Mangroves of Naawan, Libertad

and Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental,

Philippines: Community Structure and Health
Using Sponges as Bioindicator
Vannisa Lou Wagas1, Anna Arlene Eya2,
Angeli Valera-Mag-Aso3 and Ma. Reina Suzette Madamba4
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
3
angeli_valera@yahoo.com, 4mrsmadamba_ps31@yahoo.com

Abstract - Mangrove forests, or mangal, are characterized by one or more species of

salt-tolerant trees that form distinct monospecific zones along tropical protected
coastlines. Mangrove forests support a diverse range of animals and plants and are
important breeding ground for a vast array of organisms. Sponge associations in
mangrove systems are spatially heterogenous. An ocular inspection was conducted
initially in the mangrove forest along the intertidal zone of Laguindingan, Libertad and
Naawan, Misamis Oriental to determine the community structure and health of
mangrove species using sponges as bioindicator. A total of 30 quadrats with 10 x 10 m
were established in each of the three sampling areas. The species composition, DBH and
growth stage of each mangrove was also determined in every quadrat. The relative
abundance of sponges per mangrove species and per growth stage of each mangrove was
also determined. Results showed that there are two species of mangroves found in
Laguindingan. These species includes Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata.
There are four mangrove species in Libertad. These are Avicennia lanata, Rhizophora
apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia alba. On the other hand, the
mangrove forest of Naawan is also dominated by species of Avicennia rumphiana,
Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata. Sponges only associate in the pseudo
roots of mangrove species in Laguindingan. This study shows that the presence and
abundance of certain sponge species in the saplings and trees could serve as biological
indicators of mangrove health.

Keywords - Mangrove Community Structure, Health, Sponges, Bioindicator

Remark: The full paper may be found in www.inrit2013.com

The Third International Congress on Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 30 - 31 May 2013, Thailand

33.1