Ex-situ propagation and transplantation of seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) to the coastal area of Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines / by Ginno P. Esguerra.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science) Cavite State University.

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Natural Resources (CAFENR)

ESGUERRA, GINNO P. Ex-situ Propagation and Transplantation of Seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) to the Coastal Area of Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite. July 2022. Adviser: Mr. Glenn Bryan A. Creencia.

The newly discovered seagrass meadow in Cavite was the initial site for the strategic rehabilitation of Cavite State University. The study aimed to: a. determined the physicochemical characteristics of potential site for seagrass transplantation in terms of soil texture, pH, turbidity, temperature and salinity; b. the germination rate of the seagrass: (Enhalus acoroides) seeds planted in different substrates; c. the growth rate of seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) seeds planted in different substrates in terms of the initial and finals size of the seedlings; d. Monitor the survival rate of the transplanted cultured seagrass: (Enhalus acoroides) at the coastal area of Maragondon, Cavite; e. formulate a strategic plan to be proposed as a recommendation for seagrass ex-situ propagation and transplantation to the coastal communities in Maragondon, Cavite. The physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, Total Dissolve Solid, pH and electroconductivity) were assessed and monitored using multiparameter water probe while the substrate used was analyzed using the hydrological soil group. The Brgy. Gulod, Calatagan, Batangas is the site for the collection of matured fruits of seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) for the ex-situ setup propagation of seagrass. Physicochemical parameters of the transplantation site were mimicked in the ex-situ setup where the germination and growth rate of the seeds were observed for two months. The harvested seedlings of seagrass from the ex-situ setup were transplanted in Patungan Cove, Maragondon, Cavite and monitored once a month. The germination rate of seagrass in the ex-situ setup planted in the substrate obtained from the transplantation site is 100% and 96.8% for the artificial substrate. The growth rate of seagrass planted in the substrate obtained from the transplantation site is 18.26%, while the seagrass V planted in the artificial substrate have 16.94%. 80 seagrass seedlings were transplanted in Patungan Cove, Maragondon, Cavite and the survival rate of seagrass after one month of transplantation resulted 62.5% where 50 out of 80 seagrass seedlings survive. And after two months, 47 out of 80 seagrass or 58.75% of seagrass seedlings survived. A proposed strategic plan was crafted as a recommendation, it is suggested to conduct seminars and trainings to the local coastal communities of Maragondon to gain knowledge about the importance and role of seagrass in the marine ecosystem. It is also suggested that the local government and the Cavite State University should create projects for seagrass rehabilitation and conservation to the local coastal areas.

Submitted to the University Library 08/08/2022 T-9118