ABSTRACT

Macroalgae, also known as seaweeds, is a plant-like organism common in the deep parts of Philippine shores.
Macroalgae are divided into 3 distinct groups which are the red, brown and green. These species are great
significant indicators among the health condition or the cleanliness of the seawater in the said site. It could also
indicate the presence of nutrients on the waters of Initao, Misamis Oriental. In this investigation, samples were
collected from the sampling area and were identified. Sampling was done using Saito – Atobe method to access
macroalgae in the subtidal zone during low tide. Macroalgae percent cover were then assessed in three areas of
different anthropogenic level; residential, resort and non-residential. The study show that the residential area
have 3.09% macroalgae cover, resort area with 1.68% macroalgae cover and non residential area with 1.75%
macroalgae cover. The total macroalgae cover for the three area is 6.22%. Among the assessed macroalgae; 61%
is Rhodophyta, 25% is Phaeophyta and 14% is Chlorophyta. Acanthophora spicifera was the most abundant
macroalga with 1.73% cover, followed by Padina australis with 1.19% cover, then by Actinotrichia fragilis
with 0.82% cover. There is a difference in the macroalgae abundance in different areas with different
anthropogenic activity level in Initao shore.

Keywords: macroalgae, chlorophyta, rhodophyta, phaeophyta