Economic Importance and Traditional Knowledge on Marine Macroalgae among Locals of Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, Philippines

Marine macroalgae have various uses and hold significant economic importance for locals living in coastal communities due to their diverse health-promoting activities and nutritional benefits. This study identified and explored economically important marine macroalgae and the traditional knowledge among locals residing in Pasilmanta, Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, Philippines. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local informants (N=30) belonging to different ethnolinguistic groups—Sama-Banguingui, Yakan, and Tausug—who were selected through snowball sampling. Seven (7) species of marine macroalgae, mainly from the classes Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta, were reported to have ethnomedicinal properties and are considered economically important. A literature review of the bioactivities and active physiological components of the documented algal species is also presented in this paper. Further research, community immersion, and field mapping of marine macroalgae covering the four main barangays of Sacol Island are recommended to provide a conclusive report and comprehensive documentation of the economic importance and traditional knowledge on seaweeds specific to the island’s inhabitants. Voucher specimens for a herbarium, a database for online reference, and an educational brochure are the tangible outcomes of this study.