15 Apogonidae 9 8 62 B a lis tid a e 3 2 1 5 Belonidae 1 1 8 Caesionidae 2 6 46 C entriscidae 1 3 23 Chaetodontidae 10 11 85 Ephippidae 1 1 8 Haemulidae 1 1 8 Hemiramphidae 1 1 8 Labridae 19 13 100 Lethrinidae 1 3 23 Lutjanidae 5 10 77 M u llid a e 2 8 6 2 Nemipteridae 3 10 77 Plotosidae 1 2 15 Pomacanthidae 1 12 92 Pom acentridae 29 12 92 Scaridae 9 11 85 S e rra n id a e 5 5 3 8 Siganidae 4 10 77 Sphyraenidae 1 2 15 Tetraodontidae 1 4 31

total stations = 13

The top 10 species in terms of frequency of occurrence are listed in Table 10. Four damselfishes (Pomacentridae) represented the top ten most common species, namely: A. curacao, C. amboinensis, Pomacentrus burroughi, and Chrysiptera parasema. Two wrasses were also included, Choerodon anchorago and Halichoeres melanurus. Moreover, single species of Chaetodontidae (C. octofasciatus), Nemipteridae (S. lineatus), Scaridae (C. bleekeri) and Pomacanthidae (C. mesoleucus) comprised the rest of the top ten (Table 10).

Table 10. Top Ten Frequent Occurring Reef Fishes, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Occurrence (# Family Species % Occurrence of stations) POMACENTRIDAE Amblyglyphidodon curacao 12 92 POMACANTHIDAE Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus 12 92 POMACENTRIDAE Chromis amboinensis 12 92 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus burroughi 11 85 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon octofasciatus 10 77 SCARIDAE Chlorurus bleekeri 10 77 NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis lineatus 10 77 POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera parasema 969 LABRIDAE Halichoeres melanurus 969 LABRIDAE Choerodon anchorago 969

total stations = 13

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 19 The top ten most common target species are listed on Table 11. None of the species listed were of high commercial value such as groupers. The wrasses (Labridae: C. anchorago, Cheilinus fasciatus, Oxycheilinus celebicus) and the parrotfishes (Scaridae: Hipposcarus longiceps, Scarus oviceps, C. bleekeri) dominated the top ten list with three (3) species each.

Table 11. Top Ten Frequent Occurring Target Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Occurrence (# Family Species % Occurrence of stations) NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis lineatus 10 77 SCARIDAE Chlorurus bleekeri 10 77 LABRIDAE Choerodon anchorago 969 LABRIDAE Cheilinus fasciatus 754 MULLIDAE Parupeneus barberinus 754 SCARIDAE Hipposcarus longiceps 754 CAESIONIDAE Caesio cuning 646 LABRIDAE Oxycheilinus celebicus 538 LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus decussatus 538 SCARIDAE Scarus oviceps 538

total stations = 13

Table 12 is a listing of the top ten most common major fish species. Pomacentridae dominated the list with six (6) species, namely: A. curacao, C. amboinensis, P. burroughi, C. parasema, Acanthochromis polyacanthus, and Hemyglyphidodon plagiometopon. Single species of angelfish (Pomacanthidae) and cardinalfish (Apogonidae), and two (2) species of wrasses (Labridae) comprised the rest of the list.

Table 12. Top Ten Frequent Occurring Major Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Occurrence (# Family Species % Occurrence of stations) POMACENTRIDAE Amblyglyphidodon curacao 12 92 POMACENTRIDAE Chromis amboinensis 12 92 POMACANTHIDAE Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus 12 92 POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus burroughi 11 85 POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera parasema 969 LABRIDAE Halichoeres melanurus 969 POMACENTRIDAE Acanthochromis polyacanthus 862 POMACENTRIDAE Hemyglyphidodon plagiometopon 862 LABRIDAE Labroides dimidiatus 754 APOGONIDAE Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus 754 total stations = 13

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 20 Indicator species were relatively well represented with 11 species (Table 13). Coral feeding butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae) dominated the list with nine (9) species. The razor fish Aeoliscus stigatus (Centriscidae) and wrasse Labrichthys unilineatus were the other indicator species observed.

Table 13. Top Ten Frequent Occurring Indicator Species, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Occurrence (# Family Species % Occurrence of stations) CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon octofasciatus 10 77 CHAETODONTIDAE Chelmon rostratus 754 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon trifasciatus 431 CENTRISCIDAE Aeoliscus strigatus 323 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon melannotus 215 LABRIDAE Labrichthys unilineatus 18 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon auriga 18 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon speculum 18 CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon vagabundus 18 CHAETODONTIDAE Coradion altivelis 18 CHAETODONTIDAE Heniochus chrysostomus 18 total stations = 13

10.0 DISCUSSIONS

The 113 species of fish recorded from the 13 survey stations in Culion is relatively low. This may be the result of the sampling technique employed in the study. Swimming on the surface of the water effectively limits the ability of the observer to detect and identify fishes. It may be further hampered by poor water visibility and depth.

Interestingly, other studies of reef fish communities in Culion have yielded higher species richness. Conservation International has summarized all these data from various studies into a database and a condensed summary is presented in Table 14. From 14 geo- referenced sampling points in Culion, a total of 562 fish species from 59 families were listed (range of 85 to 214 species per station). This result may be largely due to the efficiency of the sampling methodology employed (i.e. SCUBA diving surveys). The data presented in Table 14 provide us an idea of the sheer number of species found in the area and underscore the potential of the coral reefs of Culion as candidate cores zones.

The finding that 83% of the species recorded were only observed in 1 to 6 of the stations seems to suggest that there may be some interesting differences in the fish assemblages of particular areas around Culion. However, this may be artificial due to the low number of species observed and the relatively limited number of survey stations.

The number of indicator species recorded was relatively high (11 species). Most of these were coral feeding chaetodontids, wrasse and razor fish. This may suggest that the coral reefs in the area are in relatively good condition. However, Chelmon rostratus, which

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 21 is associated with silty environments (Lieske and Myers, 2001), was also common (Table 14).

Table 14. Fish Species Richness of 14 Sampling Sites from Reports of MERF, 1993 and Werner in 2000, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Station Island Locality Coordinates Family Species Rank Reference 1 Galoc isolated rock of southern tip of Galoc Is 807178.72, 1320386.87 32 155 6 Werner and Allen. 2000 2 Galoc southern tip of Galoc Island 807421.97, 1321477.95 30 141 8 Werner and Allen. 2000 3 Galoc SW tip of Galoc Island 807651.18, 1322162.98 33 192 4 Werner and Allen. 2000 4 Galoc SE tip of Galoc Island 808653.98, 1321822.67 37 214 1 Werner and Allen. 2000 5 Culion 10 km north of Halsey Harbor 815000.25, 1323087.74 35 206 3 Werner and Allen. 2000 6 Culion Saddle Rock 815196.64, 1302423.48 25 136 9 Werner and Allen. 2000 7 Culion Research channel 819551.97, 1301490.68 30 210 2 Werner and Allen. 2000 8 Culion SW tip of Culion Island 820918.51, 1292518.50 28 165 5 Werner and Allen. 2000 9 Culion south branch of Halsey Harbor 821634.94, 1298799.92 21 122 10 Werner and Allen. 2000 10 Lajo SE end of Lajo Island 822447.57, 1326709.63 30 110 12 Werner and Allen. 2000 11 Rhodes Halsey Harbor 823515.95, 1301495.40 29 144 7 Werner and Allen. 2000 12 Chindonan NW end of Chindonan Island 830696.19, 1320118.80 24 118 11 Werner and Allen. 2000 13 Galoc 806812.54, 1320659.90 14 85 14 MERF. 1993 14 Culion 810465.18, 1318852.14 24 93 13 MERF. 1993 total families 59 total species 562

There was a notable lack of high-value target species in the area. Only three of the total species listed were considered of high commercial value including the groupers Plectropomus oligacanthus and Cromileptes altivelis, and the snapper Lutjanus bohar (Table 8). These three high-value target species were only recorded once in each station, which may indicate high fishing pressure in the area.

11.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The baseline survey of the reef fishes of Culion yielded a relatively low number of reef and reef-associated species. However, Stations 8 (San Miguel), 10 (Back of Church) and 13 (Ibaan) had the highest species richness of all the stations, and are therefore, recommended as potential core zones.

Considering the high complexity of the geography of Culion Island, a more detailed survey in the area will surely yield a greater number of fish species. This in turn will generate a more complete database from which management decisions can be made (i.e. locations of marine protected areas, core zones, etc.). A two-step strategy is, therefore, recommended. First, that sites identified in Table 14 (and/or other sites qualified as core zones) immediately be declared as protected areas. Second, that a detailed study of the reef fishes of Culion be conducted to augment the data set that has been generated by the current study.

______CHAPTER II: REEF FISHES 22 CHAPTER III SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS

12.0 INTRODUCTION

The information database on seagrasses and seaweeds of Culion were based on 12 geo-referenced locations (PCSDS, 1999; CI, 2003). As the ECAN-Zoning exercise requires a comprehensive assessment of coastal and marine resources, a recent survey was conducted to (1) gather geo-referenced primary data on seagrasses (and seaweeds) needed for the subsequent classification of shallow coastal areas into various ECAN zones, and (2) to update and augment the existing macrophyte database. The field campaign was conducted in February 2004 and considered the sole background report and compiled database in the survey plan. This report presents the results of this field survey of seagrasses and seaweeds and their environments.

13.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the survey plan, sampling stations were systematically allocated along the coastline of mainland Culion (17 stations up to 2 km apart) and in six (6) selected small islands (7 stations). Although two (2) coastal stations (15 and 16) were canceled due to access difficulties, data obtained during the field campaign covered a municipality-wide spatial scale (Figure. 10).

12.0

22 20 23 21

19 24 1 11.9 2 3 18 4 C U L I O N 5 7 8 17 6

N latitude 11.8 9

10

11 11.7 12 13 14

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 10. Distribution of 22 stations (station numbers below the black dots are stations surveyed in Feb 2004, while green dots indicate locations of generated secondary data, Culion, Palawan, 2004 ______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 23 In each station, two (2) transects from shore to sea were established (bearings due 2 north noted) then marked with buoys. Observations were made on 10 mP P plots (5 m swathe x 2.5 m front radius of observer) from the macrophytes’ incidence on the shore (edge) then at intervals of 10 or 20 (freestyle) swimming ‘kicks’ along the transects up to the macrophytes’ seaward end, as indicated by bottom substrate shifts, i.e., bare of vegetation or live coral cover ≥5%. Substrates beyond the coral zone were inspected for the occurrence of small seagrasses, e.g., Halophila and/ or Halodule. Bottom depths were measured in one of the observed transects following the intervals set for the station. The positions of the edges and ends were marked as new coordinates in the GPS configured to the Luzon datum, the ‘kicks’ interval was standardized to distance in meters for every observer.

Within the observation plots, the following habitat and macrophyte parameters were gathered: bottom type (mud, sand, rubble/ rock), leaf canopy cover of seagrasses and bottom cover of seaweeds (%, modified from the categories used by SeagrassNet, Short et al., 2002), taxonomic composition (seagrasses – species level identification; seaweeds – usually up to genus level), and other bottom features (the presence of feeding craters/ trenches of dugongs, small and bare sand patches, sand mounds/ ‘volcanoes’, and conspicuous invertebrates). Site features were photo-documented whenever possible.

All data were transcribed by each observer then later encoded as a database. All data records were reviewed, after which summaries of macrophyte cover, taxonomic composition, and habitat features were obtained for each station, and then pooled. The distributions of each seagrass species, species richness and of macrophyte cover were each plotted on a map to evaluate municipality level spatial patterns. Local (= station) seagrass species distributions (as relative frequencies, %) were utilized as attribute to classify the stations using Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN; Hill, 1979). Candidate core zones were proposed based on the criteria set for seagrass habitats (PCSDS, 1994).

14.0 RESULTS

There were 464 rows of compiled data in the survey database, which represented the total number of plots observed along 44 transects (Table 15).

About half of the stations (n=13) were narrow macrophyte beds (≤ 100 m), and the rest (n=9) extended up to 300 m (Table 15, Figure 11). Epiphytes on seagrass leaves, consistent with silty overlying waters, were common in most stations (Table 15). Bed sediment was mostly sand and often mixed with either harder substrates (pieces of rock, coral rubble) or mud (Table 15). Cross-bed bottom depths, depicted in Figure 12, averaged 82 ± 5 cm at the bed edges and varied within a 1-m range in both narrow and moderately wide meadows.

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 24 Table 15. Location and Characteristics of the Macrophyte Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Other bottom features a STATION N Latitude E Longitude n B B n B B Bed width, m P P Siltation Substrate Epiphytes transects plots b c Feeding trails P P Sand mounds/ patches P P Conspicuous invertebrates

1 11.9198056 120.0264444 2 18 80 (0.3) sand ● Dset, Pnod 2 11.9083333 120.0023889 2 26 31 (16) ● sand, sand + rock ● ● ● Dset, Pnod, holo, spon 3 11.8953056 119.9974167 2 5 51 (11) ● mud, sandy mud ● 4 11.8814722 120.0293611 2 27 67 (23) sand ● ● ● Dset, Pnod ● 5 11.8530694 120.0400000 2 11 22 (8) ● sand, sand + rubble ● ● Pnod 6 11.8256111 120.0448056 2 13 86 (9) sand, sand + rubble ● Dset, spon 7 11.8355278 120.0832222 2 5 93 (8) mud, sandy mud ● Pnod 8 11.8299167 120.1060833 2 33 87 (12) ● sand ● ● Dset, Pnod, asci 9 11.8057500 120.0530833 2 18 73 (17) sand, sand + rubble ● ● Dset, Pnod 10 11.7550000 120.0418056 2 19 73 (20) sand ● ● Pnod, spon 11 11.7231111 120.0469444 2 20 83 (9) sand + rubble, rock ● ● ● Pnod 12 11.7070556 120.0243611 2 14 80 (12) ● sand, sand + rubble ● ● 13 11.6787500 119.9853611 2 24 134 (10) ● sand, sand + rubble ● ● Pnod 14 11.6791944 120.0373333 2 13 157 (4) ● sand, sand + rubble ● Pnod 17 11.8258611 119.9011667 2 31 142 (33) sand + rubble, rock ● ● 18 11.8792222 119.8825556 2 56 148 (4) sand, sand + rubble ● ● ● asci 19 11.9308056 119.8628056 2 26 135 (7) sand, sand + rock ● ● ● Dset, Syna 20 11.9738333 119.8929444 2 17 115 (32) ● sand, sand + rock ● Pnod 21 11.8355278 120.0832222 2 30 155 (24) sand, sand + rubble ● ● ● Pnod 22 11.9870833 119.9351944 2 18 256 (20) sand, sand + rubble ● ● ● 23 11.9708333 119.9417222 2 22 276 (41) ● sand + rubble, rock ● ● Pnod 24 11.9244444 119.9497222 2 18 268 (64) ● sand, sand + rubble ● ● Dset, Pnod

Pooled = 44 = 464 119 (17) a b c Legend: n = sample size; P P perpendicular distance inhabited by macrophytes, i.e., from shore edge to seaward end; P P of dugongs; P P of burrowing shrimps; presence of a feature is indicated by the symbol ●; Dset, Diadema setosum (black-spined urchin); Pnod, Protoreaster nodosus (horned sea star), holo, holothurians; spon, sponges; asci, ascidians (sea squirts); Syna, Synapta sp.

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 25

14

12 10

8

stations stations 6 n 4

2

0 100 200 300 400 500 bed widths, m

Figure 11. Distribution of 22 Macrophyte Stations by Bed Width, Culion, Palawan, 2004

distance from shore, m 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 0

50

100

depth, cm 150 narrow beds 200 moderately wide beds

Figure 12. Cross-bed Depth Profiles (cm, mean +/-SD) in the Macrophyte Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 26 UBenthic Cover

Seagrasses dominated the marine vegetation in Culion. Estimated leaf canopy cover usually increased from the edge up to the first 50 m, appeared homogeneous until 100 m, and then became variable up to the beds’ ends (circles in Figure 13). Pooled canopy cover was mostly intermediate and did not exceed 50%, although three (3) stations emerged with values over 40% (Table 16, Figure 14). Low-cover meadows (≤ 25%) occurred in six (6) stations (1, 5, 10, 17, 20, and 24) that were next to tributaries. Overall seagrass cover was low at 31 ± 1%.

Table 16. Macrophyte Cover Diversity (as Seagrass Species Richness N and Seaweed Generic Richness, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Seagrass Seaweeds STATION Leaf canopy cover N BspeciesB Bottom cover N BgeneraB

1 24 (4) 3 1 (0.3) 4

U2U 45 (4) 5 13 (3) 6 3 31 (2) 1 1 (1) 2

U4U 38 (5) 5 3 (1) 7 5 25 (3) 2 3 (1) 6 6 38 (8) 3 1 (0.5) 4 7 33 (14) 1 - - 2 8 35 (4) 4 5 (1) 6 9 32 (6) 3 8 (2) 6 10 10 (2) 3 4 (1) 6

U11U 35 (5) 7 23 (6) 7 12 28 (4) 7 9 (3) 7 13 30 (2) 7 10 (2) 7

U14U 42 (6) 8 11 (3) 7

U17U 21 (2) 4 26 (3) 7

U18U 33 (2) 6 9 (1) 6

U19U 48 (4) 8 7 (2) 6 20 6 (2) 3 5 (1) 6 21 36 (2) 4 5 (0.5) 6

U22U 33 (5) 7 21 (4) 6

U23U 34 (4) 7 20 (3) 5 24 16 (3) 2 5 (1) 6

Pooled Mean = 31 (1) SEM = 8 Mean = 10 (1) SEM = 7

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 27 narrow (n=13) 100 8

6 80 4 max N 60 2

0 species

40 -2

-4 20

seagrass canopy cover, % -6

0 -8 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

moderately wide (n=9) 100 8

6 80 4

60 2 0

40 -2

-4 20 -6

0 -8 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

distance from shore

Figure 13. Seagrass Canopy Cover, as Mean ± SEM, Primary Axis) and Maximum Number of Species (Diamonds, Secondary Axis) with Distance from Shore (in meters). Top Graph, Profiles in Narrow Beds (≤ 150m); Both Graph, Profiles in Moderately Wide Beds (≥ 150m), Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 28 12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

11.8 N latitude

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 14. Mean Seagrass Canopy Cover Per Station (range 5 to 50% depicted by the Size of the Symbol). Encircled Symbols are Stations with > 40% Canopy Cover, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Seagrass-associated seaweeds were patchy in distribution and did not cover a significant area (1 ± 0.3 to 26 ± 3%; Table 16). Overall bottom cover was also low (10 ± 1%).

USpecies Composition, Distribution, and Diversity

Eight species of seagrasses were found in Culion. Of the eight (8) species, Enhalus acoroides was the most frequent species of meadows (90% of all plots pooled, Table 17, with some flower bearing populations) and was ubiquitous in distribution as shown in Figures 15 depicting percentage occurrence thereof across transect stations. Next to E. acoroides were Thalassia hemprichii (54%), (Figure 16) and Halophila ovalis (46%; Figure 17). Cymodocea rotundata co-dominated the communities of the southern and western stations of mainland Culion (Figure 18). Syringodium isoetifolium (Figure 19), Halodule pinifolia (Figure 20),

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 29 Table 17. Seagrass Occurrence Per Station By Species, Culion, Palawan. 2004

Number STATION of Plots ENHA THALI HOVA CYRO SYRI HPIN HUNI CYSE (N)

1 18 100 6 6 2 26 96 73 31 8 8 3 5 100

4 27 100 P P 30 44 4 15 5 11 100 27 6 13 100 23 62 7 5 60 8 33 100 18 52 12 9 18 100 6 61 10 19 100 42 5 11 20 85 90 65 60 25 15 15 12 14 71 93 64 29 29 64 7 13 24 83 96 79 83 25 33 4 14 13 100 85 77 31 23 54 23 8 17 31 26 84 13 10 18 56 91 86 50 9 18 2 19 26 100 96 77 19 54 31 4 15

20 17 88 P P 24 24

21 30 100 P P 53 83 37

22 18 94 P P 89 17 6 6 11 6 23 22 100 55 64 18 18 14 5 24 18 100 6 90.3 54.5 45.5 15.3 10.3 8.6 5.2 1.7 Total Mean 464 (3.8) (8.0) (5.9) (7.4) (4.7) (8.3) (1.9) (2.0)

Halodule uninervis (Figure 21), and Cymodocea serrulata (Figure 22) also occurred mostly in these stations. Except for the monospecific stands of E. acoroides in Stations 3 and 7, the meadows were mixes of two (2) to eight (8) species. Combinations of three (3) and seven (7) species were modal (10 stations; Figure 23). There appears to be no pattern in the maximum number of species from inshore to seaward (Figure 13). Overall, speciose communities (≥5 species) were found south, north-northwest, and east of the mainland, and in the stations in Lajo, Lamud, and Dipalian Islands (Figure 24).

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 30 12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 15. Enhalus Acoroides Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

latitude N 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 16. Thalasia hemprichii Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 31

12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 17. Halophila ovalis Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2

E longitude

Figure 18 Cymodocea rotundata percent occurrence across transects in all

stations, overall range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the symbols). Culion, Palawan. 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 32 12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 19. Syringodium equisetifolium Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

ude

N latit 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 20. Halodule pinifolia Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 33 12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2

E longitude

Figure 21. Halodule uninervis Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations, Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004

12.0

11.9

C U L I O N

N latitude 11.8

11.7

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude Figure 22. Cymodocea serrulata Percent Occurrence Across Transects in all Stations Overall Range 1 to 100%, Scaled by the Size of the Symbols), Culion, Palawan, 2004 ,

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 34

6

5 A 4

3 stations n 2

1

0 12345678

N species

10

9 8 7 B 6 5

stations

n 4

3 2 1 0 12345678

N genera

Figure 23. Distribution of Stations by A. Seagrass Species Richness N, and by B. Number of Seaweeds Genera. Species Seagrass Communities are Composed of ≥ 5 Species (Light Colored Bars in A), Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 35

12.0 7 3 7 4

8 2 3 5

11.9 1 5 6 C U L I O N 2

1 4 4 3 3

N latitude 11.8

3 7 7 11.7 7 8

119.8 119.9 120.0 120.1 120.2 E longitude

Figure 24. Diversity of Seagrass Meadows (as Species Richness N, Range = 1 to 8) Culion, Palawan, 2004

Classification analysis using TWINSPAN indicated two ecological communities of seagrasses as presented in Figure 25: (a) communities with at least 4 species common in the meadows (N from 4 to 8) and (b) communities with up to 4 frequently occurring species.

Group A meadows were speciose, intermediate in bottom cover (red symbols reflected in Figure 26), and extended to moderate distances from shore (Table 15); Group B stations were, on the other hand, less diverse, covered bottoms from low to moderate (green symbols in Figure 26), and fringed narrow distances from shore (Table 15).

There were fewer genera of seaweeds recorded in Culion at survey time but combinations were limited to a maximum of seven (7) per station (Table 16, Figure 23). The brown algae Padina was the most frequently seagrass-associated genus; Sargassum (Phaeophyceae), Halimeda and Caulerpa (Chlorophyceae) ranked next in frequency of occurrence (Table 18). Other genera recorded are indicated in Appendix B.

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 36 Stations 14 19 22 23 11 12 13 2 4 17 18 562021 8 1 9 3 7 24 10

Species occurrence (scores, highest=5) C. serrulata 3 4 3 3 ------3 C. rotundata 5 4 3 4 5 5 5 - 2 4 3 - - - 5 ------S.isoetifolium 5 5 - 4 5 5 5 3 - - 4 ------H. pinifolia 5 5 3 - 4 5 5 ------4 ------H. uninervis 5 2 4 4 4 3 2 3 4 4 2 ------E. acoroides 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 T. hemprichii 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 3 3 - - - - H. ovalis 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 - 5 - 5 5 5 - 3 5 - - 3 5

Species richness Range 4 to 8 species Range 1 to 4 species Canopy cover Range 20 to 50% Range 5 to 40% Bottom cover of associated Up to 30% Up to 10% seaweeds Feeding trails In 2 stations (18%) In 7 stations (64%) (highlighted) (highlighted) Bed width Mostly moderate Mostly narrow Group A B

Figure 25. Two Ecological Groups of Seagrass Meadows. The Dendrogram and Species Occurrence Scores are from TWINSPAN’s Classification of the 22 Stations, Culion, Palawan, 2004

7 3 7 4 B A 8 2 3 5 1 6 5 C U L I O N C U L I O N 2 1 4 4 3 3

3 7 7 7 8

Figure 26. Location of Two Ecological Groups of Seagrass, A. Green Symbols – Canopy Cover Range between 5 and 40% Red- between 20 and 50% B- Green- Low. N, Range 1 to 4; Red-Generally Species, Range 4 to 8, Culion, Palawan, 2004

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 37 Table 18. Composition, Diversity (as Species richness N, range 1 to 8), and Dominant Seaweed Genera Associated with Seagrass Communities in each Station, Culion, Palawan, 2004

Enhalus Thalassia Halophila Cymodocea Syringodium Halodule Halodule Cymodocea

STATION N B BBB Dominant seaweeds acoroides hemprichii ovalis rotundata isoetifolium pinifolia uninervis serrulata species

1 +++ + + 3 -

U2U +++ +++ + + + 5 Padina, Halimeda 3 +++ 1 - Padina, Halimeda,

U4U +++ ● +++ + + + 5 Caulerpa 5 +++ +++ 2 6 +++ + + 3 7 +++ 1 8 +++ +++ + + 4 9 +++ + + 3 10 +++ +++ + 3

U11U + ● +++ + +++ + + + 7

U12U + +++ + +++ + +++ + 7

U13U + +++ + +++ + + + 7

U14U + ● + +++ +++ + + + + 8 17 + ● +++ +++ + 4

U18U + ● +++ + +++ + + 6

U19U + ● +++ + +++ + + +++ + 8 20 +++ ● +++ + 3 21 +++ ● +++ + + 4

U22U +++ ● +++ + + + + + 7

U23U +++ +++ +++ + +++ + + 7 24 +++ + 2

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 38

UOther Bottom FeaturesU

Feeding tracks/ trenches of the marine mammal Dugong dugon were observed in the seagrass meadows of nine (9) stations (Tables 15 and 19). Small sand patches and mounds from turbative activities of burrowing shrimps were observed in all the meadows (Table 15). Among the conspicuous epibenthos were, in decreasing order of frequencies, (a) echinoderms – mostly aggregations of black-spined urchins Diadema setosum, horned sea stars Protereaster nodosus and occasionally Linckia laevigata, (b) the sticky sea cucumber Synapta maculata, (c) ascidians or sea squirts (Didemnum molle) on seagrass leaves, and (d) sponges (Table 15).

15.0 DISCUSSIONS

The near shore environment of Culion supports diverse seagrass communities and seaweed populations, which provide for part of the municipality’s fisheries and the nutritional needs of large marine mammals (dugongs). The observed patterns in community structure correlate with exposure to water movement, hence, the type of sediments, rates of sediment-water column material flux and renewal of the overlying water. On the other extreme are beds under stagnation and/or siltation stress from nearby tributaries, which are exacerbated during rainfall events. Water movement also influences the success of seagrass sexual reproduction and seed/ fruit dispersal. Particularly for Enhalus acoroides, water movement causes pollens to disperse, which increases the probability of fruiting and, eventually, seedling recruitment across meadows. This species, therefore, may be found across the entire width of all beds (Tables 18, Figure15).

For the ECAN zoning exercise, information on seagrasses were the bases for the recommended seagrass core zones (Table 18). The key parameters as stipulated in the PCSD Resolution were (1) seagrass canopy cover of 50% or better and (2) resource use to dugongs (PCSDS, 1994). Diversity (as species richness N) and extent from shore (=bed width) were integrated as zoning criteria. Presence or absence of siltation and of epiphytes, and the dominant species were included as secondary descriptors. Thus, after scoring the key characters/ parameters, half (n=12) of the stations appeared qualified as core zones (Table 19, Figure 27). The candidate stations are consistent with the ecological groups as classified by TWINSPAN and are reflected as stations highlighted in Table 19 and Figure 25.

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 39

C U L I O N

Figure 27. Locations of Candidate ECAN Core Zones, Orange Lines: Proposed Seagrass Core Zones Based on Ecological Characteristics and Resource Value to Dugongs (encircled Dots)

The seagrass habitats east of mainland Culion are particularly more vulnerable to siltation episodes compared to counterparts in the west (except Halsey area). Siltation significantly reduces the light environment of seagrasses, which results in the loss of sensitive species (Terrados et al., 1998; Hemminga and Duarte, 2000). The meadows become less diverse or, worse, survive as monospecific stands (Tables 15-17, Figure 24). The community biomass is reduced and eventually, the meadows may retrogress.

16.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Seagrasses dominate the macrophytes of the shallow soft bottoms of Culion. Most of the sites were intermediate in leaf canopy cover (< 50%) and the mixed beds were typically composed of two (2) to eight (8) species. Seaweeds contributed minimally to total vegetative cover. Evidence of grazing by dugongs was apparent in nine (9) stations. It is proposed that the western and south-southeastern sectors of the mainland, as well as the western coasts of Dipalian, Lajo, and Lamud Islands be recognized as ECAN core zones.

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 40

Table 19. Characteristics of Coastal Environments and Seagrass Communities By Category by Stations (presence/absence of epiphyte load, canopy cover on bottom, diversity, ecological group, resource value to dugongs) Used as Criteria in Pinpointing Candidate ECAN Core Zones (green highlights), Culion, Palawan, 2004

Leaf canopy Species n dominant Ecological Dugong ECAN Core STATION N Latitude E Longitude Macrophyte zone Siltation Epiphytes cover richness N species group feeding trails zone? 1 11.9198056 120.0264444 Narrow Below average Low 1 1 No 2 11.9083333 120.0023889 Narrow ● ● Above average High 2 2 ● Yes Low 3 11.8953056 119.9974167 Narrow ● Average 1 1 No (monospecific) 4 11.8814722 120.0293611 Narrow ● Average High 2 2 ● Yes 5 11.8530694 120.0400000 Narrow ● ● Below average Low 2 1 ● No 6 11.8256111 120.0448056 Narrow Average Low 1 1 No Low 7 11.8355278 120.0832222 Narrow Average 1 1 No (monospecific) 8 11.8299167 120.1060833 Narrow ● ● Average Average 2 1 No 9 11.8057500 120.0530833 Narrow ● Average Low 1 1 No 10 11.7550000 120.0418056 Narrow ● Below average Low 2 1 No 11 11.7231111 120.0469444 Narrow ● Average High 2 2 ● Yes Borderline 12 11.7070556 120.0243611 Narrow ● ● High 3 2 Yes average Borderline 11.6787500 119.9853611 Moderate extent ● ● High 2 2 Yes 13 average 14 11.6791944 120.0373333 Moderate extent ● Above average High 2 2 Yes 17 11.8258611 119.9011667 Moderate extent Average Average 2 2 ● Yes 18 11.8792222 119.8825556 Moderate extent ● Average High 2 2 ● Yes 19 11.9308056 119.8628056 Moderate extent ● Above average High 3 2 ● Yes 20 11.9738333 119.8929444 Moderate extent ● Below average Low 2 1 No 21 11.8355278 120.0832222 Moderate extent ● Average Average 2 1 ● Yes 22 11.9870833 119.9351944 Moderate extent ● Average High 2 2 ● Yes 23 11.9708333 119.9417222 Moderate extent ● ● Average High 4 2 Yes 24 11.9244444 119.9497222 Moderate extent ● ● Below average Lo 1 1 No

______CHAPTER III: SEAGRASSES AND SEAWEEDS 41 CHAPTER IV MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES

17.0 INTRODUCTION

One of the goals of the SEMP-ECAN project is the protection of rare and endangered species and its habitat. Dugongs, sea turtles, and cetaceans are such species in the marine environment that are at risk if measures to conserve them are not addressed.

This survey was conducted to obtain data on dugong habitats, turtle nesting sites, and cetaceans occurring in the municipality of Culion. Although outputs of this survey are primarily baseline in nature, data gathered provides initial recommendations for management and research actions.

18.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six (6) coastal and island barangays in the municipality were surveyed using the Key Informant Interview (KII) method. A standardized questionnaire was designed specifically to document the knowledge, occurrence, group size, threats, and conservation awareness on marine mammals and sea turtles in the municipality. Data on fishe folk population (Table 20) were given by barangay captains and board members due to the absence of data from the municipal agricultural office (MAO).

Table 20 Estimated Number of Fisher folks in Culion* Barangay Number Galoc** 100 Burabod 30 Chindonan** 50 Canimango 100 Lamud** 50 Binudac 200 TOTAL 530 *Source: Barangay Captains and Board Members ** Island Barangay Field Survey

Since the survey team was given a limited time to conduct the survey, the percentage taken from the total fisherfolk population as sample size was increased to twenty five percent (25%) in order to come up with a reliable data. Due to lack of manpower however, only ±16% (N=89) were interviewed over a six (6) day period.

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 42 Reported sightings of marine mammals, sea turtles, and location of turtle nesting sites were marked on a 1:400,000 municipal map and were later transferred using Garmin Map Source to obtain coordinates and to illustrate animal distribution. Microsoft Excel v.2003 was used to calculate the results of the survey. Photo identification was used to obtain data on possibly occurring cetacean and sea turtle species.

19.0 SURVEY RESULTS

Respondent Background

Majority of the respondents were male fisherfolks (96.63%) while minority (3.37%) were wives of anglers who accompany their husbands at sea. Most of the respondents were aged 30 to 39 (33.71%), living in their areas for 20 to 29 years (32.58%), and were fishing in their barangay waters for 10 to 19 years (34.83%).

Primary level (62.92%) was the highest education attainment, and ethnicity came from the Calamianes region (52.81%), followed by Visayas (38.20%), and Luzon (5.62%).

Respondents were generally full-time fishermen (82.02%) fishing in their barangay waters, some reaching as far as Linapacan, Malampaya, and offshore China Sea. Hook and line (50.56%) was the commonly used gear followed by fishnets (21.35%) while others used both gears simultaneously (15.73%). Most fishing activities were done once daily (65.17%).

Knowledge on Marine Wildlife

Dugongs. 65.17% of the respondents have actually seen dugongs, of this number, 29.31% said that the animal has one to two dorsal fins. Few (3.44%) informed the survey team that there were two to three species of dugongs. It was also reported that dugongs eat flying fish. Common behaviors observed were swimming and eating while ‘playing’, mating and suckling calf were reportedly seen in Chindonan and Galoc.

Turtles. Majority of turtle descriptions from respondents correspond to the UCheloniaU

UmydasU (Plate 4) and UEretmochelysU UimbricataU (Plate 5). Sightings of the UDermochelysU

UcoriaceaU (Plate 6) were also reported. Behaviors observed were eating seaweeds in Burabod; eating seagrass and algae, mating in Galoc; mating in Binudac; laying eggs and mating in Chindonan; mating and eating seagrass in Canimango

Dolphins. Most respondents have seen dolphins (96.63%). However, some (20.93%) reported that the animal has two to four dorsal fins. Common behaviors observed were swimming and porpoising, while feeding was frequently observed in the areas of Galoc, Binudac, Chindonan, and Burabod. All of the respondents identified the

UTursiopsU UtruncatusU (Plate 7) as commonly occurring in their waters.

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 43

Plate 4. Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle)

Plate 5. Erethmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtle)

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 44

Plate 6. Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback turtle) Adult and juvenile

Plate 7. Tursiops truncatus (Bottle -nosed dolphin)

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 45

Whales. 66.29% of the respondents have seen whales occurring in their waters. Of these, 71.19% gave correct morphological descriptions of the animal. The

UGlobicephalaU UmacrorhynchusU (Plate 8) seems to be the common whale species

while high sighting incidences of UOrcinusU UorcaU (Plate 9) were reported. Sightings of

the UPhyseterU UmacrocephalusU (Plate 10) and the URhincodonU UtypusU (Plate 11) were also reported. Common behaviors observed were breathing, floating, and eating.

Plate 8. GLobicephala macrochynchus (Pilot whale)

Plate 9. Orcinus orca (Killer Whale)

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 46

Plate 10. Physeter macrocephalus (Sperm whale)

Plate 11. Rhincodon typus (WHale shark)

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 47 Animal Distribution

Dugongs appear to be uncommon in most areas surveyed except for Galoc, Canimango, and Binudac in which regular sightings were reported (Figure 28). Turtles were reportedly found in both near shore and offshore waters in the areas surveyed (Figure 29). Information regarding turtle nests was limited to the areas of Sitio Sabang in Galoc Island, Libing in Diborda, and Binudac. Dolphins were said to be common in offshore waters of Galoc, Binudac, and Lamud. Occasional sightings of dolphins in Chindonan were also reported (Figure 30). Whales are limited to offshore, deep waters of the South China Sea facing Galoc and Binudac (Figure 31).

Figure 28. Dugong distribution (red diamond-regular dugong sightings; black star-reported calving ground; green square-dugong sighted). Culion, Palawan. 2004

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 48

Figure 29. Turtle distribution (green sun – turtle sightings; green diamond – reported turtle nests) Culion, Palawan. 2004

Figure 30. Dolphin distribution (blue sun), Culion, Palawan. 2004

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 49

Figure 31. Whale distribution (yellow sun). Culion, Palawan, 2004

Seasonality of Occurrence

Dugongs reportedly occur year round with high incidents of sightings from March to May, August and October, mostly in Galoc. Survey results showed that the area had the highest number of sightings (n=8) for the period Sept 2003 to February 2004 (Figure 32). Turtles occurrences were reported year round (Figure 33) while dolphins occur at any time of the year except during the summer months where they can be seen almost everyday (Figure 34). Whales were reportedly seen only during the months of December, and March to May (Figure 35). Nesting season for turtles reportedly occur every December. Sightings generally occur during the early mornings with the exception of turtles, which can be seen at any time of the day.

Dugong Sightings: Sept 03 - Feb 04

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Number of SightingsNumber 1 0 123456 Barangays

Figure 32. Dugong Sightings (1–Binudac, 2-Borabod, 3-Canimango, 4 -Chindonan, 5-Galoc, 6-Lamud). Culion, Palawan. 2004

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 50

Turtle Sightings: Sept 03 - Feb 04

18

16 14 12 10 8 6 4

Sightings of Number 2 0 123456 Barangays

Figure 33. Turtle Sightings (1 – Binudac, 2 - Burabod, 3 - Canimango, 4 - Chindonan, 5 - Galoc, 6 - Lamud). Culion, Palawan. 2004

Dolphin Sightings:Sept 03 to Feb 04

20

15

10

5

Number of Sightings of Number 0 123456 Barangay

Figure 34. Dolphin Sightings (1 – Binudac, 2 - Burabod, 3 - Canimango, 4 - Chindonan, 5 - Galoc, 6 - Lamud). Culion, Palawan

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 51

Whale Sightings: Sep 03 to Feb 04

10

8

6

4

2

Sightings of Number 0 123456 Barangays

Figure 35. Whale Sightings (1 – Binudac, 2 - Burabod, 3 - Canimango, 4 - Chindonan, 5 - Galoc, 6 - Lamud). Culion, Palawan

Abundance in Terms of Group Size

Dugongs were often reportedly seen in pairs in almost all of the barangays. In Galoc, respondents reported seeing mother and calf pairs, while a maximum number of four (4) individuals were reported in Burabod. Turtles were seen singly with occasional sightings of two individuals. Dolphin group size were estimated to be over a hundred in Galoc, Binudac, and Chindonan while the rest of the barangays surveyed reported at least twenty (20) to thirty (30) individuals in a group. Whales occur singly except in Galoc where two (2) to five (5) individuals were seen.

Local Perception on Trends on the Number of Animals

Dugongs. More or less fifty nine percent (59.32%) of the respondents thinks that dugong numbers were increasing in the municipality because they are non-target species and that the law prohibits catching of the animal. 18.64% think that their numbers remain the same because even when individuals were caught, others were also released thus, giving them a chance to ‘breed’. 13.56% was unsure, while 8.47% think they are decreasing since they are hunted.

Turtles. Approximately eighty percent (79.78%) of the respondents believed that turtle numbers were increasing due to the hundreds of eggs in one nesting. 10.11% stated that their numbers remain the same because even when some were eaten, others were also released, thus creating a ‘balance’. 8.99% believed that numbers were decreasing because people hunt them, while 1.12% was unsure.

Dolphins. A considerable percentage (82.56%) said that numbers were increasing because dolphins were not hunted in the municipality. 6.98% stated that numbers remain the same because when seen, group sizes remained the same. 5.81% reported

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 52 that they were decreasing due to captures by commercial fishing vessels, while 4.65% were unsure.

Whales. Majority (58.62%) reported that whale numbers were increasing since such animals were not hunted. 20.69% were unsure while 13.79% stated that there were no changes in numbers due to the same group sizes when sighted. 6.90% said that animal numbers were decreasing since animal sightings were becoming rare in the municipality.

Threats

Dynamite and cyanide fishing were generally the perceived threats in the municipality. Direct captures through spears and indirect captures in fish nets were also recorded which led to dugong (18.96%) and turtle (44.94%) slaughters by respondents. Captures in commercial fishing vessels such as the ‘pangulong’ were reported threats for dolphins with an estimated catch of 20 individuals per year as reported by respondents from Galoc Island. No threats specific to whales were identified. Strandings were uncommon for all animals.

Conservation Awareness

UBehavior on captive animalsU. Almost all (93.26%) of the respondents will release the animal when accidentally captured because it is prohibited by law; the animal is pitiful; they are not eating such animals; and, it has no economic value. About overn percent (6.74% will eat the animal while others will sell it. If the animal is dead upon capture, 30.34% will release it at sea, 29.21% will eat the animal, and 21.35% will bury it. Other answers include they will sell the animal, give the animal away, and in case of turtles, the carapace will be taken and used for decoration.

UAnimal protection.U Around seventy one percent (70.79%) reported that marine wildlife needs to be protected because they are helpful to man during accidents at sea. 23.60% answered that there is no need for protection since these animals are rarely seen at all, while 5.61% were not sure.

UKnowledge of laws.U About eighty one percent (80.90%) of respondents were aware of laws, which prohibit the capture of dugongs, turtles, and cetaceans. Of this number (Figure 36), 28.92% knew of such laws from their community leaders (e.g. barangay captain, kagawads), 22.89% from the municipal government (e.g. mayor, FARMC members), 20.48% from radio, while others have heard from fellow fishermen (8.43%), provincial government (4.82%, e.g. Calauit staff, coast guard), other agencies (4.82%, e.g. Hayuma Foundation, fishing companies, researchers), posters (4.82%), seminars (3.61%), and TV(1.21%).

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 53

Knowledge of Laws

5% 4% 1% 5% 29% 5% 8%

20% 23%

Community Leaders Municipal Government Radio Fellow Fishermen Provincial Government Other Agencies

Posters Seminars TV

Figure 36. Respondent Source: Laws on Marine Wildlife Protection

20.0 DISCUSSIONS

While dugongs seem to be uncommon and limited to chance sightings in most of the areas surveyed, Galoc waters extending to Canimango seem to be a likely specialized habitat for calving. Data gathered indicated frequent sights of mother & calf pairs during the summer months with behaviors ranging from ‘playing’, ‘mating’, and ‘suckling calf’. Studies (Heinsohn, et al 1979) have shown that dugongs use specialized habitats for various activities. Shallow waters, such as on tidal sandbanks and estuaries have been reported as sites for calving and such are the characteristics of the waters between Galoc and Canimango. Likewise, feeding habitat of the animal was reported in Sitio Libing, this however is subject to seagrass surveys in the area to verify feeding trenches.

The Green (UCheloniaU Umydas)U and Hawksbill (UEretmochelysU Uimbricata)U turtles were widely distributed in the municipality. Reports indicated that they commonly occur in the area particularly in the seaweed farms.

It is not surprising that respondents reported sightings of deep water cetacean species due to proximity to the South China Sea. Aggregations of dolphins seem to indicate abundant food source in the area particularly during the summer months.

Respondents in general cited dynamite and cyanide fishing made by transient fishermen as the main culprit adversely affecting marine wildlife. Common knowledge tells them that direct captures through spear and manual takes particularly for nesting turtles made by members of their community are a much lesser evil. Although cyanide and dynamite fishing negatively affect marine wildlife, direct captures when done regularly provides a much drastic effect particularly on the population of the animal and such is the case of dugongs and turtles in Culion.

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 54 Data indicated that over half of the respondents were involved in dugong and turtle slaughters. Incidental captures in fish nets and intentional spearing of dugongs account for its death while those for turtles include incidental captures in fish nets, entanglement in fishing lines, and manual takes of nesting animals. An average of 1.5 dugong slaughters per year was recorded from Galoc, Chindonan, and Burabod while turtle slaughters average to 10.5 per year from all areas surveyed. Numbers could be higher when undisclosed information is considered.

While it is a known fact that dugong numbers in Palawan are low, uncontrolled kills can further lead to the decline of an already waning population. Turtle numbers are also in deterioration given the data gathered. In Burabod, turtles are considered as pests and are deliberately killed since they eat seaweeds from the farms. In Galoc, nesters are taken by hands for food and such damage is great since one female turtle can lay five clutches of eggs and it could have reached 50 years already. Sexual maturity in turtles is quite long, from 20 to 50 years. These incidents are cause for alarm since a crash in the population can occur or may have already occurred even before studies are made.

Pearl farms, which abound in the municipality, are also potential threats to marine wildlife. One respondent from Burabod reported a turtle entangled in one of the long lines used to cultivate pearls. The animal was already decayed when encountered. Such accidental captures are largely undocumented in the municipality.

Although no adverse activities directly done by respondents on cetaceans were reported, dolphins and smaller species of whales are at risk of by-catch by the ‘pangulongs’ operating in the area. It is however difficult to assess the magnitude of such threat on cetaceans since there is no data at all on cetacean abundance in Culion.

Although people are aware of the protected status of dugongs, turtles, and cetaceans, illegal exploitation in relation to food consumption are still going on. This shows that conservation awareness is a problem. The poor knowledge on the basic biology and ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles can aggravate the situation particularly on the nesting and hatching of turtles.

21.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Dugongs are opportunistically sighted in most areas. Galoc waters extending to Canimango seem to be a calving habitat while Sitio Libing in the same vicinity was reported to be a feeding ground. Animal numbers are difficult to assess due to lack of data on its abundance. Aerial surveys conducted over a period of time are recommended to estimate dugong numbers in the municipality as well as identifying coastal dugong habitats.

Although data suggests abundance in turtle numbers, the extent of utilization are largely unknown in the municipality. The deliberate taking of nesters as well as slaughters of turtles when caught in seaweed farms places the population at risk. In the absence of conservation measures to reduce mortality rates, there is a danger the turtles will become locally extinct in the area. Identified nesting beaches should be protected.

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 55 There seem to be no indicative negative pressure on cetaceans in the areas surveyed. The threat of by-catch in purse seiners is difficult to assess due to the absence of data. Consistent sightings of cetaceans during the summer months and animal aggregations most likely suggest a feeding ground in the area. Cetacean species identified needs to be confirmed and other species need to be identified through boat surveys.

Conservation awareness programs regarding marine wildlife should be created in the municipality with community leaders playing an active role in the process. Poor knowledge of the status and biology of dugongs, turtles, and cetaceans has led to little understanding or recognition of their role within marine ecosystems. Proper environmental messages must be developed focusing on the importance of marine wildlife and the economic benefits of their conservation.

CHAPTER IV: MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLES 56 CHAPTER V MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT

22.0 INTRODUCTION

Palawans’ estimated mangrove totals to 26,086 hectares comprising about 35% of the total country’s mangrove reserve. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 2152, enacted in 1982, the province’s entire mangrove forest was declared mangrove swamp forest reserve prohibiting large-scale utilization and conversion to other land uses such as fishpond.

Recent surveys and studies however, showed that mangrove forest are continuously being subjected to cutting and clear cutting for fishpond development. The depletion of stock of old growth mangrove forests is primarily due to commercial large scale cutting for timber, fuelwood, charcoal and direct conversion into fishponds. Likewise, stock depletion in second growth forest is largely due to continuous cutting for sustenance/subsistence use as poles, piles, fuelwood and a number of local industrial requirements for bakery, fish trap poles and low-cost housing materials (Bennagen and Cabahug, 1991). The previously dense mangrove forests are now converted into sparsely vegetated second growth and have eventually turned into reproductive-brush forest.

23.0 OBJECTIVES

The study aims to determine the:

1. forest structure, condition and ecological diversity of mangrove in Culion; 2. pattern of uses and existing land uses of mangroves; and 3. appropriate management zoning of mangroves as input for Environmentally Critical Areas Network Zoning.

24.0 EXPECTED OUTPUTS

• Characterization of the status of mangrove habitats in terms of forest conditions, structures, ecological diversity; and

• Classification and zoning of mangroves for strict protection or preservation, conservation or community-based sustainable small-scale utilization, and restoration or rehabilitation.

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 57 25.0 METHODS

Date and Place of Survey

Resource and Ecological Assessment (REA) of mangrove Culion, Palawan in Culion, Palawan was conducted from May 9 to May 16, 2003 and June 9 to 16, 2004. A total of 43 transects were laid covering the entire northeast, northwest and southern parts of Culion.

Sampling Procedure

Transects were laid out in the base map taking into consideration the forest condition and extent of mangrove areas. Identified areas were delineated and classified according to cover such as dense, sparse, and open/clear areas using the year 2003 project procured 5 x 5 meter resolution SPOT 5 satellite Figure 37. Picture showing satellite image map of imageries presented in Figure 34. Culion, Palawan. Field reconnaissance was then conducted to validate the actual mangrove forest condition on the ground before the final selection of the sampling sites. Method employed was the belt transect survey of 10 meter width traversing the entire stretch of mangrove forest from landward to seaward and perpendicular to the shore and riverbank.

Field Methods

Laid transects running perpendicular to the seashore was marked on the map thru the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to ascertain transect direction and avoid crossing of transects. Each transect was divided into 10m x 50m size plot wherein trees inside the plot larger than 5cm in diameter were recorded per plot to determine the total height and/or merchantable height; and Diameter at breast height (DBH)/Diameter above budroot (DAB) determined.

A 2m x 50m subplot was laid out for counting of regenerations. Saplings, (with diameter smaller than 5cm and height more than 2m) were identified and the number of individuals by species was determined, while seedling counts (with height lower than 2m) were recorded by species (Figure 38).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 58

Figure 38. Layout of subplot for measurement of mangrove regeneration.

Within each plot in the different transects, mangrove species were identified and classified into:

1. Timber size trees (> 15 cm DBH/DAB); 2. Pole size trees (> 5 cm up to 15 cm in DBH/DAB); and 3. Regeneration

¾ Saplings (5 cm DBH/DAB and 2m in height)

¾ Seedlings (height below 2m)

For timber size trees (>15cm DBH/DAB), the following were recorded:

1. Merchantable height (to the nearest 0.5m). The height from stump (0.3m above the budroot in Rhizophora spp. or ½ m above the ground in non-Rhizophora spp up to the first major branch or 10 cm top diameter limit). 2. Total Height (to the nearest 0.5m) 3. DAB/DBH (to the nearest 0.5cm)

For pole-size trees, the total height and DBH/DAB were measured (Figure 39). Due to difficult conditions, making it impossible to manually reached the tree, calibrated poles were used to measure small to medium size trees. For large size trees (those more than 10m high), height was estimated.

Initially, actual measurement of individual trees was made to standardizedindividual measurement. Diameter was recorded at 1.3m height from the ground level known as DBH for all tree species except for Rhizophora spp. Because of the presence of stilt roots, diameter for Rhizophora spp. was recorded at 0.3 meter height from the topmost stilt roots known as DAB.

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 59 In the case of regeneration saplings and seedlings, the density (number present in each plot) in the different transects were recorded by species.

In addition to the above quantitative data, observations were made on the following:

1. Presence of ferns and other non- woody species; 2. Presence of crab mounds; and 3. Presence of avifauna and wildlife Figure 39. Picture showing dbh measurement Data Processing and Analysis of Rhizophora apiculata

Individual tree volume of timber size trees was computed using the volume equations or using the volume tables for each species derived by Cabahug (1986a; 1986b) for timber- producing mangrove species. Based on the computed volume, a stand and stock table was constructed using the suggested format. Other tree parameter variables such as stand volume (SV), stand stock per hectare (N), diameter of the mean basal area of the tree (Dg), stand dominant height (Ho), mean diameter of dominant height (Dho), stand mean (H) and stand basal area (G) were computed using the formula/equations formulated by FAO, as follows:

Stand volume (SV) SV (m3/ha) = ΣV Plot area

Stand stock per hectare (N) N (tree/ha) = Total no. of live trees on the plot Plot area

Mean Diameter (Dg) Dg (cm) = Σd /No. of trees on the plot

where: d = diameter

Stand dominant height (Ho) Ho (m)=ΣDh/No. of dominant trees on the plot

where:

Dh = height of dominant trees

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 60 Mean diameter of dominant Dho (cm) = ΣDd/No. of dominant trees on the height (Dho) plot

where:

Dd = diameter of dominant trees

Stand mean height (H) H(m) = ΣTh/No. of trees on the plot

where: Th = tree height

Stand basal area (G) G (m2/ha)) = ΣBa/Plot area

where: Ba = 0.007854 (Dbh)2

The dominant species for each site was determined based on the importance value (IV). The IV is the sum of the relative density, relative frequency, and relative coverage. These are computed using the following formula:

Density = Total number of individuals counted for a given species Total area sampled

Relative density Total number of individuals of a given species x 100 = Total number of individuals of all species

Coverage = Total area covered by a given species Total area sampled

Relative coverage = Total coverage of a species x 100 Total coverage of all species

Frequency = Number of plots where a given species occur Total number of plots in the site

Relative frequency = Frequency of a given species x 100 Total frequency of all species

Importance Value = Relative density + Relative coverage + Relative frequency

The diversity indices are computed using the following formula:

Species richness measures

Margalef’s index DMg = (S-1)/ln N

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 61 Menhinick’s index DMn = S/√ N

where S = number of species N = total number of individuals ln = natural logarithm function

Shannon diversity index

H’ = -Σpi ln pi where pi, the proportional abundance of the ith species = (ni/N)

Evenness of the species can now be calculated using the formula:

E = H’ /ln S

Simpson’s index

(n1(n1- 1)) D = Σ ______(N(N-1)) where n1 = the number of individuals in the ith species, and N = the total number of individuals.

Berger-Parker diversity index

The Berger-Parker index is calculated from the equation: d = Nmax/N where N = total number of individuals and Nmax = number of individuals in the most abundant species. In order to ensure that the index increases with increasing diversity, the reciprocal form of the measure is usually adopted.

Similarity measures

Sorenson measure using the qualitative data, the formula: CN = 2jN / (aN + bN) where aN = the number of individuals in site A, bN = the number of individuals in site B, and jN = the sum of the lower of the two abundances or species which occur in the two sites.

26.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The mangrove team established 43 transects, assessed the mangrove structure, and measured tree growth parameters in the municipality of Culion, Palawan. Culion has a total mangrove area of 2,798.69 hectares (has) with close, sparse and open canopy of 697.32 has, 2,038.29 has and 63.082 has, respectively.

Biodiversity Assessment

Species Composition and Distribution

There were 18 true and 20 associate mangrove species identified and recorded during the survey which belong to 14 families and 27 genera of vascular plants (Table 21).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 62

Table 21. List of True and Associate Mangrove Species Identified and Recorded in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

Scientific Names Code Common Name Existing in Culion

TRUE MANGROVE Aegiceras corniculatum Ac Saging-saging * Aegiceras floridum Af Tinduk-tindukan * Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Bg Busain * Bruguiera sexangula Bs Pototan * Bruguiera cylindrical Bc Pototan lalaki * Bruguiera parviflora Bp Langarai * Ceriops tagal Ct Tangal * Ceriops decandra Cd Malatangal * Lumnitzera littorea Ll Tabau * Lumnitzera racemosa Lr Kulasi * Nypa fruticans Nf Nipa * Rhizophora apiculata Ra Bakauan lalaki * Rhizophora mucronata Rm Bakauan babae * Rhizophora stylosa Rs Bakauan bato * Sonneratia alba Sal Pagatpat * Sonneratia caseolaris Sc Pedada * Excoecaria agallocha Ea Buta-buta * Xylocarpus granatum Xg Tabigi * Xylocarpus moluccensis Xm Piagau * MANGROVE ASSOCIATE Acanthus ebracteatus Aeb Tigbau * Acacia farnesiana Afa Aroma * Acrostichum aureum Aau Lagolo * Barringtonia asiatica Ba Botong * Barringtonia racemosa Br Putat * Caesalpinia crista Cc Sapinit * Cynometra ramiflora Cr Balitbitan * Derris trifoliate Dt Mangasin * Hibiscus tiliaceus Ht Malubago * Instia bijuga Ib Ipil *

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 63 Table 21 continued . . .

Scientific Names Code Common Name Existing in Culion

Morinda citrifolia Mc Bangkoro * Osbornia octodonta Oo Tualis * Pandanus tectorius Pt Prickly pandan * Pongamia pinnata Pp Bani * Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea Sh Nilad * Terminalia catappa Tc Talisai * Thespesia populneoides Tp Malabanalo * Thespesia populnea Tpo Banalo * Cerbera manghas Cm Baraibai * Dolichandrone spathacea Dsp Tui *

The most widely distributed species in Culion are Rhizophora apiculata (Figure 40), Rhizophora mucronata (Figure 41), Xylocarpus granatum (Figure 42), Rhizophora stylosa, Lumnitzera littorea (Figure 43), Ceriops tagal, Ceriops decandra, Scyphipora hydrophyllacea, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Heritiera littorea which were recorded in 43, 40, 32, 13, 19, 20, 9, 9, 15 and 17 transects. In terms of abundance (total individuals in 43 transects), Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Xylocarpus granatum, Figure 40. Rhizophora apiculata Rhizophora stylosa, Lumnitzera littorea, Ceriops tagal, Ceriops decandra, Scyphipora hydrophyllacea, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Heritiera littorea species has 3694, 2797, 355, 215, 204, 109, 106, 53, 35, and 26 individuals, respectively (Table 22). Species diversity depends on species composition, and number of individual species in certain vegetation community.

Figure 41. Rhizophora mucronata

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 64

Figure 42. Xylocarpus granatum Figure 43. Lumnitzera littorea

Table 22. Distribution and Abundance of Top Ten Mangrove Species in Different Sampling Sites of Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

Species No. Transect Individual Count (N) Ra 43 3694 Rm 40 2797 Xg 32 355 Rs 13 215 Ll 19 204 Ct 20 109 Cd 9 106 Sh 9 53 Bg 15 35 Hl 17 26

Diversity Indices

The most diverse sampling site in terms of Number of Individuals (N), Evenness of distribution (E) and Shannon Index of Diversity (H1) is transect 2. However, in terms of 1/D, Dmg and most abundant species distribution index (N∞) transects 33, 35, and 40, respectively are the most diverse sampling sites. The greater the evenness makes it more diverse. The top 5 sampling sites with high evenness index are in transects 2, 21, 34, 3, and 33, where distribution of species is equitably abundant, hence indicated a high diversity index (Maguran, 1987). Considering combination of indices such as N, E, and H1, indices show that transect 2 has consistently indicated diverse indices. However, using Simpson index (1/D), the top 5 diverse sampling sites are T-33, T-2, T-3, T-36 and T-37. Culion has an overall 1/D index diversity of 0.490604 and Equitability of 0.4134823, N∞ index of 1.68370, 1 H index of 1.00068 and Dmg of 1.07826. The average overall index diversity of 1.063311 is comparatively low compared to 2.7583 average overall index of diversity of mangrove forest of Busuanga and of 1.67958 in Coron. The overall Evenness (E) Index of 0.046216 of

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 65 Culion is lower than the E index 0.076996 for Coron and to that of Busuanga’s E index of 0.3974 which indicates that mangrove of Culion has lower value of biodiversity index compared to Coron’s and Busuanga’s index of diversity (based on Fernando Biodiversity Scale (Table 23).

Table 23. The Diversity Indices of 43 Sampling Sites in Mangrove Forest of Culion Calculated Using Different Diversity Formula,Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 66 Based on the average index of diversity (species richness, abundance dominance and evenness), all sampling sites in Culion had very low relative values of biodiversity indices using the scale of Fernando Biodiversity (1998). Likewise, in terms of evenness of distribution of species abundances all transects had low relative values of biodiversity scale (Table 24).

Table 24. The Relative Values of the Average Overall Diversity Index and Evernness of Mangroves in Culion, Palawan based on Fernando Biodiversity Scale (1998)

Ave. Value of H', Relative Shannon Evenness Transect Relative Values Dmg, 1/D and N∞ Values (E) 1 0.9004725 Very Low 0.08507 Low 2 0.7818925 Very Low 0.11395 Low 3 0.7712525 Very Low 0.09005 Low 4 0.9331775 Very Low 0.02736 Low 5 0.9598925 Very Low 0.06328 Low 6 0.9491525 Very Low 0.04000 Low 7 0.950025 Very Low 0.06491 Low 8 0.991865 Very Low 0.02346 Low 9 0.8283225 Very Low 0.03404 Low 10 1.2602525 Very Low 0.02378 Low 11 1.1187225 Very Low 0.03081 Low 12 1.0993125 Very Low 0.02237 Low 13 1.06988 Very Low 0.02053 Low 14 0.8755275 Very Low 0.02642 Low 15 1.0630275 Very Low 0.02430 Low 16 1.144465 Very Low 0.03508 Low 17 1.01684 Very Low 0.01840 Low 18 1.01684 Very Low 0.03460 Low 19 1.224255 Very Low 0.01340 Low 20 1.2590325 Very Low 0.02180 Low 21 0.8711325 Very Low 0.09499 Low 22 1.3320575 Very Low 0.03816 Low 23 1.2289475 Very Low 0.07195 Low 24 0.9021025 Very Low 0.02421 Low 25 1.4273975 Very Low 0.04455 Low 26 1.284225 Very Low 0.01164 Low 27 1.1197375 Very Low 0.06452 Low 28 0.961295 Very Low 0.05995 Low 29 1.1773025 Very Low 0.03167 Low 30 1.042495 Very Low 0.04058 Low 31 1.0342125 Very Low 0.02569 Low

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 67 Table 24 continued

32 1.13403 Very Low 0.04167 Low 33 1.2142625 Very Low 0.01698 Low 34 0.6972725 Very Low 0.08939 Low 35 0.9078975 Very Low 0.09108 Low 36 1.127235 Very Low 0.04289 Low 37 0.86412 Very Low 0.05227 Low 38 0.7608775 Very Low 0.06531 Low 39 1.03643 Very Low 0.08368 Low 40 1.619375 Very Low 0.01904 Low 41 1.63533 Very Low 0.01698 Low 42 1.2806075 Very Low 0.06689 Low 43 0.95307 Very Low 0.07955 Low

Comparison of Biodiversity Index in Other Areas

Culion mangrove forest has lower index of biodiversity than Busuanga and Coron 1 using different indices as Dmg, H , E, 1/D and N∞. However, Culion has higher index of Shannon diversity compared to South Florida and Thailand mangrove forest (Table 25).

Table 25. Comparison of Biodiversity Index of Mangrove Habitat in Other Countries/Sites, Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

1 Country/Site Dmg H E 1/D N∞ South Florida 0.4979 Thailand: Chantaburi 0.8790 Trad 0.7806 Phang-nga 0.5840 Ranong 0.4330 Philippines: Busuanga 4.73 1.504 0.3974 2.789 2.01 Coron 1.453 1.074 0.0790 2.78 1.6098 Culion 1.07826 1.00068 0.046216 0.490604 1.68370

Structural Analysis of Mangrove Vegetation

Relative Frequency (RF), Relative Density (RDen), Relative Dominance (RDom) and Importance Value (IV)

Rhizophora apiculata (Ra) is the most dominant and important mangrove species in Culion in terms of the most frequent and dense mangrove species recorded. It has consistently recorded the highest value of RF, RDen and IV of 29.1045; 47.8015 and 111.025, respectively. Rhizophora mucronata (Rm) has the highest value of RDom but

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 68 second in over-all ranking to R. apiculata with RF (24.2537), RDen (35.9733) and IV of 99.9072, respectively. The other top 15 important mangrove species in decreasing order are: Xylocarpus granatum (Xg), Lumnitzera littorea (Ll), Rhizophora stylosa (Rs), Ceriops tagal (Ct), Ceriops decandra (Cd), Bruguiera gymnorhiza (Bg), Scyphipora hydropyllacea (Sh), Bruguiera parviflora (Bp), Bruguiera cylindrica (Bc),Bruguiera sexangula (Bs),Lumnitzera racemosa (Lr), Sonneratia caseolaris (Sc) and Sonneratia alba (Sal) (Table 26).

Table 26. The RF, RDen, RDom, and IV of top 15 mangrove species in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

Species RF Rden Rdom IV Rank Ra 29.1045 47.8015 34.119 111.025 1st Rm 24.2537 35.9733 39.6802 99.9072 2nd Xg 9.8881 4.5642 5.4358 19.8881 3rd Ll 5.7836 2.6228 10.6945 19.1009 4th Ct 4.6642 1.4014 1.0562 7.1218 6th Rs 4.291 2.7642 1.4424 8.4976 5th Bg 3.7313 0.45 0.964 5.1453 8th Cd 2.9851 1.3628 0.9562 5.3041 7th Sh 2.2388 0.6814 0.3266 3.2468 9th Bp 1.4925 0.2314 0.5158 2.2397 10th Bc 1.4925 0.2314 0.223 1.9469 11th Bs 1.1194 0.2828 0.5313 1.9335 12th Sc 0.9328 0.1286 0.1219 1.1833 14th Sal 0.9328 0.0643 0.0912 1.0883 15th Lr 0.5597 0.1157 0.5335 1.2089 13th

Mangrove Forest Condition Average Stocking

Considering the DENR’s stocking classification, almost all transects had an open/cleared stocking of 64 to 598 trees/ha. Only transects 1, 2, 3, 34, 35, 42 and 43 had inadequate stocking of 714 and 1230 trees/ha. On the overall, mangroves of Culion have an open stocking of 358 trees/ha. Out of the total average stocking of 358 trees/ha, 318 are in pole size while 40 trees per ha are in timber size (Table 27).

Table 27. Average Stocking (N/ha) of Timber and Pole Size Trees/Transect in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

Transect Timber Pole Total DENR Stocking Class 1 18 778 796 Inadequately Stocked 2 14 1216 1230 Inadequately Stocked 3 14 692 706 Inadequately Stocked 4 0 168 168 Opened/Logged Over

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 69 Table 27 continued . . .

5 0 362 362 Opened/Logged Over 6 0 308 308 Opened/Logged Over 7 0 274 274 Opened/Logged Over 8 4 96 100 Opened/Logged Over 9 22 138 160 Opened/Logged Over 10 0 156 156 Opened/Logged Over 11 4 214 218 Opened/Logged Over 12 22 108 130 Opened/Logged Over 13 0 102 102 Opened/Logged Over 14 2 114 116 Opened/Logged Over 15 16 110 126 Opened/Logged Over 16 10 294 304 Opened/Logged Over 17 0 74 74 Opened/Logged Over 18 6 192 198 Opened/Logged Over 19 4 72 76 Opened/Logged Over 20 12 140 152 Opened/Logged Over 21 12 448 460 Opened/Logged Over 22 2 314 316 Opened/Logged Over 23 30 738 768 Inadequately Stocked 24 2 102 104 Opened/Logged Over 25 6 364 370 Opened/Logged Over 26 10 54 64 Opened/Logged Over 27 50 548 598 Opened/Logged Over 28 6 582 588 Opened/Logged Over 29 16 210 226 Opened/Logged Over 30 118 196 314 Opened/Logged Over 31 76 36 112 Opened/Logged Over 32 46 310 356 Opened/Logged Over 33 20 82 102 Opened/Logged Over 34 196 532 728 Inadequately Stocked 35 294 710 1004 Inadequately Stocked 36 110 316 426 Opened/Logged Over 37 54 342 396 Opened/Logged Over 38 32 346 378 Opened/Logged Over 39 148 386 534 Opened/Logged Over 40 16 112 128 Opened/Logged Over 41 14 88 102 Opened/Logged Over 42 270 588 858 Inadequately Stocked 43 40 674 714 Inadequately Stocked Average 39.90698 318.2791 358.186 Opened/Logged Over

Stand Volume

Generally, mangrove forest of Culion has an average stand volume of 7.796 m3/ha which is classified by DENR and FAO as low volume forest stand. All mangrove stands sampled in Culion has low stand volume. Timber size trees contributed 56% (4.34 m3) while pole size trees shared 44% (3.442 m3) of the total stand volume (Table 28).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 70 Table 28. Stand Volume (M3/ha) of Timber and Pole by Transect in Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004.

Stand Volume Transect Timber Pole Total SV Class 1 0.867 4.375 5.242 Low Volume 2 5.496 7.137 12.633 Low Volume 3 5.496 4.805 10.301 Low Volume 4 0 1.044 1.044 Low Volume 5 0 2.295 2.295 Low Volume 6 0 1.788 1.788 Low Volume 7 0 2.83 2.830 Low Volume 8 0.928 0.633 1.561 Low Volume 9 1.292 1.999 3.291 Low Volume 10 0 0.884 0.884 Low Volume 11 0.159 1.149 1.308 Low Volume 12 1.305 0.588 1.893 Low Volume 13 0 0.648 0.648 Low Volume 14 0.051 0.595 0.646 Low Volume 15 0.682 0.741 1.423 Low Volume 16 0.592 2.569 3.161 Low Volume 17 0 0.439 0.439 Low Volume 18 0.267 2.24 2.507 Low Volume 19 0.232 0.763 0.995 Low Volume 20 0.879 2.066 2.945 Low Volume 21 0.495 3.32 3.815 Low Volume 22 0.089 2.047 2.136 Low Volume 23 4.286 7.31 11.596 Low Volume 24 0.424 0.625 1.049 Low Volume 25 0.406 3.419 3.825 Low Volume 26 1.181 0.557 1.738 Low Volume 27 2.512 5.356 7.868 Low Volume 28 0.217 5.136 5.353 Low Volume 29 3.102 2.614 5.716 Low Volume 30 9.36 1.851 11.211 Low Volume 31 4.053 0.488 4.541 Low Volume 32 7.907 2.089 9.996 Low Volume 33 1.001 0.808 1.809 Low Volume 34 12.426 10.516 22.942 Low Volume 35 37.019 15.767 52.786 Low Volume 36 5.43 5.811 11.241 Low Volume 37 2.096 5.212 7.308 Low Volume 38 2.724 5.057 7.781 Low Volume 39 29.91 7.118 37.028 Low Volume 40 1.025 1.053 2.078 Low Volume 41 11.638 1.161 12.799 Low Volume 42 29.036 14.69 43.726 Low Volume 43 2.155 6.836 8.991 Low Volume Average 4.34 3.442 7.796 Low Volume

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 71 Barangay Level

Existing Mangrove Condition of Each Barangay

Baldat mangrove forest has an average stocking (pole and timber) of 1,013 trees/ha (Table 27) with mean dbh, mean height, and basal area of 15.90 cm, 6.62m, and 5.46 m²/ha, respectively. The two transect samples laid out during the survey had an estimated mean stand volume of 8.94 m³/ha and mean regeneration of 961 saplings/ha (Table 27 and Figure 44).

Baldat

Figure 44. Satellite Map of Baldat, Culion, Palawan, 2003

The 6 transects sampled in barangay Lumber Camp (Coring-Coring) mangrove forest had an average stocking (pole and timber) of 577 trees/ha. Trees measured gave an estimated mean dbh, mean height, mean basal area, and mean regeneration of 15.05 cm, 8.58 m, 9.10 m²/ha, and 876 saplings/ha respectively. This stand has a total mean volume of 23.18 m³/ha (Table 27 and Figure 45).

Lumber Camp (Coring-Coring)

Figure 45. Satellite Map of Barangay Lumber Camp, Culion, Palawan, 2003

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 72 Mangrove team laid out four transects in barangay Halsey mangrove stand with an average stocking (pole and timber) of 450 trees/ha. This mangrove stand has an estimated mean volume of 16.90 m³/ha with mean dbh, height, basal area and mean regeneration of 18.94cm, 7.88m, 7.13 m²/ha and 584 saplings/ha, respectively (Figure 46).

Brgy. Halsey

Figure 46. Satellite Map of Brgy Halsey, Culion, Palawan, 2003

Barangay Galoc was represented by the 6 transects laid out during the conduct of mangrove survey, with an average stocking (pole and timber) of 415 trees/ha and mean stand volume of 5.24 m³/ha. Measured trees gave an estimated mean dbh, mean height, mean basal area, and mean regeneration of 15.31cm, 7.20m, 3.20 m²/ha and 440 saplings/ha, respectively (Figure 47).

Figure 47. Satellite Map of Galoc, Culion, Palawan, 2003

Barangay Loac has an average stocking (pole and timber) of 305 trees/ha with a total mean volume of 3.09 m³/ha. The 9 transects measured had a mean dbh, mean height, mean basal area, and mean regeneration of 10.72cm, 5.68m , 1.79 m²/ha and 295 saplings/ha (Figure 48).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 73

Brgy. Loac

Figure 48. Satellite Map Showing Barangay Loac, Culion, Palawan, 2003

Lato mangrove stand has an average stocking (pole and timber) of 274 trees/ha with a total mean stand volume of 2.83 m³/ha. Each sampled/measured transect provided a mean dbh, mean height, mean basal area, and mean regeneration of 4.19cm, 3.24m, 1.65 m²/ha, and 30 saplings/ha, respectively (Figure 49).

Figure 49. Satellite Map of Lato Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, Culion, Palawan, 2003

Lamud and Marily mangrove stands have an average stocking (pole and timber) of 130 trees/ ha with a total mean stand volume of 2.43 m³/ha. Two transects sampled had mean dbh, mean height, mean basal area and mean regeneration of 19.63cm, 6.63m, 1.39 m²/ha and 131 saplings/ha, respectively (Figure 50).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 74

Figure 50. Satellite Map of Lamud and Marily Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, Culion, Palawan, 2003

Five sampled transects in Binudac mangrove stand has an average stocking (pole and timber) of 222 trees/ha. The mean dbh, height, basal area, mean stand volume and regeneration were as follows: 16.53cm, 6.41m, 3.71 m²/ha, 6.66 m³/ha and 632 saplings/ha (Figure 51).

Eight sampled transects in barangay Osmeña mangrove stand have an average stocking (pole and timber) of 153 trees/ha with mean stand volume, dbh, height, basal area, and regeneration of 1.30 m³/ha, 8.96cm, 5.04m, 0.87 m²/ha and 268 saplings/ha (Figure52).

Bgy. Osmeña Bgy. Binudac

Figure 51. Satellite Map of Brgy. Binudac Figure 52. Satellite Map of Brgy. Osmeña Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, Showing Extent of Mangrove Area, Culion, Palawan, 2003 Culion, Palawan, 2003

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 75

Pattern of Uses and Ecological State of Mangrove

Mangrove Resource and Uses

Most mangrove areas in Culion had been continuously subjected to cutting for charcoal, poles and piles that resulted to the low stature, open canopy and state of regeneration of mangroves (Figure 53). Almost all mangroves in barangay Baldat, Osmena, Burabod, Galoc, Loac, Binudac, Halsey and Coring Coring are in a state of initial regeneration with loosely distributed remnants of timber size trees. Charcoal making are rampant in barangays Loac and Galoc, particularly in Sitio Balanga, Bindoy and Ugnisan. Figure 53. Picture Showing Clear Cutting Activities in the Mangrove Areas of Culion Mangrove Ecological State and Index of Degradation

Table 29 shows the values of different ecological indicators and index of degradation. In terms of stocking, T-2 had the highest number of trees/ha (1230 trees/ha), median value of 647 in transect 27 and lowest stocking of 64 in transect 26. Transects 42, 2 and 17 have the highest, median and lowest basal areas of 17.20, 8.76 and 0.31 m2/ha, respectively. In terms of stand volume, transects 35, 34 and 17 had the highest, median and lowest values with stand volume of 52.79, 26.62 and 0.44 m3/ha. The highest, median and lowest mean diameter at breast height is recorded in transects 41, 23 and 16, respectively. Transects 41, 23, and 17 had the highest, median and lowest mean heights. The mean regeneration count in transects 35, 22 and 7 had the highest, median and lowest value of 1 number of seedlings and saplings. In terms of average diversity indices (Dmg, H , 1/D, and N∞) transect 41 had the highest average diversity index of 1.6353 while transects 29 and 34 had the median and lowest average values of composite diversity indices of 1.16629 and 0.69727, respectively. Transects 2, 27, and 26 had the highest, median, and lowest average indices of Evenness. The highest values of different indicators mean that the mangrove is still in good ecological condition and the lower their aggregate values indicate the worst ecological state of mangrove. In terms of stand volume, the top 5 transects with higher volumes are T-35, T-42, T-39, T-34, and T-41, with 52.786, 43.726, 37.028, 22.942 and 12.799 m3/ha which are located in the Southern part of Culion, particularly in Halsey and Coring Coring. The mangrove stands in those areas have comparatively good ecological condition compared to the rest of the mangrove areas in Culion. Transects 17, 14, 13, 10 and 19 are the most degraded mangrove areas with the lower stand volumes of 0.439, 0.646, 0.648, 0.884 and 0.995 m3/ha which represent the worst mangrove condition in Culion. There are two endemic mangrove species that can be found only in the Philippines which are abundantly found in Northern Palawan particularly in Culion namely, Rhizhopora stylosa (Bakawan bato) and Campostenum philipinnensis (Gapas gapas) (Table 29).

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 76 Table 29. Mangrove Index of Degradation and Ecological Condition Indices of Culion Based on Forest Structure and Ecological Diversity Parameters. Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004 ECOLOGICAL CRITERIA Pole and Timber Brgy. Tran Stoc- Basal Mean Mean Mean Endemis Vol IV Dmg H' E 1/D N∞ No. king Area DBH Height Reg m ? 1 796 3.61 5.24 11.74 7.15 1,136 300 0.835 0.826 0.09 0.568 1.372 1 No 2 1230 7.30 12.63 20.06 6.08 787 299 0.776 0.429 0.11 0.805 1.119 1 Data 3 706 5.66 10.30 20.42 6.00 234 299 0.677 0.493 0.09 0.773 1.142 1 On 4 168 0.64 1.04 3.42 3.20 431 299 1.129 0.702 0.03 0.667 1.235 1 Brgy 5 362 1.40 2.30 3.36 3.08 140 299 0.577 0.854 0.06 0.462 1.946 1 6 308 1.10 1.79 3.27 3.09 94 300 1.191 0.701 0.04 0.672 1.232 1 7 274 1.65 2.83 4.19 3.24 30 300 0.407 0.875 0.06 0.443 2.076 0 8 100 1.10 1.56 25.38 5.59 135 299 0.767 0.906 0.02 0.442 1.852 0 9 160 1.67 3.29 13.87 7.66 127 300 0.685 0.692 0.03 0.603 1.333 0 10 156 0.67 0.88 3.48 2.52 288 299 1.377 1.324 0.02 0.340 2.000 0 11 218 1.12 1.31 12.24 5.61 298 299 1.279 1.215 0.03 0.446 1.535 0 12 130 1.13 1.89 12.97 6.60 197 300 1.198 1.107 0.02 0.425 1.667 0 13 102 0.45 0.65 3.54 2.82 218 300 1.017 0.933 0.02 0.440 1.889 0 14 116 0.46 0.65 11.00 5.41 185 300 0.739 0.804 0.03 0.545 1.415 2 15 126 0.88 1.42 12.19 6.51 178 300 0.966 1.138 0.02 0.398 1.750 2 16 304 1.93 3.16 12.68 8.09 638 300 1.592 1.050 0.04 0.528 1.407 2 17 74 0.31 0.44 3.57 2.73 146 299 0.831 0.878 0.02 0.523 1.423 1 18 198 1.43 2.51 12.87 7.20 68 299 0.871 1.100 0.03 0.419 1.678 2 19 76 0.54 1.00 13.63 7.33 67 299 1.649 1.183 0.01 0.413 1.652 2 20 152 1.29 2.95 14.06 8.94 38 299 1.616 1.269 0.02 0.383 1.767 2 21 460 2.48 3.82 12.68 6.20 699 300 0.368 0.801 0.09 0.476 1.840 2 22 316 1.59 2.14 12.81 6.05 890 300 1.383 1.367 0.04 0.322 2.257 1 23 768 7.05 11.60 16.77 6.50 481 299 1.175 1.242 0.07 0.337 2.162 1 24 104 0.65 1.05 18.84 8.38 123 299 0.759 0.854 0.02 0.510 1.486 0 25 370 2.64 3.83 14.58 6.57 871 300 1.328 1.464 0.04 0.283 2.635 0 26 64 0.79 1.74 16.19 8.39 139 300 1.731 1.355 0.01 0.367 1.684 0 27 598 4.73 7.87 13.25 6.70 748 299 1.053 1.012 0.06 0.421 1.993 0 28 588 3.36 5.35 12.22 6.64 280 300 1.230 0.701 0.06 0.655 1.260 1 29 226 2.94 5.72 19.04 7.19 693 300 1.269 1.276 0.03 0.371 1.794 1 30 314 6.62 11.21 16.13 5.73 844 300 1.187 1.055 0.04 0.526 1.402 1 31 112 2.76 4.54 15.62 5.80 211 300 0.745 1.167 0.03 0.358 1.867 1 32 356 5.14 10.00 18.43 6.70 1138 299 1.351 1.201 0.04 0.450 1.534 1 33 102 1.07 1.81 13.42 6.63 277 299 1.526 1.291 0.02 0.395 1.645 1 34 728 9.82 22.94 14.06 8.96 1463 299 0.678 0.132 0.09 0.957 1.022 1 35 1004 18.82 52.79 16.31 10.06 1792 300 0.965 0.757 0.09 0.642 1.268 1 36 426 5.52 11.24 13.85 7.84 448 300 1.679 0.930 0.04 0.609 1.291 1 37 396 4.32 7.31 13.66 6.73 332 299 0.946 0.601 0.05 0.702 1.207 1 38 378 3.97 7.78 14.92 8.48 1067 300 0.572 0.552 0.07 0.684 1.235 1 39 534 12.16 37.03 17.50 9.40 151 299 0.537 1.049 0.08 0.389 2.171 1 40 128 1.43 2.08 15.62 5.72 379 299 1.683 1.666 0.02 0.220 2.909 1 41 102 3.62 12.80 28.94 10.21 521 299 1.526 1.611 0.02 0.216 3.188 1

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 77 Mangrove Management Zoning and Proposed Strategy

Ranking of Mangrove Sites for ECAN Zoning

The scoring and ranking is primarily based on qualitative description of the mangrove areas such as stand growth, density, stature and existing pattern of utilization which are supported quantitatively based on stand volume, stocking, mean diameter, mean height, mean basal area, stand and stock and mean regeneration (seedlings and saplings). This qualitative and quantitative information provided the basis for recommendation on the effective scheme of rehabilitating and sustaining the mangrove ecosystem as a renewable resource.

The forest structure and ecological diversity indices are used in ranking potential sites for strictly protected areas, conservation sites for community small scale management, and sites for restoration or forestation. Culion mangrove forests are generally degraded areas that need immediate rehabilitation and protection. The most degraded areas are T-1, T- 22, T-21, T-25, T-4, T-27, T-2, T-10, T-5, T-28, T-16, T-7, T-23, T-11, T-6, T-13, T-29, T3, T-17, T- 14, T-12, T-15, T-9 and T-18 which correspondingly ranked from 43rd to the 20th. Meanwhile, T-38, T-32, T43, T-20, T-30, T-34, T-24, T-26, T-19, T-37, T-36, T-8, T-33, T- 40, T-31, T-35, T-42, T-41 and T-39 which ranked 19th to 1st can be categorized in bad ecological conditions and need immediate protection and management (Table 30).

Table 30. Ranking of Mangrove Ecological Indices for ECAN Zoning and Potential Management Options. Culion, Palawan, 2003 and 2004

Stocking Mean Mean Basal Mean Transect Height DBH Area Vol Reg IV Dmg H' E 1/D N Rank

1 796 7.15 11.74 3.61 5.24 1,136 300 0.835 0.826 0.09 0.568 1.372 43rd

2 1230 6.08 20.06 7.30 12.63 787 299 0.776 0.429 0.11 0.805 1.119 37th

3 706 6.00 20.42 5.66 10.30 234 299 0.677 0.493 0.09 0.773 1.142 26th

4 168 3.20 3.42 0.64 1.04 431 299 1.129 0.702 0.03 0.667 1.235 39th

5 362 3.08 3.36 1.40 2.30 140 299 0.577 0.854 0.06 0.462 1.946 35th

6 308 3.09 3.27 1.10 1.79 94 300 1.191 0.701 0.04 0.672 1.232 29th

7 274 3.24 4.19 1.65 2.83 30 300 0.407 0.875 0.06 0.443 2.076 32nd

8 100 5.59 25.38 1.10 1.56 135 299 0.767 0.906 0.02 0.442 1.852 8th

9 160 7.66 13.87 1.67 3.29 127 300 0.685 0.692 0.03 0.603 1.333 21st

10 156 2.52 3.48 0.67 0.88 288 299 1.377 1.324 0.02 0.340 2.000 36th

11 218 5.61 12.24 1.12 1.31 298 299 1.279 1.215 0.03 0.446 1.535 30th

12 130 6.60 12.97 1.13 1.89 197 300 1.198 1.107 0.02 0.425 1.667 23rd

13 102 2.82 3.54 0.45 0.65 218 300 1.017 0.933 0.02 0.440 1.889 28th

14 116 5.41 11.00 0.46 0.65 185 300 0.739 0.804 0.03 0.545 1.415 24th

15 126 6.51 12.19 0.88 1.42 178 300 0.966 1.138 0.02 0.398 1.750 22nd

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 78 Table 30 continued . . .

16 304 8.09 12.68 1.93 3.16 638 300 1.592 1.050 0.04 0.528 1.407 33rd

17 74 2.73 3.57 0.31 0.44 146 299 0.831 0.878 0.02 0.523 1.423 25th

18 198 7.20 12.87 1.43 2.51 68 299 0.871 1.100 0.03 0.419 1.678 20th

19 76 7.33 13.63 0.54 1.00 67 299 1.649 1.183 0.01 0.413 1.652 11th

20 152 8.94 14.06 1.29 2.95 38 299 1.616 1.269 0.02 0.383 1.767 16th

21 460 6.20 12.68 2.48 3.82 699 300 0.368 0.801 0.09 0.476 1.840 41st

22 316 6.05 12.81 1.59 2.14 890 300 1.383 1.367 0.04 0.322 2.257 42nd

23 768 6.50 16.77 7.05 11.60 481 299 1.175 1.242 0.07 0.337 2.162 31st

24 104 8.38 18.84 0.65 1.05 123 299 0.759 0.854 0.02 0.510 1.486 13th

25 370 6.57 14.58 2.64 3.83 871 300 1.328 1.464 0.04 0.283 2.635 40th

26 64 8.39 16.19 0.79 1.74 139 300 1.731 1.355 0.01 0.367 1.684 12th

27 598 6.70 13.25 4.73 7.87 748 299 1.053 1.012 0.06 0.421 1.993 38th

28 588 6.64 12.22 3.36 5.35 280 300 1.230 0.701 0.06 0.655 1.260 34th

29 226 7.19 19.04 2.94 5.72 693 300 1.269 1.276 0.03 0.371 1.794 27th

30 314 5.73 16.13 6.62 11.21 844 300 1.187 1.055 0.04 0.526 1.402 15th

31 112 5.80 15.62 2.76 4.54 211 300 0.745 1.167 0.03 0.358 1.867 5th

32 356 6.70 18.43 5.14 10.00 1138 299 1.351 1.201 0.04 0.450 1.534 18th

33 102 6.63 13.42 1.07 1.81 277 299 1.526 1.291 0.02 0.395 1.645 7th

34 728 8.96 14.06 9.82 22.94 1463 299 0.678 0.132 0.09 0.957 1.022 14th

35 1004 10.06 16.31 18.82 52.79 1792 300 0.965 0.757 0.09 0.642 1.268 4th

36 426 7.84 13.85 5.52 11.24 448 300 1.679 0.930 0.04 0.609 1.291 9th

37 396 6.73 13.66 4.32 7.31 332 299 0.946 0.601 0.05 0.702 1.207 10th

38 378 8.48 14.92 3.97 7.78 1067 300 0.572 0.552 0.07 0.684 1.235 19th

39 534 9.40 17.50 12.16 37.03 151 299 0.537 1.049 0.08 0.389 2.171 1st

40 128 5.72 15.62 1.43 2.08 379 299 1.683 1.666 0.02 0.220 2.909 6th

41 102 10.21 28.94 3.62 12.80 521 299 1.526 1.611 0.02 0.216 3.188 2nd

42 858 9.64 16.58 17.20 43.73 645 299 1.649 1.442 0.07 0.396 1.635 3rd

43 714 5.93 14.63 6.28 8.99 791 300 0.850 1.024 0.08 0.515 1.423 17th

Proposed Management Strategy

Mangrove areas with ecological condition ranking from lowest 43rd to 20th need immediate protection and termination of the rampant cuttings for charcoal making. Thus, mangrove areas with similar forest structure and conditions to transects 1, 22, 21, 25, 4, 27, 2, 10, 5, 28, 16, 7, 23, 11, 6, 13, 29, 3, 17, 14, 12, 15, 9 and 18 are proposed for community based mangrove rehabilitation through reforestation, while those mangrove areas with similar forest structure and conditions to transects 38, 32, 43, 20, 30, 34, 24, 26, 19, 37, 36,

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 79 8, 33, 40, 31, 35, 42, 41 and 39 maybe suitable for assisted natural regeneration and/or enrichment planting. Factors considered in determining appropriate strategy is presented in Table 31.

Table 31. Factors Considered in Choosing Appropriate Management Strategies for Mangrove Areas in Culion, Palawan., 2003 and 2004

Stand Transe Average Stocking Forest Biodi Threaten Biodiversity Management Management Volume ct No. Class Cover Class Index Class Endemic Spp. Hotspots Strategy Measures Class Community Organizing- Community Based Mangrove Inadequately Sparse 1 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting Forest Management Reforestation Stocked density Agreement (CO-CBMFMA)

Inadequately Sparse 2 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting, Clearing CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Stocked density CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Inadequately Sparse Cutting, 3 Low Volume Very Low Presence Stocked density Charcoal

Opened/ Cutting, 4 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 5 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ 6 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ 7 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Clearing CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Assisted Natural Opened/ Cutting, Regeneration/or 8 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence CO-CBMFMA Cleared Charcoal Enrichment Planting (ANR/EP) Opened/ 9 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Clearing CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ 10 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ 11 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, 12 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ Cutting, 13 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 14 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Clearing, Fishpond CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, 15 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 16 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Opened/ 17 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting, Clearing CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 80 Table 31 continued . . .

Opened/ 18 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting, Clearing CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Opened/ 19 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting, Clearing CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared Opened/ 20 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting, Clearing CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared Opened/ 21 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Opened/ 22 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Inadequately Sparse 23 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Stocked Density

24 Opened/ Cleared Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Cutting CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP

Opened/ 25 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, 26 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 27 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Absence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, 28 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 29 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Reforestation Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, 30 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ 31 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared

Opened/ Cutting, ANR/EP 32 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA Cleared Charcoal

Opened/ ANR/EP 33 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared

Inadequately Cutting, ANR/EP 34 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence CO-CBMFMA Stocked Charcoal

Inadequately Sparse ANR/EP 35 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Stocked Density

Opened/ ANR/EP 36 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared

Opened/ ANR/EP 37 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared

Opened/ 38 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA ANR/EP Cleared

Opened/ ANR/EP 39 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared Opened/ ANR/EP 40 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared Opened/ ANR/EP 41 Logged over Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Cleared Inadequately Sparse ANR/EP 42 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Stocked density Inadequately Sparse ANR/EP 43 Low Volume Very Low Presence Cutting CO-CBMFMA Stocked density

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 81 27.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Heavily exploited and degraded mangrove areas should be immediately rehabilitated. Enrichment planting and assisted natural regeneration can be adopted to rehabilitate said areas using species distribution and zonation as among the bases for the choice of species. In most mangrove reforestation initiatives in the country, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa are the preferred species due to their economic and ecological values. The mangrove- dependent households should be organized to undertake the rehabilitation, management, and protection of mangrove forest.

Community organizing (CO) should be an integral part of the development and rehabilitation of mangrove areas, together with the other coastal resources. The CO strategies could be more community focused than environmental centered, as well. The strategies should all be geared towards responding to socio-economic and environmental concerns. The local institutions should be developed and the capabilities of mangrove-dependent households should be strengthened and enhanced for them to become effective stewards and de facto managers of the resources. Likewise, for them, particularly the mangrove-dependent households to undertake rehabilitation, and conservation of the coastal resources in order to sustain the provision of goods and services and protect the base of their economic activities, thereby reducing poverty incidence. The CBMFM/CBRMP concept of restoring the coastal resources may be adopted to generate local participation and to ensure the sustainability of whatever interventions implemented.

CHAPTER V: MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT 82 REFERENCES

Literature Cited

Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus Publishers Han A. Baensch, Melle, Germany. 271 p.

Bennagen, E. C. and D. M. Cabahug, Jr. 1991. Natural Resources Accounting: Mangroves Technical Report No. 2. Paper presented at the Natural Resources Accounting Final Workshop, October 15, 1991, NIGS, UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (unpublished).

Cabahug, D. M. Jr. 1986. Timber Producing Mangrove Species Volume Functions in Palawan for Mangrove Timber Inventory Uses, Bakawan II (1):7, NRMC, Quezon City, Philippines.

Conservation International. 2003. Palawan Corridor Strategy Development Project Database.

Conservation International (CI), 2003. Palawan Corridor Strategy Development Project Database. CD-ROM Archive. [Natural Resources DataBase Pro version 1.05]

Conservation International. 2003. Palawan Corridor Strategy Development Project Database. Palawan Local Government, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Department of Natural Resources, Palawan NGO Network, Inc., and Conservation International.

English, S., C. Wilkinson and V. Baker (eds.). 1997. Survey manual for tropical marine resources. Second Edition. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. 390 pp

Froese, R. and D. Pauly, Editors. 2000. FishBase 2000: concepts, design and data sources. ICLARM, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 344 p.

Glynn, P. 1993. Monsoonal upwelling and episodic Acanthaster predation as probable controls of coral reef distribution and community structure in Oman, Indian. Atoll Res Bull 379:1-66.

Heinsohn, G.E., H. Marsh, and P.K. Anderson. 1979. Australian dugong. Oceans 12 (3):48- 52

Hemminga MA, Duarte CM, 2000. Seagrass ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 298 p

Hill MO, 1979. TWINSPAN, TWo Way INdicator SPecies ANalysis.

Lieske, E and R. Myers. 2001. Coral Reef Fishes, Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. 400 p.

REFERENCES 83 Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. (MERF) & Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. 1993. Study of environmentally sensitive resources in the northwestern Palawan area. Final report submitted to Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.

McClanahan, T.R., M. Nugues and S. Mwachireya. 1994. Fish and sea urchin herbivory and competition in Kenyan coral reef lagoons: The role of reef management. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 184:237-254.

Montebon, A.R.F. 1997. Status of coral reefs in Negros Oriental, central Philippines. Proc. th 8P P Int’l Coral Reef Symp., Panama. 1:295-300.

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), 1994. PCSD Resolution #94- 44, Resolution adopting the guidelines in implementing the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), the main strategy of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan. (Pamphlet)

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), 200_. Culion: coastal resource assessment. (Technical Report)

PCSDS. 2000. Culion Reef Assessment. Reef Assessment and Fish Visual Census. PCSDS-TSD.

Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R. Steene. 1997. The Complete Divers’ and Fishermen’s Guide to Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea (revised and expanded edition). Crawford House Publishing Pty. Ltd.. 557 pp.

Short FT, McKenzie LJ, Coles RG, Vidler KP, 2002. SeagrassNet: Manual for scientific monitoring of seagrass habitat. QDPI, QFS, Cairns, 56p

Terrados J, CM Duarte, MD Fortes, J Borum, NSR Agawin, S Bach, U Thampanya, L Kamp-Nielsen, WJ Kenworthy, O Geertz–Hansen, J Vermaat, 1998. Changes in community structure and biomass of seagrass communities along gradients of siltation in SE Asia. Estuar Coastal Shelf Sci 46: 757-768. Academic Press Ltd.

Werner, T.B. and G.R. Allen (eds.). 2000. A Rapid Marine Biodiversity Assessment of the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Philippines. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment 17. Washington, DC: Conservation International Philippines.

REFERENCES 84 Appendix A. List of Coral Species, Culion, Palawan 2003 (CI Database)

Genus Species Endemicity IUCN Status Acanthastrea echinata hemprichii ishigakiensis lordhowensis rotundoflora Acropora aculeus rare anthocercis rare brueggemanni common cuneata divaricata fastigata rare florida formosa common gemmifera granulosa humilis very common hyacinthus common indonesia insignis common kirstyi latistella rare longicyathus rare loripes magnifica endemic to the Philippines and Indonesia rare millepora very common monticulosa nasuta common nobilis common palifera common robusta common rosaria common sarmentosa common selago sp tenuis valenciennesi valida common vaughani verweyi yongei Alveopora catalai Anacropora forbesi matthai puertogalerae rare reticulata spinosa rare Astreopora expansa gracilis myriophthalma common ocellata sp suggesta

______APPENDICES 85

Appendix A continued . . .

Australomussa rowleyensis Barabattoia Blastomussa merletti Catalaphyllia jardinei Caulastrea echinulata common furcata common Coeloseris mayeri very common Coscinarea columna rare Cycloseris cyclolites common sinensis rare vaughani Cynaria lacrymalis Cyphastrea agassizi decadia Diaseris distorta fragilis Diploastrea heliopora rare Echinophyllia aspera common echinoporoides patula Echinopora ashmorensis gemmacea hirsutissima lamellosa very common but endangered mammiformis pacificus Euphyllia ancora glabrescens very common but endangered paraancora yaeyamaensis Favia mathaii maxima pallida very common rotundata speciosa very common stelligera Favites abdita very common chinensis flexuosa common but endangered halicora common but endangered pentagona russelli Fungia gravis rare Fungia (Ctenactis) albitentaculata crassa echinata very common but endangered Fungia (Danafungia) horrida common klunzingeri scruposa rare

______APPENDICES 86 Appendix A continued . . .

Lobophyllia corymbosa common hataii rare hemprichii rare and endangered pachysepta robusta sp Merulina ampliata very common but endangered scabricula Millepora exaesa intricata platyphylla very common Montastrea curta magnistellata multipunctata sp valenciennesi Montipora aequituberculata angulata cebuensis rare confusa endemic to the Philipines and Indonesia common corbettensis danae common florida endemic to the Philippines and Indonesia common foliosa rare hirsuta common hispida common hoffmeisteri informis mollis plateformis common undata verrucosa very common Mycedium elephatosus common but endangered mancaoi robokaki sp Oulastrea crispata very common Oulophyllia bennettae crispa Oxypora crassispinosa endemic to the Philippines and Indonesia glabra rare lacera rare sp Pachyseris foliosa endemic to the Philippines and Indonesia gemmae common but endangered rugosa very common speciosa very common but endangered

______APPENDICES 87 Appendix A continued . . .

Fungia (Fungia) fungites very common but endangered Fungia (Pleuractis) paumotensis very common but endangered scutaria Fungia (Verillofungia) concinna common but endangered granulosa rare responda very common but endangered Galaxea alta endemic to the Philippines and Indonesia astreata fascicularis very common but endangered paucisepta sp Gardineroseris planulata Goniastrea aspera edwardsi pectinata very common retiformis very common Goniopora pendulus stokesi very common Halomitra pileus Heliofungia actiniformis Heliopora coerulea very common sp Herpolitha limax very common but endangered Hydnophora exesa very common but endangered grandis microconos common pilosa rigida common Leptastrea bottae very common pruinosa purpurea very common transversa Leptoria phyrgia common Leptoseris amitoriensis cristata explanata foliosa gardineri hawaiiensis rare mycetoseriodes papyracea rare scabra solida yabei Lithophyllon lobata undulatum

______APPENDICES 88 Appendix A continued . . .

Pavona bipartita cactus rare clavus decussata very common but endangered explanulata frondifera very common but endangered minuta sp varians very common venosa common xarifae Pectinia alcicornis lactuca very common but endangered maxima paeonia common Physogyra lichtensteini Platygyra contorta daedalea very common lamellina very common but endangered Plerogyra simplex sinuosa sp Plesiastrea versipora Pocillopora damicornis endangered but very common eydouxi common meandrina verrucosa very common but endangered Podabacia crustacea common but endangered motuporensis Polyphyllia talpina very common but endangered Porites annae cylindrica evermanni horizontalata rare monticulosa nigrescens very common rus Psammocora contigua common but endangered digitata nierstraszi rare profundacella common superficialis Rhizopsammia verrilli Sandalolitha dentata robusta Scapophyllia cylindrica Scolymia vitiensis

______APPENDICES 89

Appendix A continued . . .

Seriatopora caliendrum common but endangered hystrix common Stylaster sp Stylocoeniella armata guentheri sp Stylophora mordax pistillata very common but endangered Symphyllia agaricia rare radians very common but endangered recta very common but endangered valenciennesii Trachyphyllia geoffroyi very common but endangered Tubastraea coccinea micranthus Tubipora musica very common sp Turbinaria incrustans irregularis mesenterina peltata common but endangered reniformis Zoopilus echinatus rare

Total number of genera 71 Total number of species 304

______APPENDICES 90 Appendix B. Marine Macrobenthic Algae. Culion, Palawan. 2004

Trono b Seaweed taxa Present survey a CI database P P (1997) P P

Class Chlorophyceae (green algae) Order Bryopsidales Family Caulerpaceae Genus Caulerpa ● + Caulerpa cupressoides ● C. freycinetii ● C. lentillifera ● C. racemosa ● ● ● C. serrulata ● ● C. sertularioides ● ● C. taxifolia ● ● ● Family Codiaceae Genus Codium ● Codium arabicum ● Family Halimedaceae Genus Halimeda ● + Halimeda cylindracea ● ● ● H. discoidea ● H. incrassata ● ● H. macroloba ● ● ● H. opuntia ● ● ● H. tuna ● ● H. velasquezii ● Halimeda sp. ● Family Udoteaceae Genus Chlorodesmis ● Chlorodesmis comosa ● C. fastigiata ● Genus Udotea ● Udotea argentea ● ● U. javensis ● U. orientalis ● ● ● Genus Avrainvillea Avrainvillea erecta ● Genus Tydemania (T. expeditionis) ● ●

Order Cladophorales Family Anadyomenaceae Genus Anadyomene ● Anadyomene plicata ● A. wrightii ●

+ a b Legend: P P frequently encountered/ dominant (Feb ‘04); P P – extracted from the field guide atlas, P P – extracted from NRDB Pro v 1.05, ©1999-2003).

______APPENDICES 91 Appendix B continued . . .

Family Cladophoraceae

Genus Chaetomorpha ● Chaetomorpha crassa ●

Order Dasycladales Family Dasycladaceae Genus Neomeris ● Neomeris vanbosseae ● ● Genus Bornetella Bornetella nitida ● B. sphaerica ● Genus Cymopolia (C. vanbosseae) ● Familiy Polyphysaceae Genus Acetabularia Acetabularia crenulata ● A. major ●

Order Siphonocladales Family Siphonocladaceae Genus Boergesenia (B. forbesii) ● Genus Boodlea Boodlea composita ● Family Valoniaceae Genus Dictyosphaeria Dictyosphaeria cavernosa ● ● Genus Valonia ● Valonia aegagropila ●

Order Ulvales Family Monostromataceae Genus Monostroma (M. nitidum) ● Family Ulvaceae aGenus Ulv Ulva lactuca ● U. reticulata ●

Class Phaeophyceae (brown algae) Orders Dictyotales Family Dictyotaceae Genus Dictyota ● Dictyota cervicornis ● ● ● D. dichotoma ● D. divaricata ● D. mertensii ●

+ a b Legend: P P frequently encountered/ dominant (Feb ‘04); P P – extracted from the field guide atlas, P P – extracted from NRDB Pro v 1.05, ©1999-2003).

______APPENDICES 92 Appendix B continued . . .

Genus Padina ● + Padina arborescens ● P. australis ● ● P. japonica ● P. minor ● .Padina sp ● Genus Dictyopteris (D. repens) ● Genus Lobophora (L. variegata) ●

Order Fucales Family Cystoseiraceae Genus Hormophysa (H. cuneiformis) ● Family Sargassaceae Genus Sargassum ● + Sargassum baccularia ● S. binderi ● S. cinctum ● S. crassifolium ● S. cristaefolium ● S. feldmannii ● S. gracillimum ● S. hemiphyllum ● S. kushimotense ● S. oligocystum ● S. paniculatum ● S. polycystum ● S. siliquosum ● S. turbinarioides ● Sargassum sp. ● Genus Turbinaria ● Turbinaria conoides ● T. decurrens ● T. luzonensis ● T. ornata ● ●

Order Scytosiphonales Family Scytosiphonaceae Genus Hydroclathrus ● Hydroclathrus clathratus ● ● ●

Order Sphacelariales Family Sphacelariaceae Genus Sphacelaria Sphacelaria rigidula ●

+ a b Legend: P P frequently encountered/ dominant (Feb ‘04); P P – extracted from the field guide atlas, P P – extracted from NRDB Pro v 1.05, ©1999-2003).

______APPENDICES 93 Appendix B continued . . .

Class Rhodophyceae (red algae) Order Bonnemaisoniales Family Bonnemaisoniaceae Genus Asparagopsis (A. taxiformis) ● Family Galaxauraceae Genus Actinotrichia ● Actinotrichia fragilis ● ● Actinotrichia sp. ● Genus Galaxaura Galaxaura fasciculata ● G. marginata ● G. oblongata ● ● G. subverticillata ●

Order Ceramiales Family Ceramiaceae Genus Ceramium Ceramium gracillimum ● C. mazatlanense ● Family Rhodomelaceae Genus Amansia (A. glomerata) ● ● Genus Laurencia ● Laurencia cartilaginea ● ● L. papillosa ● Laurencia sp. ● Genus Acanthophora Acanthophora aokii ● A. muscoides ● Genus Bostrychia Bostrychia binderi ● Genus Digenea (D. simplex) ●

Order Corallinales Family Corallinaceae Genus Amphiroa Amphiroa foliacea ● ● A. fragilissima ● ● Genus Jania Jania decussato-dichotoma ● .Jania sp ● Genus Cheilosporum Cheilosporum jungermannioides ● Genus Mastophora (M. rosea) ● Order Cryptonemiales Family Cryptonemiaceae Genus Grateloupia (G. filicina) ●

+ a b Legend: P P frequently encountered/ dominant (Feb ‘04); P P – extracted from the field guide atlas, P P – extracted from NRDB Pro v 1.05, ©1999-2003).

______APPENDICES 94 Appendix B continued . . .

Genus Halymenia

Halymenia durvillaei ● Family Peyssonneliaceae Genus Peysonnelia (P. rubra) ● ●

Order Gelidiales Family Gelidiaceae Genus Gelidiella (G. acerosa) ●

Order Gigartinales Family Gracilariaceae Genus Gracilaria Gracilaria arcuata ● G. blodgettii ● G. eucheumoides ● G. manilaensis ● G. salicornia ● Gracilaria sp. ● Family Hypneaceae Genus Hypnea ● Hypnea cervicornis ● H. charoides ● Hypnea sp. ● Family Nemastomataceae Genus Titanophora (T. weberae) ● Family Polyidaceae Genus Rhodopeltis (R. borealis) ● Family Solieraceae Genus Eucheuma ● Eucheuma denticulatum ● E. gelatinae ●

Order Nemaliales Family Helminthocladiaceae Genus Liagora Liagora farinosa ● ●

Order Rhodymeniales Family Champiaceae Genus Champia (C. parvula) ●

+ a b Legend: P P frequently encountered/ dominant (Feb ‘04); P P – extracted from the field guide atlas, P P – extracted from NRDB Pro v 1.05, ©1999-2003).

______APPENDICES 95