Assessment of Natural Beds and Potential Areas of Saccostrea cucullatain three Different Municipalities -Mercedes, Jiabong and Catbalogan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The study assessed the natural beds and identified the potential areas for the Saccostrea cucullata in the three municipalities of Samar-Motiong, Jiabong, and Catbalogan. The study is conducted to help the collectors identify the potential areas of the small rock oysters in the intertidal zone. inturn, rock mounds can be constructed for the improvement of the culturing of the small rock oysters or "sisi" to provide the collectors of small rock oysters with a sustainable livelihood.

METHODS

This study was conducted in order to assess the natural beds and potential areas for small rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata production. The assessment of the study site was conducted in the intertidal zone through an ocular survey or by walking along the entire shoreline, describing the biophysical features and recording habitat types. The essential habitat types in the shoreline were recorded which consisted of soft or hard rock, sand, and clay in mangrove areas which can be classified as soft to very soft clay, and silt or mud as found along mangroves and other tidal areas (FAO, 2011). The study was done quantitatively in generating and presenting data through observation and the collection of data on the biological and ecological aspects of the study. This will expand employment on both among marine culture fishermen and oyster gatherers.

RESULTS

Among the three study sites, the potential area of Saccostrea cucullata is in Study Site 2 (Jiabong, Samar). Jiabong has the best settlement area for it has mangrove species along its intertidal zone. in comparing the living and dead small rock oysters, the total number of dead species in Motiong and Jiabong is greater than the living one. It is because the 32 species are overexploited by the collectors in sustaining their livelihood. On the other hand, Mercedes has more living species than the dead because the community settlers live a few kilometers away from the "panitian"

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the presence of Seaweed Boodlea sp., and small rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata in the three sites is an indication that they can adapt to the three substrates. in the comparison of the living and dead small rock oysters, the total number of dead species in Motiong and Jiabong is greater than the living one. It is because the species are exploited by the collectors in sustaining their livelihood. On the other hand, Mercedes has more living species than the dead because the community settlers live a few kilometers away from the "panitian".