Reef assessments in the Verde Island Passage reveal <i>Heliopora</i> and <i>Galaxea</i> dominance in reefs with high coral cover

Abstract Coral reef assessments were conducted in selected sites in three provinces of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) (Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Quezon) to obtain baseline and continued measurements of coral abundance and biodiversity. A total of six sites were surveyed to measure average hard coral cover (HCC) relative to other benthic components. Generic richness and the dominant coral genera were also obtained for the six sites. In Occidental Mindoro, HCC and generic richness of Diumanod and Paluan were (47.27 ± 6.36%, 24 coral genera) and (32.62 ± 2.04%, 17 coral genera), respectively. Heliopora was the most dominant coral in both sites in Occidental Mindoro. In Quezon, HCC and generic richness in Lubang and Talao-talao were (14.36 ± 10.15%, 7 coral genera) and (43.53 ± 24.98%, 24 coral genera), respectively. Porites spp. was the most dominant coral in Lubang, while Galaxea was the most dominant coral in Talao-talao. In Marinduque, HCC and generic richness of Libas and Yook were (14.56 ± 3.09%, 9 coral genera) and (4.05 ± 1.99%, 4 coral genera). The dominant coral was Porites spp. The three sites with the highest coral cover, Diumanod, Paluan, and Talao-talao, had dominant coral genera that represent reef types ( e.g. Type 6, Type 4) that are uncommon today but may become more prevalent in the future as a result of warmer sea temperature. Such habitats may contribute to the unique biodiversity of the VIP. Further studies should look into the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on long-term patterns of dominance in these types of reefs.