Nicci Rosietess E. Madarcos1, Therese Julienne T. Medina2, Ma. Carmina C. Manuel2, and Milagrosa Martinez-Goss3
1Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Visayas-Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines 6500
2Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031
3Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031
The study aimed to assess the diversity of macroalgae of the intertidal zones of Sibato Island, Malalison Island, and Nogas Island in Antique, Philippines. One time sample collection was carried out from January to May 2019. Identification of the samples was done using the observable morphological characters. A total of 56 taxa were recorded including 22 Chlorophyceae, 11 Pheophyceae and 23 Rhodophyceae. Furthermore, 20 taxa of macroalgae are added as new records for the Panay Region, i.e., 12 in Rhodophyceae, 3 in Phaeophyceae, and 5 in Chlorophyceae. Among the three islands, the island barangay of Sibato documented the greatest number of taxa (48) while Nogas Island recorded the least (18). Such result may be attributed to Sibato Island having the largest estimated tidal area, the diversity on the types of substrata and as sheltered by coves and/or sounds from strong wave actions. Chaetomorpha aerea, Cladophora glomerata, Padina australis, Hydroclathrus clathratus, Turbinaria ornata, Palisada perforata, Amphiroa fragilissima and Gracilaria salicornia were observed to be the commonly found algal species amongst the three localities. Sites that are neighboring and are subjected to similar environment conditions have higher similarity in terms of macroalgal composition. Species of Caulerpa, Codium, Dictyota, Sargassum, Turbinaria, Asparagopsis and Halymenia are commonly enountered on sites with stable substrata while species of Halimeda, Boergesenia, Valonia, Ulva, Hydroclathrus, Actinotrichia, Amphiroa, and Palisada were seen on sites with unstable substrata. A survey was also conducted to determine availability of molecular sequences on online databases that would facilitate alternative and complementary approach to modern taxonomy.
Keywords: Antique, diversity, floristics, macroalgae, substratum