Authors

Julius V. Mingoc

Author

Proserpina G. Roxas

Co-author

Wilfredo H. Uy

Co-author

Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to determine the connectivity of major coastal ecosystems of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove areas through fish larval dispersal. Investigation was conducted in Lopez Jaena, Panaon and Tudela, Misamis Occidental from January to March 2011. Collection of fish larvae was done using a 300μm rectangular framed plankton net employing horizontal towing technique during springtide nights. Identification of fish larvae was limited to family level. A total of 559 fish larvae represented by 11 fish families were collected during the three sampling periods. Family Gobiidae and Apogonidae were the most common in all three ecosystems in the study sites. Fish larval density was significantly highest in the mangrove areas of Lopez Jaena and Tudela. Densities of post-flexion larvae were significantly high dominating the three ecosystems in all study sites. The ratio of stage 4 against stage 3 larvae was similar in all three ecosystems, which suggest that during flood tides fish larvae are passively drifted by the prevailing water current in the three study areas. Environmental parameters measured in the area showed an optimum range of temperature, pH and salinity for fish larvae to survive. Current velocity ranges from 0.1m/sec – 2.69m/ sec, flowing southwest during flood tide. The present study indicates strong connectivity of the three contiguous ecosystems of mangrove areas, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The results also confirm the important role of mangrove areas and seagrass beds as true nursery grounds for many fish families. The latter suggest that in addition to coral reefs, the mangrove areas and seagrass beds should be considered in establishing sustainable marine protected areas.