Status of Selected Coral Reef Ecosystem in Zambales, Philippines

Biodiversity loss is one of the current issues we are facing today. From the past years, biodiversity loss still continues particularly in various ecosystems. Coral reef ecosystem is one of the ecosystems near coastal areas where the biodiversity is degrading due to anthropogenic activities and natural causes. Coastal community`s food and livelihood relies heavily on coral reef ecosystems. Illegal fishing and overfishing are the main activities that contribute to the degradation of coral reef ecosystem.  As a result, the natural habitat of marine animals commonly found in coral reef ecosystems and mangrove ecosystems are affected that leads to its degradation. An assessment was conducted in order to determine the current status of coral reef ecosystems in the selected coastal municipalities in Zambales. The methods used to assess the coral reef ecosystems are photo transect method, manta tow and snorkeling method to measure and determine the present coral cover of the study areas. Results of the study revealed that only the coral reef ecosystem in Sta. Cruz have good condition status. However, the coral reef ecosystems of Candelaria, Masinloc and Palauig have only fair coral reef conditions.  The total average percentage cover of dead corals is higher than the percentage of live hard coral cover. Thus, results indicate that the coral reef ecosystems which serve as habitats of marine organisms are already degraded due to human activities, climate change, natural forces such as strong waves and predators.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Coral Reef Ecosystem, Degradation, Status, Human Activities.