“Determining The Echinoderms Species and Its Abundance at Solaton Island

Silanga, Tangub City”

Shimie N. Bere, Del Marie G. Angcog, Quenny Vic M. Dealco, Lyka P. Sumagang, Prince Louie
E. Ordeniza and Dixter Librando

Abstract
Echinoderms are a diverse group of marine invertebrates that play an important part of the ocean food
chain. It keeps seaweed in check as grazers, serves as food source for different organisms, medicine, and
source of lime for farmers. It is crucial for assessing biodiversity and ecological health in coastal
ecosystems. While there have been studies conducted on echinoderms in various marine ecosystems,
there is a lack of research specially focusing on the echinoderm’s species and their abundance at Sulaton
Island, Silanga, Tangub City. However, the gap this student presents an opportunity to explore and
documents the diversity ang population dynamics of echinoderms in this particular area. This research
proposal aims to determine the species composition and abundance of echinoderms limited to the
shallow-water areas at Sulaton Island, Tangub City. The study will use field survey, collection data on
species presence, abundance and distribution. Findings will contribute to information as to the
echinoderms diversity in the area and provide baseline date for future conservation efforts. It will also aid
in developing effective management strategies for sustainable coastal ecosystem conservation. The results
will be disseminated through presentation, and local outreach programs. While there have been studies
conducted on echinoderms in various marine ecosystems, there is lack of research specially focusing on
the echinoderms spiceis and their abundance at Sulaton Island, Silanga, Tangub City. However, the gap
this student presents an opportunity to explore and document the diversity ang population dynamics in
this particular area.

Keywords: abundance, distribution, echinoderms, intertidal, invertebrates.

Introduction

Originating from the Greek words epikhos, which means sea urchin or hedgehog, and
dermis, which means skin, the word echinoderm was created. They are therefore animals with
spiky skin and have a unique body design. Many echinoderms exhibit radial symmetry, which
means that their components are arranged around a central axis in a symmetrical manner.
(Jennifer Kennedy, 2019). Echinoderms are a diverse group of marine invertebrates.
Additionally, they enhance the biodiversity and ecological processes within areas. They play
crucial ecological roles in marine ecosystems due to their diverse feeding habits, interactions
with other organisms, and their ability to modify habitats according to the article of (Marine
Bio). Slaton Island located in Silanga, Tangub City, is a pristine coastal ecosystem known for its
rich biodiversity and unique marine habitats including echinoderms. However, comprehensive
studies on the species composition and abundance of echinoderms Solaton Island are currently
lacking.

Current study of echinoderms has focused the outstanding regenerative abilities of

echinoderms. That provide important insights into the molecular basis of regeneration (Joshua G.
Medina-Feliciano and José E. García-Arrarás 2021). Identifying the echinoderm species and
evaluating their population level is crucial, to effectively protect and manage this marine
environment. Because echinoderms act as indicators of ecosystem health by contributing to
circulation food chain dynamics and habitat organization.

To have much broader insights about echinoderms, this study aims to investigate the
variety and population of echinoderms in Slaton Island, offering insights into the richness and
ecological importance of these creatures through on-site surveys, population and distribution of
echinoderm species in habitats on the island. Understanding the species composition and
abundance of echinoderms in Solaton Island is important for assessing the ecological health and
conservation status of the marine ecosystem in this area. It can also contribute to the broader
understanding of echinoderm biodiversity in the Philippines.
Gap of the problem

In marine ecosystems, echinoderms are essential to the overall health and balance of the
underwater world. Our knowledge of the species composition and abundance of echinoderms in
particular areas, like Sulaton Island in Silanga, Tangub City, Philippines, is severely lacking.
There have been studies on echinoderms in the Philippines, they have mostly focused on broader
regional or national scales, neglecting the detailed assessment of echinoderm communities in
specific coastal areas. This research proposal aims to close that gap by conducting a thorough
investigation on the echinoderm species and their abundance in Sulaton Island. To learn the
important things about this particular marine ecosystem's biodiversity and biological dynamics,
comprehending the distinct echinoderm species that are found and their respective population
sizes will aid in evaluating the general well-being of the ecosystem and pinpointing any possible
hazards or necessary conservation actions.

Objectives
The main purpose of this study is to determine the species composition and abundance of
echinoderms in Solaton Island, Silanga, Tangub City.

Significance of the study

The study on determining and identifying the echinoderm species, quantifying its
abundance of echinoderms status at Solaton Island, Silanga, Tangub City holds a significant
awareness about echinoderm conservation among the scientific community, local communities
and stakeholders. Fostering a better understanding of coastal ecosystems' ecological value, will
provide a valuable data for future conservation efforts.

Material and Methods

Sampling sites
The study will be conducted at Solaton Island, Silanga, Tangub City. Understanding the
species composition and abundance of echinoderms in Taboo, Sperm, Island is important for
assessing the ecological health and conservation status of the marine ecosystem in this area. It
can also contribute to the broader understanding of echinoderm biodiversity in the Philippines.

Figure 1. Location map showing sampling site in Solaton Island, Silanga, Tangub City

Sampling collection

To determine the species of

echinoderms that are present on
Solaton Island, the study intend to
carry out a thorough data gathering
and taxonomic identification.
Different echinoderm species will
need to be visually observed and
documented. For each recognized species of echinoderm on Tabo, White Island, it will estimate
the population abundance in order to quantify abundance. We will investigate the habitat
preferences and distribution patterns of echinoderm species in Tabo, White Island in order to
assess habitat preference. This will involve to gathering data on the number of individuals of
each species encountered within designated study areas. In order to comprehend the ecological
factors impacting the presence and abundance of various echinoderm species and include the
documenting environmental characteristics such as water depth and examined its state of
conservation.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis, will be done by collecting data on the echinoderms’ species,

descriptive statistics, species richness and diversity, distribution analysis and graphical
representation. The statistical tool we use is the Simpson’s Diversity Index and Shannon-Weiner
Index.

Literature cited:

Kennedy, J. (2019, March 11). Echinoderms: Starfish, Sand Dollars, and Sea Urchins. Retrieved
from MarineBIO: https://www.marinebio.org/creatures/marine-invertebrates/echinoderms/

Medina-Feliciano, J. G., & García-Arrarás, J. E. (2021). Regeneration in Echinoderms:

Molecular Advancements.

Source: National Geographic