The document summarizes a study assessing the macrobenthic flora and fauna in the intertidal area of Dalipuga Beach in Iligan City, Philippines. Two 1-square-meter quadrats were placed in the transect line to analyze species composition. Only one algae species (Phaeophyta) was found in the first quadrat, while the second quadrat contained both algae and seagrass. Water temperature was 26-27°C, soil temperature was 25-26°C, humidity was 26%, sediment was sand and gravel, and pH and salinity were normal. No macrobenthic fauna was found.

1. COASTAL MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Assessment of Macrobenthic Flora and Fauna in the Intertidal Area
at Dalipuga Beach, Iligan City, Philippines
A Scientific Paper Presented to Prof. Karyl Marie F. Dagoc
of the Department of Biological Sciences
College of Science and Mathematics
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
Iligan City
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in
Bio 107.2 – General Ecology Laboratory
Second Semester 2015-2016
Presented by
Mitchelle Dawn E. Paye
May 19, 2016

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researcher would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to all the people, who in one
way or another have guide, assisted, and helped her in the success of this scientific paper;
To Professor Karyl Marie Fabricante - Dagoc for the guidance and help in doing the field sampling.
And above all, to the Almighty Father, for giving His strength, hope, and wisdom all throughout the
process of making this scientific paper.
Mitch

3. ABSTRACT
Marine ecosystems are a complex of habitats defined by the wide range of physical,
chemical, and geological variations that are found in the sea. Marine ecosystems are important to
humankind both ecologically and economically, providing numerous vital goods and services, and
supporting the processes that sustain the entire biosphere. Unfortunately, in spite of their widely
recognized value, human activities are putting marine ecosystems under pressure. The objectives
of this study is to assess the macrobenthic flora and fauna species to correlate its relative
abundance to the physico-chemical parameters and to determine the ecological indices of the area.
By the use of transect line and quadrat, this study was being conducted. Two quadrats (1𝑚2
) was
laid in the transect line. One quadrat was placed in the 2-meters and the other one is in the 6-
meters transect line. The species found were collected for identification. The physico-chemical
parameters were measured with two repeated trials using a thermometer for the water and soil
temperature,slingshot psychrometer for humidity, and pH paper for the pH. Sediment grain size
analysis was conducted. Water and soil temperature was found to be 26°C -27°C and 25°C -26°C,
respectively. Humidity is 26%, it was sand and gravel, and the water has a pH of 7 and 8. Salinity
is 31 part per thousand. Thus, it was normal. Results in microbenthic flora show that only one
species of algae was found in the area (Phaeophyta) and seagrass were also found. Macrobenthic
fauna was absent. Ecological indices acquired an unsatisfying result due to the limitation of data.

4. INTRODUCTION
Zisenis, M. (2010) defines marine ecosystems as a complex of habitats with wide range of
physical, chemical, and geological variations that are found in the sea. Habitats range from highly
productive near-shore regions to the deep sea floor inhabited only by highly specialized
organismsThe marine ecosystem is the largest ecosystem after the whole of Planet Earth because
water accounts for more than 70 % of Earth’s surface. The marine environment, our oceans and
seas, account for more than 97 % of that. The marine ecosystem, in addition to the temperate and
tropical oceans, includes the shorelines, with mud flats, rocky and sandy shores, tide pools, barrier
islands, estuaries, salt marshes, and mangrove forests making up the shoreline segment. It also
includes intertidal zones, lagoons, coral reefs, the deep sea, and the sea floor. They can be
contrasted with freshwater considered ecosystems because it supports a great diversity of life and
variety of habitats.
Coastal ecosystems are areas where land and water join to create an environment with a
distinct structure, diversity, and flow of energy. They are home to many different types of plants
and animals.
However, coastal ecosystems are also very sensitive to changes in the environment, and
there is concern that some areas are now struggling to maintain their diversity due to human
activity, the introduction of non-native species, and other factors. In addition, Cinches, V. (2013)
conclude that destructive fishing activities such as dynamite and cyanide fishing, muro-ami, bottom
trawling and overfishing are depleting our sea’s resources without giving it time to recover. Marine
life is also being threatened by climate change which causes coral bleaching and acidification.it
also encounters pollution and eutrophication.
According to Kingsford, M. (2016), marine organisms are not distributed evenly throughout
the oceans. Variations in characteristics of the marine environment create different habitats and
influence what types of organisms will inhabit them. The availability of light, water depth, proximity
to land, and topographic complexity all affect marine habitats.
The availability of light affects which organisms can inhabit a certain area of a marine
ecosystem. The greater the depth of the water, the less light can penetrate until below a certain

5. depth there is no light whatsoever. The physical and chemical properties of seawater vary
according to latitude, depth, nearness to land, and input of fresh water. Approximately 3.5 percent
of seawater is composed of dissolved compounds, while the other 96.5 percent is pure water. The
chemical composition of seawater reflects such processes as erosion of rock and sediments,
volcanic activity, gas exchange with the atmosphere, the metabolic and breakdown products of
organisms, and rain (Kingsford, M. 2016).
Using plot and transect sampling, the composition and relative abundance of
macrobenthic flora and fauna will be determined. Williams C.B. (1950) stresses that the relation
between the distributions of species and individuals in the original population and in a series of
quadrats depends on three variables which are the sizes of quadrat, number of quadrats and
richness of flora. Through the use also of some instruments such as thermometer and
refractometer, the physico-chemical paramaters will be measured.
The aim of this study is to determine the composition and relative abundance of
macrobenthic flora (red, green, brown algae and seagrass), determine the sediment type in each
sampling area, correlation between relative abundance of the flora and fauna to the physico-
chemical parameters and ecological indices (Index of dominance, similarity, evenness, and
diversity).

6. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The field study was conducted at Dalipuga beach, Iligan City for coastal marine ecosystem
sampling on April 15, 2016. The weather condition was good.
Figure 1.a. Location of the sampling site, Dalipuga, Iligan City
Figure 1.b. View of the sampling site, Dalipuga beach, Iligan City, Philippines

7. I. Installation of the transect line and quadrat
The transect line was laid perpendicular to the shoreline with one end fixed the peg and
the other end tied to the coralline rocks in the subtidal area near the ledge. The transect line is a
rope which was 10 meters calibrated at 1 meter- interval.
The quadrat is 1𝑚2
made of small square nylon. The quadrat is divided equally by 10
continuous bars horizontally and vertically.
II. Assessment proper
A. Macrobenthic algae and seagrass
Two quadrats (1𝑚2
) was laid in the transect line. The transect line was laid and was
selected randomly. One quadrat was placed in the 2-meters and the other one is in the 6-meters
transect line. The number of squares with a particular algal group (red, green, or brown) were
counted. The same procedure was conducted for the seagrass. Some photos were taken for
documentation. It was then recorded to the data notebook. The representative samples for every
species were collected and put in a close container with adequate seawater to immerse the
specimen.
B. Determination of Physico-chemical parameters
A thermometer was used in measuring the soil and water temperature. For the temperature
of soil, the bulb of the thermometer was placed 5cm from the soil surface. For the water
temperature, the bulb of the thermometer was touched in the water and read its temperature. Three
trials were conducted.
In identifying its humidity, slingshot psychrometer was used. It is composed of two
thermometers, the wet and dry bulb. The cloth wrapped around the wet bulb was moisten with
water. It was then rotated in the air for two minutes. A conversion table is used to determine the

8. relative humidity based on temperature readings.
Whereas in measuring the water pH, dip a pH paper into the water. Just a few seconds
will suffice. It was then compared to pH indicator color chart.
In measuring salinity, handheld refractometer was used. Open the plate near the angled
end of the refractometer. Add a couple drops of the liquid onto the exposed prism. Take the liquid
you wish to measure, and use an eyedropper to pick up a couple drops of it. Carefully close the
plate. Cover the prism again by gently pushing the plate back into position. The parts on a
refractometer may be small and delicate, so try not to apply much force even if they become slightly
stuck. Instead, wiggle the plate back and forth with your finger until it moves smoothly again. Look
through the device to see the salinity reading.

9. Sediment Grain Size Analysis was also conducted. A soil sample was collected
(approximately 25o mL) on the coastal environment. The samples were placed in a closed
container. It was then added with water and after putting the cap on, the container was shook. After
five days, the samples were observed and recorded.
The ecological indices were determined by using the PAST software. This includes
dominance, evenness and species diversity. In calculating the Diversity indices using PAST, a new
file was open first then input the corresponding data in the spreadsheet. Next, the area that was
wished to analyzed was then highlighted and the “Diversity indices” under the Diversity menu was
clicked to run the data. The Shannon—Weiner index was used for the diversity. Since relative
abundance cannot be computed using this software, it has to be calculated manually. It can be
computed as:
RA (Pi) = Ni/N x 100%
With Ni, the abundance of the i-th species in the sample, and
S
N=∑ Ni
i=1
with S as the total number of species in the sample

10. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 1 shows the macrobenthic flora found in each quadrat. The second quadrat was
entirely covered with macrobenthic flora. Thus, its relative abundance is obviously higher than the
first quadrat.
Table 1. Relative abundance of macrobenthic flora
Quadrat No. No. of Squares Percentage Relative abundance
1 8 8 7.4
2 100 100 92.6
The percentage abundance of a species in second quadrat is much higher relative to the
total numbers of individuals of all species sampled. The relative abundance of species in quadrat
2 is 13th times higher compared to quadrat 1. It is inevitable that in such areas in a community,
there are organisms who dominate. In the first quadrat, only algae were present. In contrast,
seagrass was also found in the second quadrat. This is due to some common factors that can affect
their abundance such as abiotic factors and availability of resources. The distribution of an
organism may depend on the adaptations of the organisms. Also, it depends on the area in which
they are most suitable. The particular combination of influences that determine abundance and
distribution are usually unique.
On the identification of the relative abundance of macrobenthic fauna, table 2 shows the
absence of microbenthic fauna such as fishes,
Table 2. Relative abundance of macrobenthic fauna
Quadrat No. Animal Species Count Relative abundance
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
There was no macrobenthic fauna found in the quadrat. Maybe this is due to some factors.
According to Tyrone, T. (2016), one causes of the destruction of ocean habitat is climate change.

11. Perhaps the most devastating of all habitat-altering agents. As Earth's temperature rises, it is
primarily the oceans that absorb the extra heat. Even small temperature changes can have far-
reaching effects on the life cycles of marine animals from corals to whales.
Table 3 shows the different physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, humidity,
pH and salinity. It was obtained from the area of the two quadrats along with the transect line.
Table 3. Physico- chemical parameters
Quadrat No. Temperature Humidity Sediment
type
pH Salinity
Water Soil
1 27°C 25°C 26 Sand &
gravel
7 31 ppt
2 26°C 26°C 26 Sand &
gravel
8 31 ppt
The water temperature in quadrat 1 and quadrat 2 are 27°C and 26°, respectively. Hoyle
B., & Duncan, L. (2009) explains that the water temperature of tropical oceans typically exceeds
20°C (68°F) and stays relatively constant throughout the year. This is because the Sun lies almost
directly overhead for the entire year in the tropics. Thus, it can be deduced from the data that the
water temperature is normal.
Based on the data, the soil temperature ranges from 25°C-26°C. It indicates a good
weather condition. The humidity is 26 in both quadrat areas. In the study of Villaroza, S.M.(2015),
the humidity is also 26 and she concluded that it is normal. Therefore, our humidity is also normal.
The sediment type of the sampling site is sand and gravel since it is a coastal marine
ecosystem. The pH level is 7 and 8. Since seawater is salty, it is obvious that its ph level is also 7
just like tha pH of salt which means neutral- not acid nor base. However, it possesses small
measurements of basicity.
The salinity is 31ppt which is low compared to the normal salinity which is 35 ppt. This is
because of several factors that affect the salinity. The most common factor is the relative amount
of evaporation or precipitation in an area. If there is more evaporation than precipitation, then the
salinity increases (since salt is not evaporated into the atmosphere). If there is more precipitation

12. (rain) than evaporation, then the salinity decreases. Another factor that can change the salinity in
the ocean is due to a very large river emptying into the ocean. The runoff from smallest streams
and rivers is quickly mixed with ocean water by the currents and has little effect on salinity
(Anderson G., 2008).
Although there were two trials being conducted, it is possible that the researcher has
commit some errors in getting the salinity. Nansen, F. (2014) concludes that it is impossible to
decide whether the errors are chiefly due to errors in temperature or in the salinity.
Table 4 shows the summary of the algae and seagrass found in the quadrat.
Table 4. Summary table
Based on the table, only the algae group chlorophyta is present. Seagrass was found to
be abundant in the second quadrat. Kennedy J. (2014) explains that there are three classifications
of algae- Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta. Brown algae is the largest type of algae.
Brown algae is in the phylum Phaeophyta, which means "dusky plants." Brown algae is brown or
yellow-brown in color and found in temperate or arctic waters. Brown algae typically have a root-
like structure called a "holdfast" to anchor the algae to a surface. Rhodophyta has its often brilliant
color due to the pigment phycoerythrin. This alga can live at greater depths than brown and green
algae because it absorbs blue light. Coralline algae, a group of red algae, is important in the
formation of coral reefs. There are more than 4,000 species of green algae (chlorophyta). Green
algae may be found in marine or freshwater habitats, and some even thrive in moist soil.
Only Phaeophyta class was found and it was identified as Padina gymnospora based on
its physical characteristics. Thallus was yellow-brown color, and became dark-brown color when
Quadrat
no.
Chlorophyta Phaeophyta Rhodophyta Seagrass
Count Relative
abundance
Count Relative
abundance
Count Relative
abundance
Count Relative
abundance
1 0 0 8 7.4 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 92.6

13. dried. Thallus was upright with rhizoid holdfast, fan shape, thick membrane-like texture, 5-20 cm in
height and 4-17 cm in width. White hairs were concentric arranged on the two surfaces of thallus,
and brown fluffs were covered over the base to middle part of thallus. According to the study of
Wei-Lung Wang (2010), it can be found in 2-3 m depth of water. It is distributed in Japan, Korea,
China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan and India.
Seagrass was also abundant. It was identified as Heterozostera tasmanica based on its physical
characteristics. Usually occurs subtidally in shallow coastal waters to about 8 m deep but also found
in deeper, clear oceanic water (Robertson 1984). Den Hartog (1970) described branching of the
rhizome in H. tasmanica as sympodial and used this as a diagnostic character.
The presence of seagrass indicates that the water is not polluted and disturbed. The vast
biodiversity and sensitivity to changes in water quality inherent in seagrass communities makes
seagrasses an important species to help determine the overall health of coastal ecosystems.
Seagrasses provide food, habitat, and nursery areas for numerous vertebrate and invertebrate
species. Seagrasses help to stabilize fine sediments with their leaf and root systems and maintain
water quality.
Marine grasses, succulents and algae have a vital role in providing shelter and food for
foraging aquatic species such as fish and crabs. They also help hold the soil together, reduce the
impact of wind and waves and act as a buffer to nutrients coming from the land.
Table 5 shows the result of ecological indices from the computation using PAST
software.
Table 5. Ecological indices
Ecological indices Station 1 Station 2
Diversity (1-D) 0 0
Similarity 0 0
Evenness 1 1
Dominance 1 1

14. Simpson’s index of diversity(1-D) computed that the probability of two individuals belong
to the same category. It ranges from 0-1 and the greater the value, the greater the diversity.
Therefore, there is no diversity between the organism from station 1 and station 2 since in station
1, only one species was found and in station 2 as well. It was found out that there is also no similarity
between the species in two stations. The evenness pertains to how similar the abundance between
the organisms. This study is limited because the data that we have gathered is very limited and not
enough, then errors must arise. The result showed that the evenness between organism are very
similar since it has the value of 1. Both of them have also equal dominance in the area.

15. CONCLUSION
Plot and transect sampling is very important in conducting an ecological study.
Paleontological Statistics(PAST) software also can be used in measuring ecological diversity.
The physico-chemical parameters results were in good condition (salinity,pH, temperature,
humidity) and the weather were in good condition too. This simply implies that the ecosystem is
not disturbed by some factors such as global warming and human activities. Seagrass is very
numerous and dominates the area and this will indicate that the water is very healthy. However,
based on the factors mentioned, the species found in the area does not show the expected result
since only macrobenthic flora was present and the macrobenthic fauna was absent. Although there
was no macrobenthic fauna that was found, it does not mean that the area is not suitable for their
survival.
In studying ecological communities, some indices are used to help assess the overall
health of the ecosystem. This includes species richness, dominance, similarity, and evenness.
There is a weakness in this study since the data that was gathered for ecological diversity are not
sufficient and is very limited. Thus, it is very possible that when the proper sampling was conducted,
there could be a macrobenthic fauna that was found.
A sufficient data must be gathered in order to achieve a better result. Ecologists must
ensure that in the gathering of data, one has to observed the proper sampling in order to avoid
some errors and biases on the study.

16. REFERENCES
Anderson, G. (2008). Seawater Composition. Marine Science
Cinches, V. (2013). Philippine Seas. Ocean Defender, 1
Hoyle B., & Duncan, L. (2009). Oceans, Tropical. Water Encyclopedia: Science and Issues
Kennedy J. (2014). 3 Types of Marine Algae: Seaweeds come in brown, red and green
Kingsford, M. J. (2016). Marine ecosystem . Encyclopedia Britannica .
Robertson, E.L. (1984). Seagrasses. In: The marine benthic flora of Southern Australia. Part 1.
Tyrone, T. (2016). Marine Habitat Destruction. National Geographic.
Villaroza, S.M.(2015). Coastal Marine Ecosystem Scientific Paper
Williams, C. B. (1950). The application of the logarithmic series to the frequency of occurence of
plant species in quadrats. Journal of Ecology, 38: 107-138
Wei-Lung Wang (2010). Padina Gymnospora (Kutzing) Sonder. Algae of Taiwan
Zisenis, M. (2010). Marine ecosystems. European Environment Agency, 2-3.