UNDERSTANDING Coastal Ecosystem contains various topics that would help to easily unders Coaster Ecosystem. This was presented by Dr. Lea A. Jimenez

1. UNDERSTANDING
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Dr. Lea A. Jiminez
Proffesor, Davao Oriental State University
Director, Regional ICRM Center (RIC XI)

2. Introduction
• Coastal ecosystems are dynamic and vital regions
where land meets the sea.
• They encompass a wide range of habitats and support
rich biodiversity.
• These ecosystems are of immense ecological
importance and face various threats.

3. Diversity of Coastal Ecosystems
• Coastal ecosystems are very diverse and vary depending on
the physical, chemical, and biological factors that shape
them.
• They support a high diversity of species, many of which are
endemic, rare, or threatened.
• They also play important roles in maintaining the ecological
balance and functioning of the marine environment, such as
nutrient cycling, primary production, habitat provision, and
nursery grounds for fish and other organisms.

4. Diversity in the Phillippines
• The Philippines is a maritime nation with over 7,100 islands
and 18,000 km of shoreline. It has one of the richest and
most diverse coastal ecosystems in the world, especially in
the Coral Triangle region.
• The Philippines has about 26,000 km2 of coral reefs,
190,000 ha of mangroves, 27,000 ha of seagrass beds, and
numerous estuaries and lagoons. These ecosystems harbor
more than 2,000 species of fish, 500 species of coral, 1,000
species of algae, and many other marine organisms.

5. A. Mangrove Forests
• - Found along coastlines, brackish water areas, and
estuaries.
• - Characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs.
• - Act as nurseries for various marine species, protecting
coastlines from erosion.

6. B. Coral Reefs
• - Known as the "rainforests
of the sea."
• - Formed by the
accumulation of calcium
carbonate from coral
polyps.
• - Home to diverse marine
life, including fish,
mollusks, and sponges.

7. C. Salt Marshes
• - Occur in intertidal
zones.
• - Comprised of salt-
tolerant grasses and
plants.
• - Provide habitat and
breeding grounds for
many bird species.

8. D. Seagrass Meadows
• - Found in shallow coastal
waters.
• - Shelter for juvenile fish
and other marine
organisms.
• - Help stabilize sediments
and improve water quality.

9. E. Rocky Shorelines
• -Found in areas with
rocky substrates.
- Support diverse
marine species
adapted to the ever-
changing conditions.

10. F. Estuaries
•- Formed at the
meeting point of rivers
and seas.
•- Nurseries for juvenile
fish, crabs, and other
aquatic species.
•- Filter pollutants and
regulate nutrient levels.

11. Coasal Ecosystem’s Ecological Importance
•1. Biodiversity
•- Coastal ecosystems
support a high
diversity of species.
•- Serve as critical
habitats for breeding,
feeding, and shelter.

12. Coasal Ecosystem’s Ecological Importance
•2. Carbon
Sequestration
•- Mangroves, seagrass
beds, and salt marshes
capture and store carbon.
•- Help mitigate the effects
of climate change.

13. Coasal Ecosystem’s Ecological Importance
•3. Coastal
Protection
•- Mangroves, seagrass
beds, and salt marshes
capture and store carbon.
•- Help mitigate the effects
of climate change.

14. Coasal Ecosystem’s Ecological Importance
•4. Fisheries
•
- Many commercially
important fish species
rely on coastal
ecosystems for
spawning and shelter.

15. Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
A. Habitat
Destruction
- Urban development,
aquaculture, and
tourism can lead to
habitat loss.

16. Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
B. Pollution
- Runoff from
agriculture and urban
areas introduces
pollutants into coastal
waters.

17. Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
C. Overfishing
- Unsustainable fishing
practices deplete fish
populations and disrupt
food webs.

18. Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
D. Climate
Change
- Rising sea levels and
ocean acidification
impact the health of
coastal ecosystems.

19. Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
Invasive
Species
- Non-native species
can outcompete
native species,
disrupting the
balance.