Species Composition, Abundance, and Distribution of Seagrasses along the Coast of Dilasag, Aurora, Philippines

Information on the seagrass meadows along the intertidal areas is crucial for better management. Seagrass meadows in the Municipality of Dilasag, Aurora, Philippines, were mapped to the areas covered by seagrass beds. Species composition, distribution, and density were determined, and potential threats were also identified. Seagrass beds observed in Barangay Masagana, Barangay Diagyan and Barangay Diniog covers an area of at least 8.7 hectares (ha). Only four seagrass species were identified from all the sites: Enhalus acoroides, Halodule pinifolia, Thalassia hemprichii and Syringodium isoetifolium. T. hemprichii was present at all stations. The average seagrass cover and shoot density were 42.92+4.99 m-2 and 154 shoots m-2. The potential threats to adjacent seagrass beds, such as presence of port for fishermen, plastic pollution, recreational areas, gleaners, direct discharge of household wastewater, chemical discharge from boat making, and chemical discharge from farmland, were observed. These findings are important for managing seagrass meadows in the Municipality of Dilasag, the Philippines.