Intertidal seagrass habitat and its macroinvertebrate assemblages in Baylimango, Dapitan City

The seagrass community, a vital component of coastal marine ecosystems, serves as a dynamic habitat that supports a rich diversity of marine organisms in Baylimango, Dapitan City. This study aimed to determine the species composition of the intertidal seagrass beds and associated macroinvertebrate assemblages. Using transect-quadrat and belts transect methods from August 2023 to January 2024, five seagrass species were identified: Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, and Halophila minor. The mean seagrass coverage was 88.33%, with Thalassia hemprichii exhibiting the highest percentage cover. Seasonal fluctuations, particularly during the northeast monsoon, influenced coverage and species presence. A total of 51 macroinvertebrate species from four phyla- Mollusca, Echinodermata, Porifera, and Cnidaria- were recorded. Mollusks comprised the highest relative density (59%), followed by echinoderms (37%). Species such as Strombus sp. (aninikad), Diadema setosum (toyom), and Trochus niloticus (amomongpong) were abundant and economically significant. The study provides baseline ecological data for coastal resource management and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems.