Hidden in plain sight: new report of <i>Halophila nipponica</i> in the Philippines

Abstract This study reports the first confirmed record of Halophila nipponica in the Philippines through DNA barcoding, extending its known distribution beyond Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. Specimens were collected from two coastal sites in Batangas, Philippines, with and without direct influence from submarine groundwater discharge at 4–8 m depth. This discovery highlights the importance of molecular tools in delineating taxa with few distinguishing morphological characters. More DNA barcoding work is necessary to catalogue the true seagrass species identity and to assess their total diversity, which is important for their protection and conservation.