Analysis of the relationship of mangrove cover, sedimentation rate and total suspended solids (TSS) in Cansaga Bay Consolacion, Cebu, Philippines

Date

2001

Abstract

A study on the interrelationship between the social component of the Cansaga River Watershed System, some biophysico-chemical components and state of mangrove cover along the coast of Cansaga Bay was conducted.The social component focused on the human settlement within the watershed area and its possible effects on the use of ecosystem services offered by mangroves and mangrove lands. Assessment of this sector was based on human activities, the socioeconomic status of the respondents and its effects on the their level of knowledge and perception towards mangrove resource use.To know the possible interaction between the biophysico-chemical factors, the following were measured and studied : sedimentation rate (SR) and total suspended solids (TSS) in five stations in relation to type of mangrove cover and season. The interaction of the biological components was also studied by looking at the relationship of mangrove cover, fish and shellfish catch. The interaction of the different components appears to have an effect on the present state of mangrove cover along the coast of Cansaga Bay. The high overall level of knowledge and perception of the community on mangroves seems to be a result of efforts by government agencies to reforest some mangrove areas. There is also continued information campaign done by these agencies against illegal fishing and/or cutting of mangrove trees. However,the high overall level of knowledge and perception is not reflected on how the people conduct their activities within the watershed area. Abandoned quarry sites and improper waste disposal were evident in the upland area. Meanwhile silt, mud, trash and other forms of waste, which could have been easily part of run-off from the upland down to the coast, can be seen deposited in the mangrove areas and the Bay itself.Results of the biophysico-chemical analyses showed that there is a significant relationship between type of mangrove and SR. The tree type of mangrove was able to trap the most amount of sediment. The relatively denuded area had the least amount of sediment trapped. However, there was no significant relationship between SR and season. On the other hand, analysis of the amount of TSS revealed the significant relationship between TSS to type of mangrove cover and season. The relatively denuded area had the highest amount of TSS during both seasons.Based on the findings, a set of alternative management strategies that would help ensure the continued existence of the resource and humans was recommended.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2001 E8 F56

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