Philippine E-Journals

Population Assessment of Acanthaster planci at Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Melodie Claire C. Waay

Discipline: Botany

 

Abstract:

The descriptive method of research was used in this study utilizing the fine scale survey method. The main aim of this study was to assess the population of Acanthaster planci at Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal. It specifically sought to determine the population density of Acanthaster planci and determine some physico-chemical factors that may have some influence on the population density of A. planci as Temperature, Salinity, Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Results of the study showed an abundance of A. planci reached the incipient outbreak point as the number of sub-adults and adults exceeded the normal occurrence of A. planci per 1,000 square meter area. Majority of the physico-chemical parameters of the sampling area fell within the normal values during the sampling period. These findings further affirmed that the identified physico-chemical factors did not necessarily affect the slight increase in the abundance of A. planci. Therefore, due to the fragile state of the corals in the study site, it is important that accurate management measures must be identified and implemented to control the number of A. planci so that it will not reach the outbreak level.