Mangrove Forest Structure and Allometric-based Carbon Stock Estimation of Tomongtong, Enrique B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, Philippines

The study provides the first baseline assessment of the mangrove ecosystem in Barangay Tomongtong, Enrique B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, Philippines, by evaluating vegetation structure, species diversity, regeneration status, aboveground biomass, and carbon stock. A total of 16 true mangrove species belonging to eight families were recorded, indicating moderate site-level species richness. Community structure analysis revealed strong dominance of Avicennia marina across all stations and zonation belts, with high importance values and dense mature stands. Despite excellent tree height conditions, crown cover and regeneration were consistently poor, suggesting limited recruitment and reduced structural complexity. Carbon stocks estimation varied substantially among stations with Station 3 (7 601 167.14 kg), followed by Station 2 (752 392.43 kg) and Station 1 (276 661.19 kg). Similarly, the middle zone stored the greatest amount of carbon (3 675 035.30 kg), followed by the seaward (1 085 827.69 kg) and landward (10 017.67 kg). The increasing dominance of stress-tolerant pioneer species suggests a simplification of the mangrove community, potentially reducing long-term ecological resilience under disturbances and climate stressors. These findings provide critical baseline data to support local government coastal and fisheries management intervention, including assisted natural regeneration, enrichment planting, hydrological restoration of abandoned fishponds, and mitigation of anthropogenic pressures to enhance biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and fisheries sustainability.