CORALS IN MADRIDEJOS

The assessment on corals was conducted in four coastal barangays of

Madridejos, Cebu, specifically: Tarong, Maalat, Tabagak, and Malbago.
In terms of live hard coral percentage cover, Barangay Tabagak had the highest
with a percent cover of 24.26% which is categorized as “Fair” based on Licuanan, et al.,
(on press). On the other hand, coastal barangays Tarong (15.35%), Maalat (20.79%),
and Malbago (16.83%) are categorized as “Poor” (Figure 1). As a whole, the condition of
the live hard coral cover in the Municipality of Madridejos is “Poor” with a 19.31% coral
cover (Figure 2).
During the assessment, it has been observed that dead corals and rocks were
high among the sampled areas. Also, Nutrient Indicator Algae such as Padina minor was
also observed among the rocks and is quite abundant.
Although the assessed sites were not silted and near any rivers, high number of
dead corals were still observed as illegal and destructive means of fishing is still being
conducted in the Municipality. This was evident as it was perceived by the coral
assessment team while conducting the activity.

LIVE HARD CORALS

30.00

25.00 24.26
20.79
20.00
16.83
15.35
15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00
TARONG MAALAT TABAGAK MALBAGO

Figure 1. Live hard coral cover in the coastal barangays of

Madridejos, Cebu.

Sponge (SP)
Sand (SD) 0.62%
7.55%
Live hard corals (LHC)
19.31%

Rubbles (RB)
14.36%

Nutrient Indicator
Algae (NIA)
6.68%

Others (living/non-
living) (OT)
10.15%
Rock (RC) Recently Killed Corals
28.09% (RKC)
0.74%
A
Figure 2. Substrate percent cover in the Municipality of
Madridejos, Cebu.