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    Phytosociological study in Garantiangan Island, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
    Calesterio, Krizha Marie C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-12)
    Each island has a unique set of characteristics attributed to differences in size, isolation, relief and climate, and origin. Such characteristic influence their floristic composition. Rapid development of tropical islands due to expansion of tourism thus put the flora under risks. In addition, the impact of climate change is also a big factor. There is a need to do baseline studies for proper management and conservation purposes. This study was conducted in Garantiangan Island (a part of Taklong Island National Marine Reserve) in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines to assess the species composition, and community structure of flora present. Data were collected by establishing random plots from August 2016 to February 2017. Results showed a total of 45 species (7 unidentified) belonging to 26 families, were recorded. Rubiaceae was the most dominant family, having five representative species. Invasive species found were Leucaena leucocephala, and Lantana camara. Floras found belonged to two types of vegetation namely; littoral vegetation: herbaceous strand, littoral shrubland and littoral forest zone and mangrove vegetation. Total stand basal area was 16.63 m2 ha- 1 , with 4985.71 stems ha-1. The total seedling density (1943 individuals ha- 1) > total sapling density (1686 individuals ha- 1) > total tree density (1343 individuals ha- 1) suggests “good” regeneration status. 1. Tarenna littoralis had the highest relative density (18.05%) and frequency (8 %). Terminalia foetidissima had the highest relative dominance (26.70%) and was the most important species (37.04 %). Shannon-Weiner diversity index and Simpson evenness index values recorded were 1.33 and 0.89, respectively, which suggests low diversity and evenness in the island. Given that the biodiversity in the island is threatened, though the results are preliminary and full floral surveys were not carried out, data gathered can serve as a basis for conservation and management actions.
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    Community structure of holothuroids in selected seagrass beds in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, Philippines
    Calaguing, Aldwyn C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)
    Sea cucumbers are beneficial to mankind commercially as food and medicinal commodity. Overexploitation and illegal catch of these organisms even within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) caused stock depleting and even local extinction of some populations in the country. Monitoring and regular assessment of their population is a must for their proper management and protection. This study investigated the status of holothuroid community within 4 selected seagrass meadows in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Holothuroid composition and estimates of density, frequency and distribution were determined through plot method. Species identification was based on gross morphology and spicule analysis. There were 40 individuals collected identified as 5 species, namely, Holothuria atra (n = 18), Holothuria pulla (n = 1), Holothuria scabra (n = 5), Bohadschia vitiensis (n = 2) and Synapta maculata (n = 13). The first 4 belonged to Order Aspidochirotida and the last belonged to Order Apodida. Their distribution and community structure in TINMR are likely influenced by the physical and chemical environment, seagrass community poaching, and cryptic behavior.
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    Composition and abundance of the stomach contents of Caranx melampygus in Nabinbinan Bay, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
    Caigoy, Mary Johnalynn S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)
    Caranx melampygus, a piscivore common in the Indo-Pacific, is an important diurnal predator in coral reefs, but little local information is available on the diet of this fish. This study was done to determine the diet composition and abundance of C. melampygus by examining the stomach contents of specimens collected every 2-4 weeks from catches of fish corals in Southern Guimaras from May 2012 to November 2013. Chyme, fishes, and shrimps were found in the guts of C. melampygus. The Sergestid shrimp Acetes dominated the overall prey composition, followed by penaeid shrimps, and fishes (atherinid, clupeid, engraulid). The mean food count and prey composition varied among small (6-6.9, 7-7.9, 8-8.9), medium (9-9.9, 10-10.9, 1lli.9), and large (12-12.9, 13-13.9, 14-14.9, 15-15.9) fish, suggesting that the food preference of C. melampygus changes as the fish grows.
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    Oxygen requirement of Sea Cucumber (Bohadschia marmorata)
    Cahuya, Jezyl Leigh D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
    The oxygen consumption of juvenile sea cucumber Bohadschia marmorata was studied in the laboratory. The effects of temperature and body weight on oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were determined by measuring the dissolved oxygen levels using closed bottle respiratory method. Mean weight specific OCR of B. marmorata juveniles was low (9±4 pgO2h-1g-1). The OCR decreased with time from 16.9±9.1 to 6.09±3.86 ugO2h-1g-1 rapidly declining in the first two hours then, more gradually thereafter (R2=-0.92). Factors such as temperature and size affect OCR. Oxygen consumption rate tends to increase with increasing temperature. Bigger animals have low OCR levels than smaller ones (R2=0.32).
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    Community structure, biomass and carbon stock assessment of mangrove forest in Poblacion, Batan, Batan Bay, Aklan, Philippines
    Cagalawan, Donna Novei C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
    The continued loss of mangroves in Batan Bay, Aklan and elsewhere in the Philippines warrants urgent attention. Appropriate management schemes can only be drawn after a scientific assessment of the remaining mangroves in a given area. This study aimed to 1.) assess the community structure, of mangroves in Poblacion, Batan, Aklan using accepted ecological indicators such as a.) determine the physical and chemical factors such as salinity, temperature of water and soil, pH as well as substrate characterization; b.) identify and classify true mangrove species present in the area; c.) Stand Basal Area, d.) stems per hectare, e.) relative density, f.) relative frequency, g.) relative dominance, h.) importance value, i.) Shannon Index of Dominance and; 2.) determine biomass and carbon density in the above ground pools of mangroves. A total of nineteen (19) true mangrove species represented by six families were identified in Poblacion, Batan, Aklan. The true mangrove species were Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia rumphiana, Bruguiera cylindrica, Camptostemon philippenensis, Ceriops decandra, Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera littorea, Nypa fruticans, Osbornia octodanta, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum and Xylocarpus moluccencis. Camptostemon philippenensis had the highest basal area with 103.14 m2/ha and the highest relative dominance with the value of 39.26%. Avicennia marina has the highest stems per hectare in the area with the value of 32, 400. It also recorded the highest average density at 167 trees/ha and was present in all plots with relative frequency of 44.15%. Avicennia marina was the most important species with value of 300.21. Camptostemon philippinensis had the highest seedling density of 586 seedlings per hectare, whereas Avicennia marina had the highest sapling density of 20 saplings per hectare. In terms of biomass, Avicennia marina recorded the greatest biomass at 79.42 tons/ ha and the highest carbon stock of 36.7 tons/ha. A total of 203.87 tons/ha biomass and 91.728 tons/ha carbon stock was determined. Based on the leaf litter fall, Transect 1 has the highest leaf fall at 664.9g.m2. Litter production was highest during November 5, 2012-November 19, 2012 and lowest in December 17, 2012- December 31, 2012 in all three transects.
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    A study of the gut contents of compressed tubby (Canthigaster compressa) from Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
    Caduada, Laymart A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
    The Philippines has one of the longest coastlines and is among the top producers of fisheries products in the world. The industry however is threatened by unsustainable fishing practices and dwindling resources. Proper fisheries management is hindered by an extensive lack of biological information on resource populations. Studying fish feeding habits based on gut content analysis could provide insights on fish feeding patterns and trophic interactions in aquatic food webs and enhance our understanding of exploited resources. The study compares the composition of the gut contents of Canthigaster compressa caught by sled trawl in seagrass beds in Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte. Sixty eight specimens from Talibon and 80 from Palompon were examined. Chyme made up 70-76% of the total gut contents in both areas. A total of 23 prey items were observed. Diet composition in Palompon was more diverse as compared to Talibon. Gut contents changed with size/age, with an apparent increase in the proportion of seagrass/algae as fish size increased. This suggests that the tubby shifts to a more herbivorous diet as they grow older. The amount of forams in the guts also decreased with size which could be attributed to a shift in habitat from seagrass to coral reefs. The results also show that crustaceans are more abundant in Palompon than in Talibon which could mean that Palompon has a richer seagrass-associated crustacean population. Further studies about the abundance of crustaceans in the fish diet in Palompon and Talibon is encouraged as it could be useful in assessing the ecological conditions of the areas.
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    Comparative development of larval performance of catfish hybrids (Clarias macrocephalus Gunther x Clarias gariepinus Burchell)
    Cabanos, Cerrone Salamat (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-03)
    Our native catfish, Clarias macrocephalus, is one of the most well-accepted fish in the country. With its soft and savory flesh, this species has high demand in local markets. However, due to its relatively slow growth and poor breeding activity, our native catfish has become rarely used nowadays in aquaculture. This led to the introduction of exotic and faster growing species like the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and Thai catfish, Clarias batrachus, which in turn, resulted to the near extinction of the native species. There is therefore a perceived need to undertake a breeding program involving this native catfish and other exotic species. One potential solution to increase our production rate of the native catfish is to hybridize it with the African catfish. Interspecific hybridization has been a popular breeding program utilized by researchers attempting to produce fish expressing hybrid vigor (positive heterosis) or for combining valuable traits from more than one species. This study is on the characterization of the early developmental stages of fertilized eggs and the comparison of larval performance (in terms of percent fertilization, hatching and larval survival) resulting from the artificial cross of Clarias macrocephalus (native catfish) and Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) and its parental species. In comparing the rates of egg development among crosses (all macrolecithal and discoidal cleavage), it was determined that fertilized eggs of the standard hybrid cross (C. gariepinus male x C. macrocephalus female) have a relatively faster rate of development than those from the reciprocal cross (C. macrocephalus male x C. gariepinus female). Results on determination of larval performance showed that there is no significant difference in percent fertilization and percent survival after 7 days between hybrid and parental crosses. However, in terms of percent hatching, the reciprocal hybrid cross (C macrocephalus male x C. gariepinus female), together with the C. gariepinus x C. gariepinus parental cross had a significantly higher percent hatching (P < 0.01) compared to the standard cross (C. gariepinus male x C. macrocephalus female).
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    Microbiological assessment and detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on three areas along the Iloilo River
    Caballo, John Carlo P. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-04)
    The Iloilo River, which traverses the whole length of Iloilo City, serves as a water source for different human activities hence, subjecting it to a variety of pollutants. Microbial and physico-chemical parameters of the three areas along the Iloilo River (Carpenter’s Bridge, IBRD Bridge, and Dungon Creek) were assessed to in order to provide a quantifiable evaluation of the river’s water quality. The presence of Salmonella spp., Eschericia coli, Streptococcus spp. and Vibrio spp., was also determined. HPC counts indicate very-high to extremely-high levels of bacterial loading (5.31 x 105-l .60 x 106 CFU/lOOmL) among the three sampling areas. Total coliform levels indicated contamination of the river from outside sources, potentially from domestic sewage discharges and run-offs from nearby establishments. The FC: FS ratio suggests contamination mostly came from mixed origins, with the noted exception of Carpenter’s Bridge, which is dominated by human fecal contamination. Minimal variations in physico-chemical parameters were observed for all areas. Significant correlations were found among salinity (p=0.002) and temperature (p=0.042) with TC; between FS with dissolved oxygen (p=0.00), and between FC and temperature (p=0.005). Contamination of the river by organic and fecal matter from animal and human sources provided a suitable habitat for pathogenic bacteria. A considerable quantity of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as; E.coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Vibrio spp., were isolated from each sampling area. Exposure to these pathogens in drinking and recreational waters poses health risks to local inhabitants and to any individual who would consume water from the river
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    Mangrove community structure survey in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan
    Bullo, Gliford G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
    The mangrove forest is a complex and unique community of medium to large tress, shrubs, vines and palms, oddly thriving with luxuriant growth in the least inviting habitats which have the barest and limited conditions for the growth and survival of higher plant life. This study aims to assess the community structure of mangroves in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan using accepted ecological indicators. The sampling site, Altavas, Aklan is located at the upper median of Panay Island. There was a total of 15 true mangrove species belonging to the 9 families in the area. The nine families are Family Myrsinaceae represented by Aegiceras corniculatum, Family Avicenniaceae represented by Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis and Avicennia rumphiana; Family Rhizophorceae represented by Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera parviflora; Family Bombacaceae represented by Camptostemon phihppensis; Family Rubiaceae represented by Scyphiphora hydrophylaceae; Family Meliaceae represented by Xylocarpus granatum and Family Palmae represented by Nypa fruticans. Avicennia rumphiana has the highest mean basal area of 23.21 (m2/ha), while Xylocarpus granatum had the lowest mean basal area of 0.01 (m2/ha). Avicennia rumphiana has the highest relative density of 57, while Xylocarpus granatum has the lowest relative density with a value of 1. Avicennia rumphiana and Avicennia officinalis had the highest relative frequency of 19.8667 Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Scyphtphora hydrophylaceae and Xylocarpus grunatum on the other hand had the lowest relative frequency of 0.4. Avicennia rumphiana is the dominant species with a relative dominance value of 23.66, and Xylocarpus granatum is the least dominant species with relative dominance value of 0.01. Avicennia rumphiana is the most important species in the area with an importance value of 127.1816, and the least important species, as observed, is Xylocarpus granatum with an importance value of 1.685863. The index of diversity is 0.918655 for the entire area.
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    Survival and growth of juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra Jaeger (1833) in shrimp pond sediment
    Briones, Jill D. (2012-03)
    Many high valued sea cucumbers e.g. Holothuria scabra are detritivores and thrive on organic matter and thus are potential bioremediating agents in eutrophic systems e.g. aquaculture ponds. Sea cucumbers cultured in shrimp ponds would act as natural bioremediators and lessen the organic matter content of the sediments hence make the pond environment more favorable for shrimp culture. This study looks at the feasibility of growing sea cucumbers in pond sediments for their bioremediating role and for their economic value. In this study, growth and survival of hatchery-produced H.scabra juveniles in Bare substrate (Treatment 1), Sand from natural habitat (Treatment 2) and Shrimp Pond sediment (Treatment 3) were compared after 5 weeks of culture. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to grow H. scabra juveniles in shrimp pond sediments without compromising their survival (p > 0.05). Results showed that those reared in Pond sediment grew best and significantly better compared to the other treatments (ANOVA, p<0.05). Juveniles grown in Pond sediment increased from mean weight of 3g to 14g while in the other treatments they just grew from mean of 2.7g to 8.7g. The consistently higher organic matter in Pond sediment could have contributed to better growth of sea cucumbers relative to other treatments. The bioremediating role of sea cucumbers was indicated by significant reduction in organic matter content in pond sediment by Week 5.