Philippine E-Journals

Abundance and distribution of echinoids in Island Garden City of Samal

Geraldine Nina Rocel D. Andas-libron

Discipline: Biology

 

Abstract:

The study draws inspiration from the growing interest on sea urchins because of their economic value. Since the Island Garden city of Samal (IGaCoS) is the primary source of roe, five of its areas where

identified were sea urchin stock was to be collected. These areas were Sanipaan, Libuak, Kinawitnon, Limao and Adecor.

The study shows the echinoid species of each site and as well as the abundance and distribution of commercially viable sea urchin. It further explores the socio- economic factors affecting the echinoid population.

Present sea urchin species include Echinometra mathaei, Diadema savignyi, Diadema setosum, Tripneustes gratilla, Salmacis sphaeroides, Echinotrix diadema, Echinotrix calamaris, Phyllacanthus imperialis, Toxopneustes pileolus, Astropyga radiate, Pseudoboletia maculate, and Mespilia globulus. There is no significant difference in the percentage abundance and diversity of echinoid species in Sanipaan, Kinawitnon, Limao and Adecor. However, the percentage abundance of E. mathaei and D. setosum outnumber the other species. The three commercially valuable species namely, D. setosum, D. savignyi and T. gratilla, are present in all five areas with D. setosum being the most abundant.

The difference in the percentage abundance of the echinoid species in the five sampling sites is indicated to have been caused by poverty pressures and domestic activities that are religious in nature.