Study of Biotic and Abiotic Parameters of the Seagrass Ecosystem in Taklong Island

National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Guimaras, Philippines

A Laboratory Report

Presented to

Mrs. Maria Teresa Minerva

Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines

In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for Biology 160.1
Ecology and Field Biology Laboratory

By
CALESTERIO, Krizha Marie
PARREAS, Judy Angela Carmela
PORRAS, April Joy
TORRES, Patrick Jay
WONG, Hazel Jynn
YBAEZ, Mary Antoinette
ZABALA, Zsareena Bianca

Introduction
Sea grasses are submerged monocotyledonous marine flowering plants which form an
extensive ecosystem in the nearshore region. Sea grasses are often confused with seaweeds,
however, actually sea grasses are more closely related to the angiosperms (flowering plants)
that you always see on land. They have roots, stems and leaves, and also produce flowers and
seeds. Sea grasses and seaweeds may look superficially similar, they are two different
organisms. Chloroplasts in their tissues use light energy to produce sugar and oxygen from
carbon dioxide and water through the process called photosynthesis. However, unlike the
flowering plants found on land, these sea grasses lack stomates. Instead, they have a thin
cuticle layer, which allows those gases and nutrients to diffuse to and from the leaves from
the water. Sea grasses also have roots and rhizomes that extend into the sediment of the
seafloor in order to absorb nutrients and anchor plants. In contrast, seaweeds are much
simpler organisms with no flowers or veins. Also their holdfasts are simply attach to the
bottom and are not specialized for taking in necessary nutrients.
Sea grasses are found in salty and brackish waters, typically along sloping, protected
coastlines. They are mostly found in shallow waters where light can reach them, since they
depend on light for photosynthesis. Many species live in depths of around 1 meter to 3
meters, however, the deepest growing seagrass, Halophila decipiens, has been found at a
depth of approximately 58 meters. Sea grasses grow both vertically and horizontally, blades
reaching upwards and roots downwards and sideways, in order to capture sunlight and
nutrients from the water and sediment. These living organisms spread by two methods
asexual clonal growth and sexual reproduction.
Sea grasses range from species according to their shapes, sizes and roles in marine
ecosystems. There are species with long flat blades that looks like ribbons to fern or paddled-

shaped leaves, cylindrical or spaghetti blades, or branching shoots. Some seagrass species
grow much more slowly compared to other sea grass species which are quick growing. These
distinct structures and growth forms affect how seagrasses influence their environment and
what species live in the habitats they create.
Sea grasses play a number of vital roles in ecology and also in the realm of
economics. There are numerous uses for seagrasses (Fortes, 1990). These include weaving of
baskets, stuffing for mattresses, roof thatches, packaging material, and compost for fertilizer,
and the list goes on. Also, they have been used for sewage filters, for coastal stabilizers, for
paper manufacturing, as sources of chemicals, and as food and medicine (Babaran, Ingles,
Zamayla, & Martinez, 1997).
Sea grass beds are important nursery habitat for various different species of
invertebrates and fishes that transfer to corals and other ecosystems as they mature. They are
also vital as a feeding ground for different herbivorous grazers, like the Green Turtles,
manatees, dugongs, and others. The root systems on most sea grass beds secure the seabed,
they prevent soft sediments from being washed onto coral reefs and other ecosystems that are
sensitive, and also they provide protection to coasts and coastal communities from strong
ocean storms.
The field study generally aims to observe the different biotic and abiotic parameters of
the seagrass community in Taklong Island, Guimaras. It specifically aims to:

To be able to calculate the percent cover of the distribution of the different sea grass

species found in the sampling area.

To be able to identify the different species of sea grass found in the sampling site.
To be able to discuss the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the distribution of
seagrasses.

To be able to compare the population of plankton (phytoplankton and zooplankton) at

different time intervals.

Review of Related Literature

The Philippines has extensive seagrass and algal beds and soft-bottom communities
that often occur in close proximity to mangroves and coral reefs. In terms of sea grass
diversity, the Philippines ranked second highest next to Australia. The country contributes
about 55% of the number of species in East Asia. Seven species, comprising 40% of the total
recorded in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia and 18% of global record, are found in
Ulugan Bay in Palawan (Fortes, 2004).
Thirteen species have been recorded in the Philippine waters (Calumpong and Meez,
1997). These thirteen species represent 27% of the total species reported worldwide. At least
half of the total 16 species reported in the Philippines, can be found in TINMR (Nievales,
2009). Seagrasses that are attached to all types of substrates, occur most extensively on soft
ones. These marine plants are more commonly found in intertidal region up to 30 meters
depth. Mixed seagrass meadows are common in tropical countries. They are mixed in
response to the nutrient enrichment (Agawin et al., 1996), disturbance (Duarte et al., 1997),
and competition (Duarte, 2000) and water depth (Taplin et al., 2005) and spatial distribution.
In accordance with the study of Agawin et al. (1996), different seagrass species also have
different nutrient requirements. Another factor to consider in distribution and mixes of the
seagrass is the disturbance. Syringodium has a tolerance for disturbance in coral reef, while
Enhalus are near the mangrove forest because of their sensitivity in siltation. The competition
of light is also evident in the marine plants. Enhalus and Thalassia species are co-occurring
in the same area and can tolerate both inter- and intraspecific competition (Alimen & Selorio,

Jr., 2013). There morphology dictates because they are taller than other seagrasses
(Calumpong and Meez, 1997).

Materials and Methods

Prior to the study, the sampling site was surveyed generally in order to select the
position for laying transects. The sampling site was located at the 1 st sandbar of Taklong
Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras along the shore of the island (1024'11.7"N
12230'33.4"E).

Figure 1. Photo of the sampling site (1st sandbar of Taklong Island)

From the shore, a 50 m transect tape was laid perpendicular to the shore. The 50 m
transect tape was then divided into three sampling points, start (0m), middle (20m) and end
(40m). Visual assessment and different field measurements were then taken from every
selected sampling point, including the air and water temperature, pH and water salinity.
Also, at every point, a 50cm x 50cm steel quadrat was placed on the substrate to
quantify the percent cover of each species. Using the categories developed by Saito and

Atobe (1970), percent cover of each species of plant was estimated in each 10cm x 10cm
grid.

Table 1.Classes of dominance used to record cover (Saito and Atobe, 1970)
Class
5
4
3
2
1
0

Amount of Substratum Covered

to all
to
1/8 to
1/16 to 1/8
Less than 1/16
Absent

% substratum covered
50-100
25-50
12.5-25
6.25-12.5
<6.25
0

After estimating the percent cover, at every sampling point three random grids were
chosen from the quadrat for collecting seagrass and sediment samples including their roots.
The collected seagrass samples were then placed inside their respective screen bags and the
sediment samples were also placed in their respective ziplocks. Both seagrass and sediment
samples were brought to the laboratory in Taklong. The samples were rinsed with water and
sorted by species. After sorting, the wet weight of the seagrass samples was taken by species
and then both plant and sediment samples were air dried for three days before bringing them
to the laboratory in Miagao for sample processing. The plant samples were then oven dried in
the laboratory overnight with a temperature of approximately 60C. Dry weight of the
samples was then recorded.
The sediment samples from each grid of the steel quadrat from each point were
combined together by point, therefore, there are only three sediment samples coming from
each sample point. The sediment sample from each sampling point was then divided into two
parts: one for sediment analyses and sediment infauna study. For the sediment analysis,
samples were processed for sediment percent moisture and sediment composition by sieving.

On the other hand, the analysis of the sediment for sediment infauna was done using the
Berlese-Tullgren funnel, and by flotation.
In determining the coverage of each species in each quadrat, the following formula
was used:

C=

( Mifi)
f

where:
Mi = midpoint % of class;

f = frequency

To calculate for the biomass, the dry weight of the sample is divided by the surface
area of the substrate from which it was collected. Also, the mean and standard error from the
samples were calculated.

Results and Discussion

Table 2. Visual Assessment

Weather at time of visit

Water surface conditions

START
Partly Cloudy
With waves

END
Overcast with thunderstorm
With bigger waves

Table 3. Summary of air temperature from each sampling point

AIR TEMP (C)
0m (start)
START
25.5
END
25
Table 4. Summary of water temperature

20m (mid)
26
25

40m (end)
27
25.5

Mean
26.17
25.17

START
END

WATER TEMP (C)

0m (start) 20m (mid)
40m (end)
31
31.5
32.5
28
26
27.5

Mean
31.67
27.17

Water and Air Temperature From Each Point

START

END

Figure 2. Comparison of water and air temperature from each point

The figure shows the different temperatures of air and water in the three sampling
points. It shows that the highest starting and post-air temperature was from the 40m plot with
27C and 25.5C respectively. While for the water temp the highest starting temp was 32.5C
from 40m and for the post temp 28C from 0m.
The differences between seagrass species in their feedback to temperature in part
establish species tolerance conditions and influence their adaptability, or plasticity. According
to Short et al., (2001), species plasticity is a major determinant of species distribution.
In temperate regions, the different effect of temperature on the seagrasses are more
evident as compared to tropical countries where the range of variation in temperature is
relatively small. Walker and Cambridge (1995) explained that the effects of temperature on
seagrasses could be due to instantaneous physiological responses, relating to the individual

species thermal tolerances and their optimum temperatures for photosynthesis, respiration
and, growth.
The metabolic rates and biological activity of aquatic organisms can be affected by
water temperature alone. As such, it influences the chosen habitats of a variety of aquatic life.
Some organisms, particularly aquatic plants flourish in warmer temperatures, while some
fishes such as trout or salmon prefer colder streams. This factor can also constrain plant
respiration and also, photosynthesis. As the temperature decreases or increases from its
optimum temperature, photosynthesis will be reduced.

Table 5. Summary of pH and water salinity

0m (start)
20m (mid)
40m (end)
Mean

pH
8.16
8.22
8.36
8.25

Water salinity
33
33
33.5
33.17

Figure 3. Water salinity at different sampling points.

The table above shows that the highest salinity was recorded from 40m with a value
of 33.5 ppt. also for the pH value with 8.36, indicating that the water was basic.
One of the requirements for the photosynthesis of the seagrasses is CO 2. As pH
increases, CO2 concentration decreases, and the photosynthetic capacity becomes dependent
on the use of HCO3-. The increase in salinity can change the carbon and oxygen balance in
the plant, and can have a potential effect on the long-term health of the seagrass community.
Seagrasses grow at salinities that range from 5% to 45% depending on the species.
This factor affects the osmotic pressure present inside the cells, however, many seagrasses are
well adapted to abrupt changes in the salinity of the water. An example for this are the
seagrasses that often grow in river outlets or estuarine habitats where salinity alters rapidly
and changes over time. However, some species have a higher tolerance to sudden changes in
salinity as compared to others.

Table 6. Summary of air and water temperature, pH, salinity and sediment parameters

Salinity
pH

Mean
26.17
25.17
31.67
27.17
33.17
8.25

% moisture

8.82

Air

Temperature

Water

Temperature

Start
End
Start
End

SD
0.7638
0.2887
0.7638
1.0408
0.28868
0.10263

N
3
3
3
3
3
3

Standard Error
0.44098
0.16668
0.44098
0.60091
0.16667
0.05925

Sediment

The calculated mean of the starting and post temp were 26.17C and 25.17C
respectively. While for the water temp, the calculated mean starting and post temp were
31.67C and 27.17C respectively. The calculated mean salinity was 33.17C and 8.25 for the

mean pH. After getting both fresh and dry weight of the samples the sediment moisture was
calculated to be 8.82%.

Percent Composition of sediment

4

Figure 4. Percent Composition of Sediment

Table 7. Summary of percent coverage of each seagrass species.

Species
Thalassia hemprichii
Enhalus acoroides
Cymodocea rotundata
Halodule uninervis
Halophila ovalis

% Cover
26.79
17.96
0.25
0.21
0.13

In the table above, it is shown that Thalassia hemprichii has the highest % cover
according to this table.

Percent Coverage of Each Seagrass Species

26.79
17.96

1 1

2 2

4 4
0.21

3 3
0.25

5 5
0.13

Figure 5. Percent Coverage of Each Seagrass Species

Table 8. Summary of biomass of seagrass species per point

Point
(m)
0
20

40

Wet

Dry

Biomass

Species

%Cove

Weight (g)

Weight (g)

(g m-2)

Thalassia hemprichii
Thalassia hemprichii
Enhalus acoroides
Cymodocea rotundata
Halodule uninervis
Thalassia hemprichii
Enhalus acoroides
Cymodocea rotundata
Halodule uninervis
Halophila ovalis

r
54.75
23.63
25.13
0.38
0.13
2.00
28.75
0.50
0.50
0.25

50.18
31.87
35.82
1.44
0.64
13.8
59.42
0.65
1.77
0.63

6.32
5.97
3.62
0.51
0.15
3.31
15.82
0.07
0.30
0.09

25.28
23.88
14.48
2.04
0.6
13.24
63.28
0.28
1.2
0.36

Table 9. Population of Sediment Infauna from the Sampling Site.

Sediment Infauna Species
Calcarina sp.
Unknown

Number of Individuals
Berlese-Tullgren Funnel
Flotation
4
11
2
0

Total
15
2

Table 10. Comparison of Plankton Count at Different Time Interval

Time
6am
12nn
9pm
12mn

Phytoplankton
117
425
318
212

Zooplankton
78
89
173
206

The table above shows that the highest number of phytoplankton was during 12 noon.
However, the highest number of zooplankton was during 12 midnight.
Phytoplankton migrate onto the surface of the water during the day, especially at the
time where the sun is at its peak. This behavior of the phytoplankton is explained by
photosynthesis, since phytoplankton need light (sunlight) in order to undergo the
photosynthetic process.
Several types of zooplankton migrate deeper into the water during the day and only
emerges at night or whenever light is low. This migration appears to be dependent on location
rather than particular species types. All plankton migrate differently based on different factors
like age, sex and the season. However, the amount of light is most probably the major factor
in the migratory behavior of the zooplankton.
Also, it is possible that zooplankton migrate to lower levels during daytime in order to
avoid predators relying on vision. However, during the night, zooplankton can go to the
surface and feed on the phytoplankton safely.
Another factor in the migration of the zooplankton may be due to their metabolism,
which is low in colder water during the day. This way, zooplankton can save can save energy
by feeding in the cooler, night waters.

Conclusion
Abiotic Parameters
Different environmental parameters were measured with a mean value that ranges
from 25.15 to 26.17 for the air temperature. While the mean value for the water temperature
ranges from 27.17 to 31.67. A mean water salinity of 33.17 and a mean pH of 8.25 were
obtained from the study. The mean sediment moisture obtained from the sediment samples
was calculated to be 8.82. The air and water temperature clearly decreased at the end of the
sampling period. The water pH appears to be basic. The sediment in the sampling site is
mostly composed of very fine substrate.

Biotic Parameters
Thalassia hemprichii was found to be the most dominant species in the sampling site,
followed by Enhalus acoroides. A total of 15 Calcarina sp. and 2 unknown organisms were
collected from the sediment infauna of the sampling site. The highest number of
phytoplankton (425) was obtained during 12 noon because of their migration to the water
surface due to the amount of light at the highest peak of the day. While at 12 midnight the
highest number of zooplankton (206) was obtained also due to their migratory behavior
during the night since they only go to the surface water during the night to feed on the
phytoplankton, and some other factors.

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