Knowledge on Seaweed Utilization in Small Island Communities of Danajon Bank, Central Philippines: A Small-Scale Fisherfolk Perspective Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

Danajon Bank, a unique double-barrier reef system in the Philippines, is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical resource for small-scale fisherfolks (SSF) in its small island communities (SICs). This study investigated the utilization of seaweed by SSF during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its cultural, economic, and medicinal significance. Through mixed-method fieldwork, including interviews, focus group discussions, and ethnobotanical analyses, the study identified six seaweed species—Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa lentillifera, Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Kappaphycus striatus, and Sargassum ilicifolium—used for food, medicine, rituals, and agriculture. Kappaphycus striatus emerged as the most significant species, with the highest Use Value (UV = 0.72) and Relative Importance (RI = 1.00), reflecting its dual role in therapeutic diets (e.g., treating goiter) and cultural practices. Other species, such as Kappaphycus alvarezii and Caulerpa lentillifera, also demonstrated substantial importance in local livelihoods, particularly in food preparation and traditional rituals. The findings highlighted the resilience of SSF communities in leveraging seaweed for economic stability, food security, and health during the pandemic. Seaweeds served as alternative food sources, natural remedies, and agricultural inputs, underscoring their multifaceted value. This study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of Danajon Bank’s marine resources to support community well-being and biodiversity conservation. It also provides insights for informed interventions in similar coastal ecosystems, advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies to enhance the resilience of SSF communities.