RESOURCE ASSESSMENT FOR FISH SANCTUARY ESTABLISHMENT, SAINT PAUL BAY, WESTERN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES. Abstract

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1 RESOURCE ASSESSMENT FOR FISH SANCTUARY ESTABLISHMENT, SAINT PAUL BAY, WESTERN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES 1 Benjamin J. Gonzales, 1 Wendell Galon, 2 Floredel Dangan-Galon, 1 Joel Becira, 1 Honorio Pagliawan, 1 Edwin Rodriguez, 3 Gaspar P. Bactol, and 4 Roberto Venturillo 1 Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa City Campus 2 Palawan State University 3 Community Environmental Resource Office, Puerto Princesa City 4 Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Funded by: SAGUDA Palawan, Inc. November 2005 Abstract Fish sanctuaries are so designed to act as reservoirs that provide opportunities for regeneration and restoration of marine life in the protected areas with no or minimum influence from human actions. As part of the initiatives to promote tourism and protect the St. Paul Bay resources, a marine reserve is being proposed to expand the existing land-based protected area. A resource assessment was conducted to form as one of the basis for selecting appropriate sanctuary sites to be established within the marine reserve. The objectives of this resource assessment are to: 1.) impart coastal resources monitoring skills and knowledge to stakeholders, 2.) optimize the involvement of stakeholders in the establishment and management of a local-based fish sanctuary and marine reserve, 3.) collect data and information to be used as basis for the selection of fish sanctuary area within the marine reserve of St. Paul Bay, and 4.) provide baseline data for the different important marine habitats in St. Paul Bay. Six stations were surveyed in St. Paul Bay, mainly using standard and valid methods of coastal resource assessment. Commodity assessed included; Seagrass beds, macroinvertebrates, coral cover, reef fishes, sedimentation rate, and TDS. Results of resource assessment showed varied qualitative and quantitative characters of different resources and parameters in each station. Results were compared to similar studies done in other bays of Palawan. It was found out that in spite of its popularity, the sedimentation rate discharged by the Underground River was highest among stations and is significantly higher than other rivers in Honda Bay. These results were pooled together and used to infer and prioritize possible sites for fish sanctuaries. A priority ranking for sanctuary site establishment with reference to ecological criteria was presented in this study to assist the stakeholders in making decisions for final sanctuary area selection. Discussions on potential sites for sanctuary, ecological advantages and disadvantages of St. Paul Bay against other bays, why St. Paul Bay is worthy of conservation, concerns on sedimentation, implications of sightings of mammals, and recommended immediate studies were included in this paper. 1

2 I. INTRODUCTION Best practices in coastal resource management always involve the protection and enhancement of critical coastal resources and habitats. In the sea side of the coastal area, the marine protected area (MPA) is a popular strategy for conservation and protection of the coral reefs ecosystem, and portion of the MPA called sanctuary acts as the no touch zone in the entire protected area. Fish sanctuaries are so designed to act as reservoirs that provide opportunities for regeneration and restoration of marine life in the protected areas with no or minimum influence from human actions. The establishment of a fish sanctuary in the Philippines requires among others the training on systems of locally-managed fish sanctuary, participative drafting of fish sanctuary management plan, creation of sanctuary management body, setting of marker buoys for demarcation, monitoring and evaluation, law enforcement, and information and education communication. In order to sustain and institutionalize the establishment of fish sanctuary, stakeholders and the management body must have ample skills and knowledge on the principles, management schemes, maintenance, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective fish sanctuary. Monitoring strategies must also be in place for proper management. Thus, baseline information of the reef biophysical and socio-economic aspects is prerequisite to future assessments and monitoring. As one of its coastal resource management initiatives, Puerto Princesa City has declared three fish sanctuaries between year 2000 and 2004, namely: Manalo, Sabang Reef, and Puntod Ilis fish sanctuaries. Gonzales (2004) initially reported an increase in fish catch in areas close to Sabang Reef fish sanctuary, Honda Bay. This finding was supported by Becira et. al. (2005) in their fish sanctuary impact study in Honda Bay, wherein the effects of fish sanctuary were highlighted. As part of the initiatives to promote tourism and protect the St. Paul Bay resources, a marine reserve is being proposed in the area. A resource assessment will be conducted to form as one of the basis for selecting appropriate sanctuary sites to be established within the marine reserve. Several survey were already conducted in the area, however most of these were terrestrial and there is still nil baseline information regarding marine resources and habitats (Mangrove interpretive Project, Rationale for ECC Exemption and IEE Report 2001 and UNDP-GEF-SGP, UN Foundation and COMPACT Project 2002.). Fortes and Fazi reported conditions of seaweeds, coral cover, and reef fishes in Sabang and St. Paul Bay. The objectives of this resource assessment are to: 1.) impart coastal resources monitoring skills and knowledge to stakeholders, 2.) optimize the involvement of stakeholders in the establishment and management of a local-based fish sanctuary and marine reserve, 3.) collect data and information to be used as basis for the selection of fish sanctuary within 2

3 the marine reserve of St. Paul Bay, and 4.) provide baseline data for the different important marine habitats in St. Paul Bay. II. Materials and Methods Before the conduct of the a actual field assessment, the stakeholders were trained on the methods of monitoring the status of different critical coastal resources found in the area seagrass, coral reef, invertebrates, and coral fishes. Survey stations were decided through workshop consultation with the communities and managers, and by referring to a bathymetrical map of the area. Coral cover and fishes were surveyed in six stations. These stations were likewise used to assess the macro-invertebrates and sampling for abiotic parameters. Seagrass survey was carried out in five stations. Sedimentation rate were measured in all coral reef stations and four river mouths (Figure 1). Of the six stations surveyed in St. Paul Bay, three sites were located in front of Sitio Malipien, Barangay Cabayugan: 1) the Central Park Station (CPS 1), 2) Central Park Station (CPS 2), and 3) the 20 Minute Reef. CPS 1 and 2 are located in front of the Central Park Station, while the 20 Minute Reef is located north of the Ranger Station (Figure 1 and Table 1). The fourth sampling station is situated in St. Paul s Rock, which is located east of Curanga Point of Barangay Marufinas. The fifth sampling station is in Peodat Islet, located north of Peodat Point in Barangay New Pangangan. The sixth sampling station is in Martapi Reef in Cabayugan CADC (Figure 1). For future monitoring of coral cover, reef fishes, macro-invertebrates, and abiotic parameters, permanent transects were installed with corresponding locations, using GPS (Table 1). 3

4 Fig. 1. Map of St Paul Bay, showing the locations of sampling stations for different coastal resources and sedimentation rates in the bay. 4

5 Table 1. Locations and number of sampling stations in St. Paul Bay with their corresponding coordinates and water depth Barangay Sampling Station Depth (ft.) Coordinate Number and Name Cabayugan 1) CPS N E Cabayugan 2) CPS N E Cabayugan 3) 20 Minute Reef N E Marufinas 4) St. Paul Rock N E New Panggangan 5) Peodat Islet N E Cabayugan CADC 6) Martapi Reef N E Coral Cover and Reef fishes One permanent 100-meter transect line was set per station, except for that of 20 minute Reef where two 50m permanent transect lines were set. Nylon monolines were used to serve as permanent transect lines for future monitoring. Geographical positions of these sites were taken, using GPS. This study followed the line-transect method (LIT) of English et al. (1997), using SCUBA. In order to standardize methods and to readily compare results to other sites with similar studies, we used the same parameters and indicators used by FRMP- Nañola and Rodriguez (2001) and Becira (2003) in Puerto Princesa Bay and Honda Bay, respectively. Survey of coral cover, macro-invertebrate, and fish assemblage were observed from the same transect lines. For the life form survey, the transition point and code of the life forms were recorded at each point where the benthic life form changes. Benthic cover in study sites was classified into biotic and abiotic components, where biotic components were further divided into hard corals (HC), soft corals (SC), sponges (SP), zoanthids (ZO), and others (OT). The abiotic component was divided into dead corals with algae (DCA), rubbles (R), rocks (RCK), sand (S), silt (Si) and water (WA). Macro-invertebrate Data collection of the macro-invertebrates were conducted in conjunction with the transect surveys for coral reef and fish visual census. Macro-invertebrate observations were done on the same transect line used by fish and coral components. Common species were identified to the lowest taxon possible and a taxonomic list was generated. The organisms were classified according to phyla. Density and diversity of the important invertebrates were also determined. Visual census of large invertebrates giant clams, top shell, sea cucumber, sea urchins, sea stars, brittle stars, and other species of mollusks was conducted in every stations using SCUBA along a 100m permanent transects and an imaginary two-meter 5

6 belt at both sides of the transect. Observed macro-invertebrates were recorded in underwater slates. To compute for density and diversity of macro-invertebrates found in the survey area, the following formula were used: Density (ha) = number of individuals/observation total area of belt transect d (Margalef Species Richness Index) = s - 1 log en where d is the diversity, s is the total number of species and N is the total number of individuals. Seagrass and seaweeds Five stations were established in St. Paul Bay. One at Bgy. Malipien, three at Bgy. Marufinas, and one at Bgy. New Panggangan. These stations were selected based from consultation with the community regarding the presence and conditions of seagrass and algal beds inside the proposed marine reserve. The Line Transect-Quadrat Method in English et al. (1994) with slight modification was followed for this study. In each station, only one 100-m transect line (due to the narrow bed cover) was laid perpendicular to the shoreline with the zero point coinciding with the start of the bed. In each transect, a 0.25 m 2 quadrat divided into 25 grids was placed along the line at regular interval, depending on the length of the bed (10-m interval for 100m or more; 5-m for 50m or less). All seagrass species inside the quadrat were then identified and counted. Other parameters e.g. substrate type, presence of macro-algae and macroinvertebrates, and natural and anthropogenic- related disturbances were also noted. Field guide and taxonomic books were utilized for identification/classification purposes. Seagrass and algal species were identified and classified using the filed guides of Calumpong and Menez (1997) and Trono (1997), respectively. The species density and percent cover was after Saito and Atobe (1970), while diversity were computed using the following formula: Density (m 2 ) = Number of individual shoot per species x 4 % Cover = Σ(Mi x fi) Σf 6

7 where Mi is the midpoint percentage of each species; f is the number of sectors with the same class of dominance; Σf is the total number of grids in the quadrat, which is 25. d (Margalef Species Richness Index) = s - 1 log en where d is the diversity, s is the total number of species and N is the total number of individuals. III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Coral Reef The results of the coral reef survey are presented in Table 2. Total percentage of coral cover is the sum of hard coral (HC) % and soft coral (SC) %. The live coral cover in all stations is in poor condition (0-25%), except for that in the Central Park Station (CPS 1), which can be classified from good to excellent conditions, having 57.95% cover. The coral reef of CPS 1 Station has higher percentage cover compared to coral reefs in Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay, of which both have fair condition reefs (Gonzales 2004). CPS 1 has high hard coral cover, though it has a relatively low soft coral cover. The CPS 1 reef is primarily composed of branching corals (34.35%) and coral foliose (16.05%) with the presence of tabulated, encrusting, and massive corals. On the other hand, numerous mushroom corals and sponges were found in Peodat Islet station, while zoanthids (false coral) were observed in both Peodat Islet and Martapi stations. The highest cover of zoanthids was in Martapi, 3.35%. Since most zoanthids encrust corals and rocks, and survive better in areas with higher levels of nutrients than corals (Sprung 2001). Severe runoff from the upland of Martapi Reef would increase nutrient level in the reef, increasing the possibility that these zoanthids may overgrow and kill the stony corals. The lowest hard coral cover was observed in CPS 2 Station with 4.50%, though many huge massive corals were observed in the vicinity. It is also interesting to note that the red algae Halymenia was observed only in this station. Dead tabular and massive corals were commonly observed in all stations. This category constitutes approximately 50% of the benthic cover in all stations, except in stations near the central park. The communities attribute this to cyanide fishing many years passed. On the other hand, uncontrolled dynamite fishing in the 1970s and 80s probably caused the high rubble cover observed in St. Paul s Rock. Fortes and Fazi (2000) reported an excellent condition of coral reef with high fish diversity somewhere in St. Paul Bay. However, it is difficult to locate their survey station since no exact positions were given. 7

8 Table 2. Benthic cover (%) in six survey stations in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princes City Category Martapi St. Paul s Rock Peodat Islet CPS 1 CPS 2 20 min. Reef HC SC OT SP ZO Live benthic cover DCA R RCK S Non-living benthic cover HC = Hard Coral, SC = Soft Coral, OT = Others, SP = Sponge, ZO = Zoanthids, DCA = Dead Coral with Algae, R = Rubble, RCK = Rock, S = Sand. Reef Fish The results of reef fish survey conducted in six sampling stations in St. Paul Bay are presented in Figure 2 and Tables 3 & 4. Fish families observed in St. Paul Bay and their composition is shown in Figure 2, while species are shown in the appendix A. The highest biomass and density was observed at Martapi Reef with metric tons of fish per km 2 and 1, individuals per 1,000 m 2, respectively. Likewise, species diversity was high in this reef with 104 species per 1,000 m 2, belonging to 15 families. The number of species in this reef constitutes 17% of recorded species in Palawan (Gonzales, et al. 2005). The diversity of reef fishes in Martapi area alone is comparable to the fish diversity recorded in six stations in Honda Bay (Gonzales 2004), and to the diversity of fishes inside a 2.8 year-old fish sanctuary in Binduyan (Becira et al, 2005). Based on the classification of Hilomen et al. (2000), the reef fishes in Martapi station can be classified as having high biomass, has moderate abundance/density, and is highly diverse. Among the stations, the lowest fish species diversity and density was observed in St. Paul s Rock, with only 40 species belonging to 11 families, and 198 individuals/1,000m 2, respectively (Table 4). The diversity, density/abundance, and biomass of reef fish in St Paul s Rock are classified as low in each of these categories. The CPS 1 has relatively low fish diversity, density, and biomass, in spite of the protection given by the Central Park Station Management. It should be noted, however, that snorkel observations conducted in the area prior to actual survey, revealed that fishes are abundant in CPS1 Station, only that most of them are non- 8

9 territorial species as mugils (Banak), caranx (Talakitok), and siganids (Dangit), which don t tend to stay in one particular reef. Other Families 14% Zanclidae 2% Apogonidae 2% Holocentridae 2% Caesionidae 3% Scaridae 4% Serranidae 4% Acanthuridae 5% Nemipteridae 6% Chaetodontidae 7% Labridae 21% Pomacentridae 30% Figure 2. Diversity of fish families observed in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City. Table 3. Total number of fish individuals observed per station STATION Number of Individual St. Paul Rock 99 Peodat Islet Min Reef 298 CPS CPS Martapi 811 Grand Total 1,992 On the other hand, the lowest biomass was observed in Malipien area (CPS1), with only 4.48 mt /km 2. However, the total reef fish biomass of mt/km 2 in six reef stations in St. Paul Bay is greater than the total biomass, mt/km 2, of the same number of reef stations in Honda Bay (Gonzales 2004). This indicates that the 9

10 integrity of reef fish resources in St. Paul Bay is better than that of Honda Bay, of which Honda Bay is said to have better reef fish status than Puerto Princesa Bay (Gonzales 2004). Table 4. Results of reef fish survey conducted in six sampling stations in St. Paul Bay Stations Depth Families Diversity Density Biomass (ft.) (species/1,000 m 2 ) (individual/1,000 m 2 ) (mt/km 2 ) CPS CPS min. Reef St. Paul Rock Peodat Islet Martapi Reef , Macro-invertebrates A total of seven species belonging to four families were found along the coastal waters of St. Paul Bay (Table5). Three species belong to family Holothuriidae, two species belong to family Tridacnidae, and one each species belongs to family Ophidiasteridae and family Strombidae, respectively. Of these, six species are commercially important: Holothuria atra, Holothuria edulis, Actinopyga echinites, Lambis crocata, Tridacna crocea, Tridacna squamosa. Among the macro-invertebrates, Linckia laevigata was the most frequently encountered species. This species was observed in five stations, while A. echinites was observed in three stations. Of the six stations surveyed, St. Paul Rock has the most diverse macro-invertebrates with diversity index of 0.755, followed by Martapi Reef and CPS Reef 2 with and 0.465, respectively. There were no large invertebrates found in the sampling station of Peodat Islet. Macro-invertebrates density ranged from 20 to 300 individuals per hectare. The H. atra from CPS Reef 2 obtained the highest density, recorded at 300 individuals per hectare, followed by L. laevigata also from CPS Reef 2 with a record of 250 individuals per hectare. 10

11 Table 5. Density (indv./ha) of macro-invertebrates observed in six stations in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City Species CPS 1 CPS 2 20Min. Reef St.Paul Rock ECHINODERMATA ClassAsterioda (Starfish) Family Ophidiasteridae Linckia laevigata Class Holothuroidea (sea cucumber) Family Holothuriidae Holothuria atra Holothuria edulis Actinopyga echinites MULLUSCA Class Gastropoda (univalve) Family Strombidae Lambis crocata Class Bivalvia Family Tridacnidae (Clams) Tridacna crocea Tridacna squamosa Peodat Islet Martapi Reef Species Diversity Index The number of species (7 spp.) of macro-invertebrate found in St. Paul Bay Stations is similar to the diversity (8 spp.) in sampling areas just outside the 2 years and 8 monthold fish sanctuary in Binduyan at Honda Bay, which is only half of the macroinvertebrate species diversity (14 spp.) recorded inside the said sanctuary (Becira, et al. 2005). Thus, if similar conditions persist in Honda Bay and St. Paul Bay, it could be inferred that if the St. Paul Bay will be protected, it is possible that status of its macroinvertebrate species will also improve in less than 3 years. The sum of the number of commercial invertebrate species observed in six stations of the whole St. Paul Bay is the same as that found inside the 40 ha fish sanctuary in Binduyan, Honda Bay (Becira, et al. 2005). This indicates that the number of commercial invertebrate species is significantly greater inside a sanctuary compared to those of the un-protected reefs. This is so, because commercial species are more vulnerable to over collection than the non-commercial invertebrate species, hence specific tools should be used for its protection and management. In the above premise, several no-touch zones (sanctuaries) must be established in St. Paul Bay in order to regenerate and enhance its macro-invertebrates, specifically the commercials ones. 11

12 Seagrass A total of 4 seagrass species belonging to four genera, two families and one order was found along the coastal waters of Sabang Bay. Three of these species belong to family Hydrocharitaceae, while one belongs to family Potamogenotaceae. Among the seagrasses, T. hemprichii was the most frequently encountered species, seen in all stations. The least frequently encountered species were the H. ovalis and C. rotundata, seen only in one station. There was no unreported species recorded. All identified species are common, which can readily be found in nearly all diverse seagrass meadows. Of the five stations surveyed, Sitio Atolayan in Bgy. Marufinas had the most diverse seagrass beds with diversity index of 0.519, followed Bgy. New Panggangan (0.315) and then Bgy. Malipien and Sitio Cabibiyagen with diversity indices of and 0.170, respectively. At Sitio Odiongan, only one species was found, giving a DI value of zero. In terms of seagrass bed associated macro-algae in Sabang Bay, a total of six species belonging to five families and three orders was found. Four of these species belong to Division Chlorophyta and two to Division Phaeophyta. The common algal species are from Halimeda and Sargassum genera. Seagrass densities ranged from 10 to 318 shoots per m 2. Species having the lowest and the highest densities were both found in Bgy. Marifinas. The T. hemprichii from Sitio Cabibiyagen obtained the highest density and the H. ovalis from Sitio Atolayan had the lowest. The T. hemprichii consistently obtained the highest density values in all station, thereby predominantly visible over other species. Seagrass cover in five stations ranged from %. The highest percent cover value was recorded for T. hemprichii at Sitio Odiongan and the lowest, the E. coroides at Bgy. Malipien. The percent cover of T. hemprichii at Sitio Cabibiyagen and Bgy. New Panggangan were also higher compared to other species in those stations. The total number of seagrass species in St. Paul Bay represents 25% of the Philippine seagrasses. This value is relatively low compared to seagrass species number of other bays in Puerto Princesa, which may reach as high as nine to ten species. In Puerto Princesa and Honda Bays for instance, seven to eight species were reported (Gonzales, 2004) and Ulugan Bay with seven species recorded (Fortes and Fazi 2000). 12

13 In most literatures, seagrass diversity is often related to sediment type, water clarity, species association, and water movement. In this study, however, only the later factor was presumed to have a great impact on seagrass community structure. In all stations, the substrate type and water quality do not vary considerably. Likewise, Thalassia- Enhalus association predominated in most stations except in Sitio Cabibiyagen where a monospecific Thalassia bed was observed. Although seagrass density in St. Paul Bay reached as high as 318 m 2, the total area of the bed in each station is very narrow ranging only from 0.14 to 0.50 ha. This may be due to exposure of the plants to strong water movement, which often result to physical damage, thereby limiting their distribution and cover. In addition, human settlements along the seashore and boat anchorage on seagrass beds were also observed to impose anthropogenic disturbance on seagrass and algal meadows in the Bay. These factors shall contribute gradually to seagrass and algal loss in the area if not properly regulated. Seagrass and algal loss in St Paul Bay would cause ecological imbalance, because seagrasses contribute to both grazing and detritus food chains in the ocean. Furthermore, a number of ecologically significant and endangered species like the sea turtles and sea cows (Dugong) graze directly on certain seagrass species (Fonseca et al., 1998), and other marine organisms depend primarily on organic matter produced from seagrass plants for nutritional requirements (Phillips and Meñez, 1988). Although there are sightings of sea cows in St. Paul Bay, the overall condition of seagrass beds in St. Paul Bay in terms of species diversity and cover does not guarantee an ideal grazing or breeding area for sea cows. Although H. ovalis, one of the species feed upon by Dugong is present in Sitio Atolayan, Bgy. Marufinas, its cover is insufficient for a Dugong feeding ground or habitat. Moreover, water depth and wave action in the area are not suitable for Dugongs to persist. Occurrences of sea cows are often associated with the presence of considerably thick Halophila and Halodule cover in calm and clear deep water. Thus, the sightings of Dugongs in St. Paul Bay may imply that St Paul Bay may previously been a good feeding ground for Dugong or the Bay may simply be a highway for the migration of Dugongs for specific purposes, e.g. spawning, feeding, etc. Despite the poor conditions of algae and seagrasses in the St. Paul Bay, the existence of Dugong in its waters calls for the protection of the environment of such an endangered species. Additionally, considering the benefits derived by corals reefs and other systems from seagrass and algal beds, initiatives toward seagrass and algal protection and restoration must be considered in the overall plan for establishing a marine protected area in the Bay. 13

14 Table 6. Summary of the seagrass and algal data gathered in stations along the shoreline of St. Paul Bay STATION SPECIES SEAGRASS DIVERSITY DENSITY (m 2 ) % COVER SUBSTRATE TYPE (%) Bgy.Malipien Thalassia hemprichii Enhalus acoroides Sand= 66 Rubble= 12 Rock= 22 Sargassum sp Halimeda macroloba Sitio Atolayan, Bgy. Marufinas Sitio Cabibiyagen Bgy. Marufinas Sitio Odiongan Bgy. Marufinas Thalassia hemprichii Enhalus acoroides Halophila ovalis Halimeda macroloba 4.28 Halimeda incrassata Sand= 78.8 Rock= 11.2 Caulerpa 0.38 sertularoides Udotea orientalis 0.12 Thalassia Sand= 60.8 hemprichii Rubble= 22 Rock= 17.2 Enhalus acoroides Sargassum sp Padina minor 0.31 Halimeda macroloba 0.29 Thalassia hemprichii Rubble= 100 Bgy. New Panggangan Thalassia hemprichii Enhalus acoroides Sand= 69.6 Rubble= 18 Rock= 12.4 Cymodocea rotundata Halimeda macroloba 0.11 Halimeda incrassata 0.90 Abiotic Parameters Among the reef stations, the highest rate of sedimentation was observed in Martapi (Table 7), while the lowest in the 20-minute Reef. This indicates that relatively more amount of runoff, thus nutrients, are being deposited in Martapi areas than in other sampling stations. Since zoanthids proliferate in high-nutrient waters, this relatively high sedimentation rate in Martapi explains why this station has also the most zoanthids. The low rate of sedimentation that was detected in the 20-minute Reef could be justified by its distance from the shore compared to other stations. In contrast, Martapi Reef, which is near to the shore has the highest sediments. The rate of sedimentation 14

15 may also be influenced by the human activities and the topography of the adjacent land. On the other hand, the rate of sedimentation recorded in six reef stations in St. Paul Bay ( mg/cm 2 /day) is lower than and minimal compared to those measured in Bush and Meara Islands in Honda Bay in 2003, with 21.0 and 16.0 mg/cm 2 /day, respectively (WPU study). In spite of the high percentage of forest cover in the coastal areas of the St. Paul Bay, its river mouths discharge sediments in greater rate, ranging from mg/cm 2 /day, compared to rivers in Honda Bay, mg/cm 2 /day. The sedimentation ranges in Honda Bay were also taken during rainy season in August 2003 and were monitored in the same month of 2005, the same season as when samples were taken in St. Paul Bay. The high sedimentation rate in the nearshore has also implications on the survival and growth of seagrasses in the area. The rate of sedimentation and total dissolve solids (Table 8) are likewise highest in the mouth of the underground river. This implies that there could still be problems in the inner/upper land water source of the rivers. During the presentation of survey results to the community, the participants mentioned the use of mud dikes in the upstream portion of the underground river to collect water for specific uses as a possible cause of the high sedimentation. In general, it is observed that sedimentation rates in river mouths of St. Paul Bay are remarkably high compared to the rates measured in the reefs (Table 7). This circumstance may be influenced by the activities in the upstream of the rivers and/or by the dynamics of the water movements in St. Paul Bay. The direction of water movement towards the shore might be pushing the suspended solids and sediments towards the shore, thereby accumulating such in the near shore areas of the bay and less in the reefs, which are located rather seaward. An oceanographic study in the bay could help shed light on this observation. Table 7. Mean sedimentation rates in rivers and reef stations at St. Paul s Bay, Puerto Princesa City (2005) PARAMETER STATION TDS (mg/l) SAL. (ppt) ph River Underground Marupinas Mangrove Paddle Boat Coral Reef St. Paul s Rock Peodat Islet min. Reef

16 Table 8. Total Dissolve Solids (TDS), Salinity, and ph in selected rivers discharging at St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City (2005) Reef Station Sedimentation rate (mg/cm 2 /day) CPS CPS min. Reef 5.64 Martapi Peodat Islet 6.33 St. Paul Rock 5.85 River Martapi Marupinas Mangrove Paddle Boat Underground In order to infer on the general conditions of the surveyed reefs, we ranked them according to the status of their resources (Table 9). We arranged them from number one to number six, one being the fairest and six being the poorest condition of the resource. Categories used were the survey results in fishes, coral cover, and invertebrates. The abiotic parameters (sediments, TDS) in reef stations were not included in the ranking category since they are similar in all stations. The ranking result showed that Martapi Reef is number one in terms of resource status, followed by the CPS 1 and Peodat Islet, 3 rd is CPS 2, and the 4 th are St. Paul s Rock and the 20-min. Reef. Table 9. Priority ranking for fish sanctuary site establishment in St. Paul Bay with reference to ecological criteria Stations/Parameters Coral cover Fish Macroinverts Ave. Score Priority Martapi CPS CPS min. Reef St. Paul s Rock Peodat Islet

17 IV. RECOMMENDATION Martapi, CPS 1, and St. Paul s Rock have fair to excellent conditions with reference to fish, coral cover, and macro-invertebrates. Thus these reefs are potential sites for fish sanctuary. If the stakeholders wanted to protect a certain reef because of its uniqueness or for tourism purposes, the CPS 1 should be a priority site as far as coral reef protection is concerned. Likewise, St. Paul s Rock Reef and Martapi will be prioritized when stakeholders put importance to macro-invertebrates and fish, respectively. Generally, in terms of ecological resource criteria, St. Paul Bay is comparable to Honda Bay, having areas with good-excellent coral cover, better conditions of fish assemblage and similar status of macro-invertebrates. St. Paul Bay has also better ecological resource conditions compared to Puerto Princesa Bay. However, St Paul Bay has poorer seagrass bed status, and isolated cases of higher rate of sedimentation compared to Honda Bay. St Paul Bay has also narrower seagrass cover and lower seagrass diversity per unit area compared to Puerto Princesa Bay and Ulugan Bay. Despite of its shortfalls in the seagrass component of the coastal ecosystem, St. Paul Bay is still worth conserving in the following grounds: 1) the conditions of its critical marine habitats are similar or better than other bays that showed improvements after protection; 2) endangered species are occasionally sited in the area, necessitating protection of their immediate habitat/environment; 3) St. Paul Bay is a known lobster ground in the past, hence such valuable resource must be restored; 4) areas having good and excellent ecological resource conditions should be protected from further exploitation; and 5) conserving St. Paul Bay will complement the existing tourism industry and will help enhance the livelihood of the community through improved resources and tourism. The result of this survey is only the basis for the ecological criterion in selecting sanctuary/core zone sites within a marine reserve, thus, other such criteria as social acceptance, manageability, importance to fisheries, threats, etc. (Hermes 1998) for sanctuary site selection should also be considered. Data on the temperature, salinity and ph. will serve as baseline information for each station, and this will need monitoring, especially during occurrences of long periods of extreme environmental conditions, such as long heavy rains and El Niño. Sedimentation rate shall be monitored through time in order to infer more on its trend and threats. As such, monitoring results should verify and confirm locations with consistent problems on sedimentation. Possible causes of such problems should be identified and mitigation or control measures should be proposed and implemented. Special attention on sedimentation rate should be given to Martapi Reef in relation to smothering of reef and issue on increased nutrient level. 17

18 Considering the benefits derived by corals reefs and other ecosystems from seagrass and algal beds, initiatives toward seagrass and algal protection and restoration must be considered in the overall plan for establishing a marine protected area in the Bay. Recommendable future studies in St. Paul Bay are: oceanographic studies, to know its influences and relations to other components of the bay s ecosystems; and study on sightings and movement of Dugongs and other endangered mammals, including description of their micro-habitat/environment and their behavior in the bay. V. REFERENCES Becira, J., B. J Gonzales, and W. Galon Protected versus unprotected area with reference to fishes, corals, macro-invertebrates, and CPUE in Honda Bay, Palawan. Palawan Scientist, West. Phils.Univ. Unpublished Report. Calumpong, H. and E. Meñez Field Guide to the Common Mangroves, Seagrasses and Algae of the Philippines. Bookmark Inc. CI Mangrove interpretive project, rationale for ECC exemption and IEE report. Conservation International, PPSRNP, Brgy. Council of Cabayugan, City Government of Puerto Princesa, and Palawan Conservation Corps. 15 pp. English, S., C. Wilkinson and V. Baker (eds.) Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources. Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, Townville, Australia. Fonseca, M., W.S. Kenthworthy and G. Thayer Guidelines for the Conservation and Restoration of Seagrasses in the U.S and Adjacent Waters. U.S Dept. of Commerce, NOAA. Fortes, M. D. and S. Fazi Ecology of Ulugan Bay, p In coastal resource management, Ulugan Bay, Palawan Island, The Philippines. Vol. Ecology, culture, and socio-economics (S. Fazi and P. Flewwelling. eds.). UNESCO Jakarta Office, 218 p. Gonzales, B. J Fisheries management in Honda Bay, p In DA-BFAR (Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). In turbulent seas: The status of Philippine marine fisheries. Coastal Resource Management Project, Cebu City, Philippines, 378 p. Gonzales, B. J Puerto Princesa Bay and Honda Bay: an ecological profile. FRMP Technical Monograph Series, No. 8 (Ablaza, E C. ed.). Fisheries Resource Management Project, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Department of Agriculture, Quezon City, Philippines. 28 pages. Gonzales, B. J., H. B. Pagliawan, and E. Rodriguez Diversity and catalogue of Palawan Fishes, Philippines. A poster paper presented during the annual symposium of the Philippine Association of Marine Science, held at the Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, October 20-22,

19 Hermes, R Establishment, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Marine Protected Area. Philippine Business for Social Progress. 63 p. Hilomen, V.V., C.L. Nañola Jr. and A. L. Dantis Status of Philippine Reef Fishes. Nañola, C. and E. Rodriguez Reef fish community of Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Resource and ecological assessment of Puerto Princesa Bay, Palawan. Terminal report. Fisheries Resource Management Project (DA-BFAR-FRMP). Phillips, R.C. and E.G. Meñez Seagrasses. Smithsonian Contrib. to the Mar. Sci., (34), 104 pp. Saito, Y. and S. Atobe (1970). Phytosociological study of intertidal marine algae. I. Usujiri Benten-Jima, Hokkaido. Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University, 21: Sprung, J Invertebrates, a quick reference guide. Recordia Publishing Miami, Florida, USA. 240 pp. Trono, G Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweeds Resources of the Philippines. Bookmark Inc., Philippines. UNDP-GEF-SGP, UN Foundation and COMPACT Project Baseline Assessment for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Component 1: Biodiversity in and around protected areas, SAGUDA Palawan, Inc. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 19

20 APPENDIX A Taxonomic list of fish species observed in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City FAMILY GENUS SPECIES ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus nigricauda ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus xanthopterus ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus auranticavus ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus nigricauda ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus olivaceus ACANTHURIDAE Ctenochaetus striatus ACANTHURIDAE Ctenochaetus strigosus ACANTHURIDAE Ctenochaetodon striatus APOGONIDAE Apogon bandanensis APOGONIDAE Archamia fucata APOGONIDAE Apogon moluccensis APOGONIDAE Apogon nigrofasciatus BALISTIDAE Balistoides flavimarginata BALISTIDAE Rhinecanthus aculeatus BELONIDAE Tylosurus giganteus BLENNIIDAE Salarias fasciatus CAESIONIDAE Caesio caurulaureus CAESIONIDAE Caesio cuning CAESIONIDAE Caesio erythrogaster CAESIONIDAE Ptecaesio tile CARANGIDAE Atule mate CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon trifasciatus CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon baronessa CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon ephippium CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon octofasciatus CHAETODONTIDAE Heniochus chrysostomus CHAETODONTIDAE Heniochus varius CHAETODONTIDAE Parachaetodon ocellatus EPHIPPIDAE Platax orbicularis FISTULARIIDAE Fitularia petimba GRAMMISTIDAE Diphorion bifasciatus HAEMULIDAE Diagramma pictum HAEMULIDAE Plectorhyncus gibbosus HAEMULIDAE Plectorhyncus lineatus HOLOCENTRIDAE Adoirex spinifer 20

21 HOLOCENTRIDAE Myripristis pralinia HOLOCENTRIDAE Myripristis violacea HOLOCENTRIDAE Sargocentron caudamaculata KYPHOSIDAE Kyphosus vaigensis LABRIDAE Bodianus mesothorax LABRIDAE Cheilinus diagrammus LABRIDAE Cheilinus celebicus LABRIDAE Cheilinus chlorourus LABRIDAE Cheilinus fasciatus LABRIDAE Halichoeres miniatus LABRIDAE Halichoeres nebolusus LABRIDAE Halichoeres prosopeion LABRIDAE Halichoeres melanurus LABRIDAE Halichoeres hortulans LABRIDAE Anampses femininus LABRIDAE Coris variegata LABRIDAE Bodianus anthioides LABRIDAE Bodianus mesothorax LABRIDAE Choerodon anchorago LABRIDAE Labroides dimidiatus LABRIDAE Gomphosus varius LABRIDAE Macropharyngodon kuiteri LABRIDAE Macropharyngodon meleagris LABRIDAE Thalassoma hardwicke LABRIDAE Thalassoma lunare LETHRINIDAE Lethrinus miniatus LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus decussatus LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus monostigma MUGILOIDIDAE Parapercis clatrata MULLIDAE Parupeneus cylclostomus MULLIDAE Parupeneus trifasciatus MULLIDAE Parupeneus barbarinus MULLIDAE Parupeneus indicus NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis bilineatus NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis ciliata NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis temporales NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis trilineata NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis monogramma NEMIPTERIDAE Scolopsis xenochroa NEMIPTERIDAE Pentapodus bilineatus NEMIPTERIDAE Pentapodus setosus NEMIPTERIDAE Pentapodus sp. NEMIPTERIDAE Pentapodus trivittatus PEMPHERIDAE Pempheris otaitensis PEMPHERIDAE Pempheris ovalensis 21

22 PLESIOPIDAE Labracinus cyclophthalmus POMACANTIDAE Amblyglyphidodon curacao POMACATHIDAE Amphiprion percula POMACATHIDAE Amphiprion clarkiii POMACATHIDAE Amphiprion frenatus POMACENTRIDAE Abudefduf sexfasciatus POMACENTRIDAE Abudefduf vaigensis POMACENTRIDAE Chromis amboinensis POMACENTRIDAE Chromis atripectorales POMACENTRIDAE Chromis margaritifer POMACENTRIDAE Chromis polyacanthus POMACENTRIDAE Centropyge vroliki POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera bleekeri POMACENTRIDAE Chrysiptera parasema POMACENTRIDAE Dascyllus carneus POMACENTRIDAE Dascyllus reticulatus POMACENTRIDAE Dascyllus trimaculatus POMACENTRIDAE Glyphidodontops parasema POMACENTRIDAE Glyphidodontops rollandi POMACENTRIDAE Hemiglyphidodon plagiometopon POMACENTRIDAE Neoglyphidodon melas POMACENTRIDAE Neoglyphidodon nigroris POMACENTRIDAE Neoglyphidodon polyacanthus POMACENTRIDAE Neopomacentrus anabatoides POMACENTRIDAE Neopomacentrus bankerii POMACENTRIDAE Paracentropyge multifasciatus POMACENTRIDAE Pentapodus sp. POMACENTRIDAE Plectroglyphidodon dickii POMACENTRIDAE Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus bankanensis POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus chrysurus POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus grammorhyncus POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus moluccensis POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus sp. POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus philippinus POMACENTRIDAE Pomacentrus vaiuli POMACENTRIDAE Pomachromis richardsoni POMACENTRIDAE Stegastes lividus SCARIDAE Scarus fasciatus SCARIDAE Scarus psittacus SCARIDAE Scarus oedema SCARIDAE Scarus schlegeli SCARIDAE Bolbometopon bicolor SCARIDAE Ctoscarus bicolor juv. SERRANIDAE Cephalopholis boenak SERRANIDAE Cephalopholis cyanostigma SERRANIDAE Cephalopholis polleni SERRANIDAE Epinephelus fasciatus SERRANIDAE Plectropomus leopardus 22

23 SIGANIDAE Siganus virgatus TETRAODONTIDAE Arothron nigropunctatus ZANCLIDAE Zanclus cornutus Total - 28 Total - 49 Total

24 APPENDIX B Taxonomic list of dominant macro-invertebrate species found in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City ECHINODERMATA Class Asterioda Family Ophidiasteridae Species: Linckia laevigata Class Holothuroidea Family Holothuriidae Species: Holothuria atra Holothuria edulis Actinopyga echinites MULLUSCA Class Gastropoda Family Strombidae Species: Lambis crocata Class Bivalvia Family Tridacnidae Species: Tridacna crocea Tridacna squamosa 24

25 APPENDIX C Seagrass species in St. Paul Bay, Puerto Princesa City Cymodocea rotundata. The rhizomes are robust, to 2 mm in diameter bearing 1-3 laxly branched roots per node. Erect shoots are short, generally with 2-4 leaves with persistent leaf sheaths of up to 4 cm in length, usually forming scarious mass at maturity. When shed, conspicuous scars are left on the stem. Leaf blades are linear, 2-4 mm wide and up to 10 cm long, with round, slightly apices and 8-12 nerves. Thalassia hemprichii. These are moderately sized plants with rhizomes of 2-4 mm in diameter. The roots are clothed with dense hair-like laterals, one per node, if present. Erect shoots are sparsely distributed along the rhizome; each erect shoot bears 2-6 leaves enveloped by 3-8 cm long sheaths. Leaf blades are linear and distinctly scythe-shaped, 4-10 mm wide, 7-40 cm long, with rounded, occasionally uneven apices and entire margins. Each leaf has nerves connected by cross-veins, the median nerve often conspicuous. Enhalus acoroides. Is the largest seagrass species in the Philippines, reaching a height of more than one meter. It has thick rhizomes, 1.5 cm in diameter and bears many fleshy roots marked by dense black fibers. It has 3-4 linear leaf blades produced directly from the rhizome, though shoots with 7-9 leaves (Estacion and Fortes, 1988) were also observed. Its leaf tips are rounded and with minute serrate projections when young. Halophila ovalis. The leaves of this species is relatively small compared to T. hemprichii, C. rotundata. The leaves are oval in shape with eight or more cross veins and have no hairs on the surface. H. ovalis and H. minor serve as food for sea cows. 25