1

CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Benthic mollusks are soft-bodied and the largest species of the

marine realm. There abundance plays an important role in the marine

ecosystem in maintaining biodiversity and sustainability, and are beneficial

to the economy as a source of food, raw material for home ornaments,

jewelry and medicine (Kartika & Mu 2014). About 22,000 mollusk species,

or 10% of the estimated worldwide mollusk species richness, are found in

the Philippines (Cabrera 1987 & Rosenberg 2014). The high species

richness of these organisms is associated with the presence of seagrass

beds. The canopy, leaves and stems of seagrass provides shelter, food

and protection from predators (Lee et al., 2001; Ambo-Rappe et al.,

2016).

Due to its richness and high economic value, benthic mollusks are

currently subject to overharvesting and overexploitation by humans either

 2

in the form of gleaning or tourism (Vaghela et al., 2010). Studies have

shown that the number of catch by gleaners are now rapidly dropping as

a result of overharvesting and the lack of a management strategy

(Palomares et al., 2014; De Guzman et al., 2016). Improving biodiversity

research, which includes assessing and monitoring the community

structure and human interaction, is essential to supply the information in

managing the Philippines invertebrates.

The variety of molluscan species in southern Mindanao is currently

little-studied and poorly understood (Manzo et al., 2014). Specifically,

studies related to the mollusk assemblages in the seagrass beds of Malita,

Davao Occidental. This study will be conducted to fill these gaps. Thus,

this study generally aims to determine the benthic mollusk in the seagrass

beds of Malita, Davao Occidental selected sites.

 3

Objective of the study

This study generally aims to assess the benthic molluscs in the seagrass

beds of Sitio Bagumbayan, Buhangin and Sitio bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao

Occidental. Specifically, it aims to:

1. Determine the species composition, abundance and diversity of

mollusk in the seagrass beds of the study area;

2. Determine the species composition and percent cover of seagrass

in the study area;

3. Determine the level of physico-chemical parameters of Sitio

Bagumbayan, Buhangin and Sitio Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao

Occidental;

4. Determine the socio-economic profile of Sitio Sitio Bagumbayan,

Buhangin and Sitio Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental; and

5. Determine the relationship of abundance in benthic mollusk species

and percent cover of seagrass in the study area.

 4

Significance of the study

This study will be very significant to the following.

DENR

This study will provide recommendation on how to assess the

benthic mollusks. This will be useful in addressing the scarcity of

information about the benthic mollusks in the selected areas.

Barangay officials

This study will be useful to barangay law enforcement in enforcing

certain regulations and norms on the evaluation of benthic mollusks. The

knowledge will form the foundation of an effective management strategy

for benthic mollusks and seagrasses.

Locals

This study will make it possible to spread knowledge of those who

reside near the water. The study will serve as a foundation for better

management of marine resources and can also serve as guidelines and a

starting point for more research on benthic mollusk in seagrass beds

 5

Researchers

The study will be useful to the researchers for their future work

and to other researchers as a resource.

Scope and limitation of the study

The study will be conducted in the seagrass beds of sitio,

Bagumbayan and Bisang, Malita, Davao Occidental. A one-shot sampling

during low tide will be employed. The study will be focused on the infauna

and epifauna, two groups of benthic mollusks that are distinguished by

their habitat. Physico-chemical will be limited only on the determination of

temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen.

 6

Definition of Terms

Abundance- A relative number of individuals of one kind (as of species)

in a given area of consideration (Nybakken, 1982).

Mollusk- this refer to the large phylum Mollusca of invertebrate animals

(Linnaeus, 1758).

Quadrat- it refers to the 0.5m x 0.5m metal device square use to

determine species of seagrasses area (Short et al., 2006).

Seagrass – are submerged flowering plants that can be found in coastal

and estuarine habitats on all continents, including Antarctica

(Hemminga and Duarte 2000).

Species diversity – is the number of species in the particular area of a

measure derived from combining the number of species with their

relative abundance in an area (Primavera et al., 2004).

 7

CHAPTER II

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

Benthic mollusk biology and ecology

The phylum Mollusca is one of the most diverse and abundant

organisms in aquatic environments and associated with seagrasses

(Rueda et al., 2009). Mollusks is defined as bodied and no shells species

(Venkatraman and Venkatraman,2012). Mollusk live in seagrass meadows,

specifically on the leaves and stems, are essential to the survival and

preservation of the marine trophic web. Mollusk are extremely beneficial

to human society because they provide food, raw materials for home

décor, jewelry, and medicine, and they play an important role in marine

food web (Benkendorff et al.,2011; Esmaeelian et al., 2014). The survival

of infaunal invertebrates and community structure of mudflat are affected

by seagrass beds (Mecheli and Peterson 1999). The seagrasses Enhalus

acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata,

and Syringodium isoetifolium are frequently encountered in the Philippines

(Fortes, 1984). Benthic mollusks like Donax pulchellus (Breaked Venuss),

 8

Anadara granosa (Asari Clam), Modiolus modiolus (Horsemussel), and

Perna canaliculus (Green-lipped Mussel) are frequently observed in

seagrass (Kendrick & Mann, 1999).

Seagrass meadows provide

ecosystem services that rank
among the highest on Earth.
Their direct monetary value is
substantial since highly valued
commercial and
artisanal/subsistence catches
such as prawns and fish are
dependent on seagrass
ecosystems. Seagrasses
themselves are a critically
important food source for
dugong,
 9

manatee, sea turtles, and

waterfowl. Many other species
of fish and invertebrates,
including sea horses, shrimps,
and scallops, utilize seagrass for
part of their life
cycles, often for breeding or as
juveniles. Seagrasses are
considered to be one of the
most important shallow marine
ecosystems to humans, binding
sediments, filtering
coastal waters, and providing
some protection from coastal
erosion (Hemminga and
Duarte 2000)
 10

Seagrass meadows provide

ecosystem services that rank
among the highest on Earth.
Their direct monetary value is
substantial since highly valued
commercial and
artisanal/subsistence catches
such as prawns and fish are
dependent on seagrass
ecosystems. Seagrasses
themselves are a critically
important food source for
dugong,
manatee, sea turtles, and
waterfowl. Many other species
of fish and invertebrates,
 11

including sea horses, shrimps,

and scallops, utilize seagrass for
part of their life
cycles, often for breeding or as
juveniles. Seagrasses are
considered to be one of the
most important shallow marine
ecosystems to humans, binding
sediments, filtering
coastal waters, and providing
some protection from coastal
erosion (Hemminga and
Duarte 2000
Benthic mollusk diversity and abundance

Mollusks have the most documented extinctions of any major

taxonomic group worldwide (Lydeard et al., 2004). About 22,000 mollusk

species, or 10% of the estimated worldwide mollusk species richness, are

 12

found in the Philippines (Cabrera 1987 & Rosenberg 2014). The

distribution and abundance of mollusks are important factors in ecological

management (Aldea et al., 2019). The abundance of mollusks has been

playing a role in maintaining biodiversity and sustainability of an

ecosystem and they are also beneficial for economic activities (Kartika &

Mu 2014). The exploitation of mollusks for economic purposes is one of

the reasons why their biodiversity and abundance are declining in the

area. Gleaning is categorized under small-scale fisheries the most

common way of collecting invertebrates which is usually done by residents

of coastal communities for subsistence (Kleiber,2014). Philippines is

regarded as a significant provider in the world shell trade (Wells 1981).

The diversity and quantity of benthic mollusks are greatest in

coastal and estuarine environments, where a wide variety of habitats and

food sources are present. In the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea), Kotta et al.

(2002) found that locations with a combination of soft and hard

substrates, as well as places with a high abundance of phytoplankton, had

the greatest diversity and abundance of benthic mollusks. Benthic mollusc

diversity and abundance in the Azores were found to be highest in regions

with a high level of wave exposure as well as regions with a high

abundance of macroalgae by Malaquias et al. (2010).

 13

Benthic mollusks are currently subject to overharvesting and

overexploitation by humans, which may reduce species variety and

abundance. Overharvesting can also result in the extinction of some

mollusk species and a fall in the ecosystem's total richness (Hiddink and

Piersma, 2006). Due to the importance of benthic mollusks in preserving

the stability and structure of benthic environments, such as seagrass beds

and reefs. Alteration of ecosystem structure and function. Overfishing may

cause species composition to change and habitat deterioration, which

would alter how an ecosystem function (Ruesink et al., 2005). For many

coastal communities, benthic mollusk fishing are a significant source of

food and revenue. Overfishing may lead to a smaller catch and fewer

prospects for employment (Caddy, 2000).

Related studies

The diversity and distribution of benthic mollusk in the coral reef’s

ecosystem of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines is a study published in

the Philippine Journal of Science in 2007 by N.U Vergara J. L. Llora and

G.T. Silvestre. The study aimed to investigate the diversity and

 14

distribution of benthic mollusk in the coral reef of the Verde Island

Passage in the Philippines. The study was conducted over a period of 12

months, from September 2005 to August 2006. The results of the study

showed that the total of 212 species of benthic mollusk were identified,

belonging to 75 families and 168 genera. The most diverse families were

Cerithium and Trochus. The study also found that the diversity and

distribution of benthic mollusk were affected by various factors such as

water depth, substrate type, and human impact. The study concludes that

the Verde Island Passage is an important area for benthic mollusk

diversity and that conservation measures should be implemented to

protect the mollusk population.

Temporal and spatial variation in benthic mollusk assemblages in

tropical seagrass bed is a study by M.A. Fortes, G.T. Silvestre, and J.L.

Llora published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

in 2007. The study aimed to investigate the temporal and spatial variation

in the assemblages of benthic mollusk in a tropical seagrass bed in the

Philippines. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months from

September 2005 to August 2006. The results of the study showed that a

total of 62 species of benthic mollusk were identified belonging to 19

families were Cerithiidae and Muricidae, while the most diverse genera
 15

were the Cerithium and Trochus. The study also found that the

assemblages of benthic mollusk varied both temporarily and spatially, with

the highest diversity and abundance found during the dry season and in

the areas with high seagrass coverage. The study concludes that the

tropical seagrass beds is an important habitat for benthic mollusks and

that conservation should be implemented to protect the seagrass bed and

the mollusk population.

According to Edera (2010), Day-asan is located in Arellano District

and has a total land area of 3,040.447 ha, of which 554 ha are mangrove

forests. There are 1,572 people living in 341 households. From November

2012 to January 2013, gastropods were collected by handpicking and

beach combing within the established quadrats. In total, 184 individuals

from 37 different species were discovered in the area. Neogastropoda had

the highest number of families with six families, followed by orders. The

orders Mesogastropoda and Archaeogastropoda each have four families,

whereas Neritopsina and Caenogastropoda each have one family. With six

species, the family Cypraeidae had the most species reported. The

families Chilontidae, Trochidae, Potamidae, Angariidae, Buccinidae,

Turbenillidae, and Volutidae had the fewest species, each having just one

species.
 16

According C. Venkatraman and K. Venkataraman (2012)’s study

was carried out along the Chennai Coast, which is home to more than 60

fishing-active coastal settlements and is located at 13°06'N and 80°E. The

coast extends from Pulicat Lake to Kalpakkan and stretches for about 120

kms. Kasimedu is the largest fish landing facility along the Chennai Coast.

The Chennai harbor is a sheltered region with peaceful waters. Seawater

in and around the harbor area is contaminated by ship and dock

discharges.

Bivalves and gastropods were gathered from the fishing nets and

washed up on the coast. It was buried in the ground in a small pit that

was 25 cm deep, 50 cm wide, and 100 cm long within the dirt. There

were 21 bivalves and a total of 47 mollusk species, of which 26 were

gastropods. Among the four station, Kasimedu has 16 species in marina.

The remaining two stations have low species richness 6 and 5

respectively. Turritella attenuate, Babylonia spirata, Chicoreus virgineus,

Murex trapa, and Bullia vittata found all in the sampling stations. There

are 16 species recorded were found new to this study and 7 species

recorded earlier also observed in this study while 26 species were not

observed from the earlier survey. Kasimedu has the maximum species
 17

richness in terms of bivalves, 21 bivalve species were recorded in

Kasimedu followed by 20 species in marina . Arca symmetrica, Arca

tortuosa, Cardita bicolor, Lucina ovum, Cardium setosum, Sunetta scripta,

Mactra tugida, Donax cuneatus, Tellina angulate and Laternula anatine

are found to all stations.

There are 3 bivalves species found new to this study, 8 species

were recorded earlier observed and 58 were not observed from the earlier

survey. The distribution and seasonality are influenced by various

parameters such as salinity, temperature and depth. There are 47 species

collected during the study, 54% were obtained in a live condition.

According to this study the rest are all dead and empty or occupied by

hermit crabs. Babylonia spirata are 41.56% and B. zeylanica shells were

occupied by hermit crabs, the rest was found alive. It has tested that

there are numerous shells on the Chennai Coast but there are 20 shells of

Turritella were occupied by hermit crabs. Therefore, hermit crabs show

some preference for these shells or it matter of mere availability.

In the Philippines, there hasn't been much focus on evaluating the

current state of molluscan diversity in the intertidal zone. The variety of

molluscan species in southern Mindanao is currently little-studied and

 18

poorly understood. Sarangani Bay's small-scale investigation offered viable

locations for mollusc examination (Manzo et al., 2014). Therefore,

evaluating the variety and community structure of mollusks at the study

location is the goal of the research. Since there are no published articles

on the diversity of mollusks in the Padada, Davao del Sur, the data

gathered in the study may be useful for future endeavors. It is anticipated

that the seagrass beds in the Philippine cities of Laguindingan (Misamis

Oriental) and Rizal (Zamboanga del Norte) will cover 165 ha. Bivalves and

gastropods that are crucial for commerce are being examined and judged

in these seagrass meadows. The province of Misamis Oriental is home to

this fourth-class municipality. 24,405 people were accounted for in the

2015 census. It was determined that this area, which is a marine

protected area, should not be disturbed (MPA). It stands out for its

consistently growing population of various seagrass species and its clear,

non-estuarine waters, which are typically in excellent condition

(Arriesgado et al., 2016).

It is a fourth-class municipality situated in the Misamis Oriental

province. There were 24,405 people residing there as of the 2015 census.

This spot was identified as a place that shouldn't be disturbed because it

is a marine protected area (MPA). It is characterized by its consistently

 19

expanding diversity of seagrass species and its clear, non-estuarine

waters, which are typically in great condition (Arriesgado et al., 2016).

Here is one of the few sizable mixed seagrass meadows in this part of the

nation. The locations were thought to be significant gathering spots for

both traditional and commercial bivalve and gastropod gatherers based on

local information.

Population density and human activity, such as shell collectors who

use a "bolo" or shovel to extract shells from the substrate or others who

use pieces of wire to drag shells out of sediment holes, were used to

determine the degree of disturbance in the area (Schoppe et al.,1998).

Unrestricted molluscan gleaning, also known as "panginhas," is the

gathering of mollusks and shells for ornamental purposes, such as

souvenirs and home décor. Many Pacific islanders used shells for

ceremonial gatherings, as money, and as personal adornment. The

Solomon and Trobriand Islanders' shell bracelets and necklaces reveal a

high rank standing among the locals (Floren 2003). Cyprea specie was the

species that dominated the area that had not been touched.

Comparatively speaking, (Cowry) is 63.5% more abundant than other

species. The Canarium Sp. is the only kind. In the unchanged area,

(Sikad-Sikad) was shown to be commercially significant. The most

 20

common species in disturbed regions was Anadara inequivalves (Litob).

The variety of substrate types in Laguindingan, which range from sandy-

clay loam to sandy rubbles, is most likely the cause of this species'

scarcity. What a remarkable Cyprea species. represents a pure and

unpolluted environment because it dominates the Laguindingan seagrass

bed. The Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) Award was given to

this region as part of the Bureau of Fisheries' annual Philippines search for

exemplary coastal communities.

Rapid resource evaluation (RRA) found that women make up the

majority of gleaners and that gleaning is often done in conjunction with

children and other household members in Lagonoy Gulf, Philippines,

where it was researched in 2010. In Sagurong, Tabaco City, 66% of

adults are male 34% males and 66% women, while 58% of gleaners are

youngsters. Adults (73% of the population) and women (73% of the

population) make up the gleaners in Natunawan Cove. In comparison to

Sogod, Tiwi has 33% more children and 67% more adults who are

gleaners, with just 35% of those adults being women. Sea grass habitats

are more used to and connected to the neighboring coastline habitat,

which includes coral reefs, in mudflats, reef flats, and mangrove areas.

Coastal locations with less depth were utilized for gathering rocky or
 21

sandy environments. The weight per gleaner of the harvest divided by its

rate in kilograms over time.

The anticipated harvest volume was calculated using the highest

gleaning time of four hours, which corresponds to the length of low tides.

The data from sampling on the total amount of the harvest sites was

overall 2,647.84 kg of harvest were obtained in the most recent 7 months

of observation. The harvest volume average based on a maximum of 4

hours of gleaning per gleaner predicted to weigh 9.28 kg for Natunawan

and 6.12 kg. 1.73 kg for Sagurong and Sagurong. The mud flats of

Natunawan Cove were one of the locations. The greatest output (1,578.04

kg), then sea grass and the Sagurong reef flats on San Miguel Island

(984.48) kg). These places' higher productivity can be attributable to the

make-up of the soil at these gleaning locations. Sea grasses and other

vegetation dominate the gleaning region on Cagraray Island.

The time of gleaning activity is during low tides frequently occur,

and the majority of the species gathered are similar to those seen in San

Miguel. Gleaning is done to obtain food for eating. Most sea grasses and

other vegetation dominate the gleaning region on Cagraray Island.

Residents on the island worked as gleaners. The mollusks are sea

cucumbers, sea urchins, and crabs made up the majority of the haul
 22

residents on the island worked as gleaners. Catch surveillance was

conducted at Sogod. Sagurong as well as Natunawan. The widespread

English names including the scientific names, species breakdown, and

each of three gleaning locations.

Nine species in total were gathered in Natunawan. One

Echinodermata species and six Molluscan species the final one belongs to

Brachiopoda, and the next to Crustacea. The Punaw, Sisi, Burugat,

Burubitoon, and other molluscs both Tahong and Kud-kud. Ik-ik, an

echinoderm, was the only one. Species, the brachiopod was the Ugpan

and the crustacean was the Bung-kang. Five different species were

gathered in Sagurong consistently by the gleaners, and they are all phyla

Mollusca. The Kud-kud, Libud-libud, Liswik, and both Punaw and Sarad.

Four species of molluscs are found in Sogod. A gleaner can earn money

by gleaning in Natunawan and Sogod, where it is regarded as an

additional source of income receive PhP1, 713 in a month.

Savings are made because the majority of the harvest is used up.

which can be used to fulfill other financial obligations. It should be

recognized that the majority of small island villages have tasty meals. San

Miguel Island is little in comparison to urban areas with more trading

options and food sources. Because of these benefits, gleaners worry that
 23

the harvest will suffer and that as a result, there may be more gleaners in

the future, which will have an impact on the resources being harvested.

The activities involve the use of basic tools and their fishing operations are

somewhat restricted because gleaning is not environmentally viable.

Additionally, because it gives some species a chance to regenerate

because the region fished and target species are different. However,

because the majority of invertebrates live at the base of the food chain,

and may be eaten by larger pelagic and demersal fish species may be

affected by the technique as a result owing to "ecosystem" on

commercially significant species excessive fishing Comprehensive research

on these subjects should be undertaken. The necessity for studies on

biodiversity protection and management, as well as the problems with

health and safety risks are also suggested as issues in strategy and

administration to keep the resource alive on an ongoing basis.

One of the major places where people harvest gastropods in the

Philippines is the Dapya Island. This island is located in Surigao City, the

gateway to Mindanao and is one of the many cities endowed with

extraordinary gifts. According to barrio folks, during older days, various

untamed fishes appeared and came along the sea water because of the

presence of mangrove trees which grow in swampy places that surrounds

 24

Barangay Day-asan. Dapya Island has a large tidal flat and it is abundant

with marine life including gastropods. Since these gastropods are

harvested not only for food but also sold for livelihood, there might be

possible danger of losing some gastropod species through this action.

Furthermore, these gastropods have also not been documented and

listed, and there is no regulated policy in the area which will limit the

people from over-gleaning the gastropod species. Although the

Philippines is considered as a mega-diverse country in terms of molluscs,

studies on mollusc diversity in Mindanao is considerably scarce (Jumawan

et al.,2015).

Conceptual Framework of the study

 25

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES DEPENDENT VARIABLES

SAMPLING SITES

• Sitio Bagumbayan,  Abundance of

Buhangin, Malita, Davao seagrass and benthic
Occidental mollusk.
 Species composition
• Sitio Bisang, Lais, Malita,
of benthic mollusk
Davao Occidental
and seagrass.
 Diversity of benthic
mollusk

MODERATING VARIABLES

 Socio Economic
 Physico- chemical parameters
 pH
 Salinity
 Temperature

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the study indicating the dependent,

independent and moderating variables.

Hypothesis
 26

Hο1 – There is no significant difference in the abundance benthic mollusk

in the seagrass beds between the two sites.

Hο2 – There is no relationship between benthic mollusk abundance and

seagrass percent cover.

 27

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in the coastal zone of Bagumbayan,

Buhangin and Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental which composed of

ethnic group Manobo, Blaan, Ilocano, Muslim, Bisaya and Kaulo. The

Bagumbayan, Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental has 390 number of

households and a distance of 20.5 kilometers away from Poblacion, Malita,

Davao Occidental. Sitio Bagumbayan has an estimated total area of about

2,409 hectares more or less. Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental has

1,130 number of household and a distance of 26.1 kilometers away from

Poblacion, Malita, Davao Occidental.

 28

Figure 2. Showing the map of the study area.

 29

Research Design

  The design the study will be based on survey research in which

data will be collected for the objective of the study.

Sampling Design and Techniques

A three 100 meters transect will be laid parallel to the shoreline in

sitio Bagumbayan and sitio Bisang, Lais, Malita Davao Occidental. 

Transect 1 will be laid near the shore representing the high stratum,

whereas transect 3 will be positioned in the subtidal area representing the

low stratum. Transect 2, on the other hand, will be established in between

transect 1

and 3, representing the middle stratum. A 0.5m x 0.5m quadrat will be

laid along the transect line every 10 meters. The infauna mollusk will be

collected using a shovel for 20cm depth sediment. The collected sediment

will be sieved in a sieve screen with 20mm mesh opening. The benthic

mollusk will be found in each quadrat will be recorded and identified up to

 30

lowest species if possible (Hibberd and Moore 2009). Seagrass cover will

be estimated using SeagrassNet manual (Short et al., 2006).

Respondent of the study

The respondents of the study will be the residents of the coastal

community of Sitio Bisang, Lais and Sitio Bagumbayan, Buhangin, Malita,

Davao Occidental.

Table 1. Distribution of respondents

Household Population Sample size

Bagumbayan 390 81

Bisang 1130 236

Total 1520 317

 31

Transect line method

Site1 100m

20 cm interval

Site2 100m

20 cm interval

Figure 3. Showing the orientation of the transect line that will be laid in
the seagrass beds of Bisang and Bagumbayan, Malita, Davao
Occidental
 32

Quadrat Method

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

100m

Figure 3. Showing the orientation of the transect line quadrat method

that will be laid in the seagrass beds of Sitio Bisang and
Bagumbayan, Malita, Davao Occidental
 33

Research Instrument

The study will be using transect line and quadrat to gather data on

the abundance, species composition and diversity of benthic mollusk.

Infauna mollusk will be collected using a shovel to an area about 20cm

depth and then sieve on a 20mm sieve screen mesh. The study will be

using survey questionnaires (Appendix 1) in the Bagumbayan, Buhangin

and Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental. Seagrass cover will be

estimated using SeagrassNet manual (Short et al., 2006). Physico-

chemical parameters of the water such as water temperature, salinity, pH

and dissolved oxygen will be determined in situ using multiparameter

tester

Data gathering procedure

Benthic Assessment

A 100 meters transect line will be laid parallel to the shoreline. A

0.5m x 0.5m quadrat will be laid along the transect line every 10m. All
 34

species of benthic mollusk encountered will be recorded and identified up

to the lowest species if possible using the identification keys of (Hibberd

and Moore 2009). A shovel will be used to core 20cm depth for the

collection of infaunas. All species found will be identified up to the lowest

species if possible. Placed in a properly labeled bottles, then preserved

with 5% formalin for later identification in the laboratory. Infauna

sediment samples will be sieve in a screen with 20mm mesh opening.

Seagrass Assessment

The assessment of seagrass will be conducted after the benthic

mollusk assessment. A 0.5x0.5m steel quadrat will be laid along the 100m

transect at an interval of 10m mark to record the percent cover and

species composition of seagrass.

In determining seagrass cover, will be a visual estimate of 0.25m ²

quadrat (total cover and then cover by each species) on a percent cover

scale (0.100%) in each of the quadrats. If the quadrat lands on an area

with no seagrass will be recorded as 0 (zero). Seagrass will be identified

up to species level using SeagrassNet identification keys (Short et

al.,2006).
 35

Determination of physico-chemical parameters

The levels of the physico-chemical parameter such as temperature,

salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen will be determined using multi

parameter tester.

Data Analysis

Relative abundance

The relative abundance of benthic mollusk will be computed using

this formula (Odum, 1983).

Relative abundance = number of individuals per species x 100 %

total number of individuals of all species

Species diversity

Species diversity of benthic molluscs in the seagrasses bed of

Barangay Tubalan, Sitio Bagumbayan and Barangay Lais, sitio Bisang,

Malita, Davao Occidental will be determined using the diversity indices.

 36

Shannon-Weiner Index of General Diversity (H´)

( ) log ( )
❑
Pi Pi
H´= ∑
❑ N N

Where:

Pi = is the importance values of each species

N = is the total number of individual species per unit area.

Index of Evenness

e= (H´/logS)

Where:

H´= is the index of general diversity

S = is the total number of species

Index of Dominance (C)

Dominance in the community of benthic mollusks will be

determined using the formula of Odum, 1971.

C =∑
❑
( N¿ ) 2
 37

Where:

Ni = is the importance values of each species

N= is the total number of individuals identified per unit

area.

Seagrass cover

An estimate of seagrass cover will be determined using the formula

of English et al. (1997).

c 1+c 2+c 3+ … Cn
Average cover per quadrat= N

Where:

C₁, C₂, C₃, … Cₙ are cover of seagrasses per in quadrat

N is the number of quadrats.

Socio-Economic

Sample size will be computed using the Slovin Forrmula at 5% margin of

error (Kulkol Magnus Mcleod, 1843).

N
n=
1+ N e²
 38

Where: n= sample size

N= population

e= margin of error (5%)

Statistical Analysis

Frequency and Percentage

This tool will be used to determine the species composition of

benthic mollusk, seagrass cover and socio-economic profile.

Formula:

f
%= x 100
n
Where: % = percentage

f =frequency

n =total no. of cases

Mean

This study will used to determine the abundance, percent cover

and level of physico-chemical parameter.

 39

Σx
M=
N
Where: M = Mean
Σx = sum of the scores
N = Total no. of cases

Pearson (r) Correlation

This tool will be used to determine the relationship between

abundance of benthic mollusk species and percent cover of seagrass in

the study area.

 40

LITERATURE CITED

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in the seagrass beds of barangay Liangan East and barangay
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 45

Appendix I

Survey Questionnaire on Benthic Molluscs in seagrass beds of

Bagumbayan, Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental

Date: _______________

Part I: Respondents’ Profile and Practices

1. Name: ___________________________________________
2. Gender: ___Male ___Female 3. Age: _________
3. Status: ___Single ___Married ___Separated ___Widowed, if others
(Please specify): ______
4. Educational attainment: ___No schooling ___Elementary ___High
School ___College ___1st year ___2nd year ___3rd year ___4th
year
5. Do you live in this locality? ___Yes ___No
6. If yes, for how long? ______years
7. Is your house near the coast (baybayon)? ___Yes ___No
Occupation: _________________________
 46

8. If none, is gleaning (pagpanginhas) your main source of livelihood?

___Yes ___No
9. If No, what other jobs do you have aside from gleaning
(pangpanginhas)? ________________
10. For female gleaners (manginhasay): what is your husband’s source
of income? _________________
11. How long have you been gleaning? ________years
12. Aside from you, do other members of your family collect sea urchin
(Suwaki)? ___Yes ___No
13. If Yes, are they: ___children, ___adult, ___elderly?
14. If Yes, what type of Mollusk (Kinhason) do you collect?
15. Why do you glean? (Nganong manginhas man ka?)
___________________________________________________
16. Where do you usually glean? ___ Hunasan ___ Seagrass
___Kabatohan Others (Please specify): _______
17. When do you usually glean? ___Low tide ___High tide
18 How often do you glean in a day? ___Once ___Twice ___Thrice
Others (Please specify): ________
19 How many hours do you spend gleaning in a day?
_______________
20 Do you glean every day? ___Yes ___No
21. If No, how many times do you glean per month? ______; per
week? ____
22. Do you glean by yourself? ___Yes ___No
If No, who usually go with you? __________________
23. What tools do you used when gleaning? ___Bolo ___ Kutsilyo ___
Rod ___Handpicked Others (Please specify): _________
24. What is the common organism do you often collect? Please list
these on table
below:
 47

Type of organism Habitat (i.e. epifauna or infauna)

25. How much do you collect? (Please specify if it is by the pail or balde
or bag? Or others?)
a. Per gleaning? _________ b. per day? _________ c. per
week? ________ d. per month? _________
26. What do you do with your catch? ___Sell all of it ___Keep all of it
for family consumption ___Keep some of it for family consumption,
then sell the rest of it
27. How many times in a week does your family eat what you collect?
_________________________
28. Where do you sell your catch? ___Market ___Karenderia
___Houses ___Individual Others (Please specify): _____
29. For how much do you sell your catch? _______________________
30. How much money do you earn from your catch per day?
_________; per week? _________; per month? __________
31. Are there days that you do not have any catch? ___ No, I/we
always have a catch ___ Yes, ___.
Part II: Environment

31. Did you notice any changes in the area where you glean? ___Yes
___No
32. If Yes, what are these changes?
____________________________________________________
 48

33. What do you think caused these changes?

____________________________________________________
34. How do you feel about these changes?
___________________________________________________
32. Are there species harder to find now? ___Yes ___No
35. If Yes, what are these species? ________________
______________________________________________________
Have you observed any decrease in your catch? ___Yes ___No
36. If Yes, what do you think causes this? ___________
_______________________________________________________
37. Are you aware of the negative consequences (i.e pollution like
garbage, too many people gleaning) of resources depletion? ___Yes
___No
38. If Yes, what do you think are the results if there are resource
depletion due to pollution like garbage and too many people gleaning?
____________________________________________________
39. Do you think that gleaning has an impact to the mollusk’s population?
___Yes ___No
40. If Yes, what do you think are these impacts? ___Low catch ___Less
species present Others (Please specify): ______
Thank you so much for participating in this survey. Your answer will be of
great use to our research. Once again, I assure you of the confidentiality
of your identity and your answers. Rest assured that the data will not be
relayed to other groups or persons and will only be used for research and
academic purposes.
Moderately uncertain ___Neutral ___Moderately certain ___Very certain

Data entry operator (name):

________________________________________________
 49

Survey Questionnaire on Benthic Molluscs in seagrass beds of

Bisang, Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental

Date: _______________

Part I: Respondents’ Profile and Practices

1. Name: ___________________________________________
2. Gender: ___Male ___Female 3. Age: _________
3. Status: ___Single ___Married ___Separated ___Widowed, if others
(Please specify): ______
4. Educational attainment: ___No schooling ___Elementary ___High
School ___College ___1st year ___2nd year ___3rd year ___4th
year
5. Do you live in this locality? ___Yes ___No
6. If yes, for how long? ______years
7. Is your house near the coast (baybayon)? ___Yes ___No
Occupation: _________________________
8. If none, is gleaning (pagpanginhas) your main source of livelihood?
___Yes ___No
 50

9. If No, what other jobs do you have aside from gleaning

(pangpanginhas)? ________________
10. For female gleaners (manginhasay): what is your husband’s source
of income? _________________
11. How long have you been gleaning? ________years
13. Aside from you, do other members of your family collect sea urchin
(Suwaki)? ___Yes ___No
If Yes, are they: ___children, ___adult, ___elderly?
14. If Yes, what type of Mollusk (Kinhason) do you collect?
________________________
18. Why do you glean? (Nganong manginhas man ka?)
___________________________________________________
19. Where do you usually glean? ___ Hunasan ___ Seagrass
___Kabatohan Others (Please specify): _______
20. When do you usually glean? ___Low tide ___High tide
21 How often do you glean in a day? ___Once ___Twice ___Thrice
Others (Please specify): ________
22 How many hours do you spend gleaning in a day?
_______________
23 Do you glean every day? ___Yes ___No
24. If No, how many times do you glean per month? ______; per
week? _______
25. Do you glean by yourself? ___Yes ___No
If No, who usually go with you? __________________
26. What tools do you used when gleaning? ___Bolo ___ Kutsilyo ___
Rod ___Handpicked Others (Please specify): _________
27. What is the common organism do you often collect? Please list
these on table
below:

Type of organism Habitat (i.e. epifauna or infauna)

 51

28. How much do you collect? (Please specify if it is by the pail or balde
or bag? Or others?)
a. Per gleaning? _________ b. per day? _________ c. per
week? ________ d. per month? _________
29. What do you do with your catch? ___Sell all of it ___Keep all of it
for family consumption ___Keep some of it for family consumption,
then sell the rest of it
30. How many times in a week does your family eat what you collect?
_________________________
31. Where do you sell your catch? ___Market ___Karenderia
___Houses ___Individual Others (Please specify): _____
32. For how much do you sell your catch? _______________________
33. How much money do you earn from your catch per day?
_________; per week? _________; per month? __________
34. Are there days that you do not have any catch? ___ No, I/we
always have a catch ___ Yes, ___.

Part II: Environment

35. Did you notice any changes in the area where you glean? ___Yes
___No
36. If Yes, what are these changes?
____________________________________________________
 52

37. What do you think caused these changes?

____________________________________________________
38. How do you feel about these changes?
___________________________________________________
35. Are there species harder to find now? ___Yes ___No
39. If Yes, what are these species? ________________
______________________________________________________
Have you observed any decrease in your catch? ___Yes ___No
40. If Yes, what do you think causes this? ___________
_______________________________________________________
41. Are you aware of the negative consequences (i.e. pollution like
garbage, too many people gleaning) of resources depletion? ___Yes
___No
38. If Yes, what do you think are the results if there are resource
depletion due to pollution like garbage and too many people gleaning?
____________________________________________________
42. Do you think that gleaning has an impact to the mollusk’s population?
___Yes ___No
43. If Yes, what do you think are these impacts? ___Low catch ___Less
species present Others (Please specify): ______
Thank you so much for participating in this survey. Your answer will be of
great use to our research. Once again, I assure you of the confidentiality
of your identity and your answers. Rest assured that the data will not be
relayed to other groups or persons and will only be used for research and
academic purposes.
Moderately uncertain ___Neutral ___Moderately certain ___Very certain
Data entry operator (name):
_________________________________________________
 53

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA
Name: Crisna B. Chavez

Address: Kidalapong Malita Davao Occidental

Date of Birth: July 20,1995
Sex: Female
Height: 5’0
Weight: 40 kg
Status: Married
Religion: Southern Baptist
 54

Nationality: Filipino
Tribe: Manobo
Father: Loreto Y. Bancil
Mother: Criselda G. Bancil

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: Kidalapong Elementary School

Secondary: Mariano Peralta National High School
College: Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and
Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST)
Year Attended: 2021-2022

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Lonica Shane B. Camillo

Address: Sitio Bayabas, Brgy. Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental
Date of Birth: June 16, 2000
Sex: Female
 55

Height: 5’2
Weight: 69 kg
Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino
Father: Antonio B.Camillo Jr.
Mother: Del Mariam B. Camillo

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Elementary: Mariano Peralta Elementary School

Secondary: Holy Cross of Malita Inc.
College: Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and
Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST)
Year Attended: 2021-2022