2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 17
Available Online: 12 December 2025
Author/s:
Posada, Nasser*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (nasser.posada@cbsua.edu.ph)
Lizano, Lenith
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (lenith.lizano@cbsua.edu.ph)
Felezmiño, Jasper Ian
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (jasperian.felezmiño@cbsua.edu.ph)
Ortiz, Abegail
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (abegail.ortiz@cbsua.edu.ph)
Estonido, Xiannie
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (xiannie.estonido@cbsua.edu.ph)
Valenciano, Mark Anthony
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (markanthony.valenciano@cbsua.edu.ph)
Dejucos, Juvy
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Graduate School, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines (juvy.dejucos@cbsua.edu.ph)
Abstract:
This study conducted a rapid assessment of the mangrove ecosystem in Barangay Matalang-Talang, Aroroy, Masbate, to generate baseline ecological information essential for conservation planning and sustainable resource management. Using field surveys, species inventories, geo-referenced mapping, and habitat characterization, the assessment documented the composition, structure, and ecological condition of mangrove stands across selected sites within the barangay. Results revealed a mangrove community composed predominantly of true mangrove species, including Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, Sonneratia alba, and Bruguiera spp., indicating a moderately diverse assemblage reflective of a functioning coastal ecosystem. Stand structure analyses showed varying levels of tree density and canopy cover, with healthier, mature stands observed in less disturbed areas, while marginal zones exhibited signs of degradation such as gaps, seedling scarcity, and evidence of fuelwood collection. Sediment characteristics and tidal influence further shaped species distribution, with Avicennia species dominating the more exposed, sandy substrates and Rhizophora species thriving in muddier, protected zones. Although the overall mangrove condition remains ecologically viable, anthropogenic pressures including small-scale extraction, improper waste disposal, and land-use conversion pose emerging threats to long-term ecosystem stability. The mangrove forest continues to provide valuable socio-ecological services to the community, such as coastal protection, fisheries support, carbon sequestration, and livelihood opportunities. However, community interviews revealed limited awareness of mangrove conservation practices, highlighting a need for enhanced local stewardship. This rapid assessment establishes a critical ecological benchmark for Barangay Matalang-Talang and underscores the importance of strengthening mangrove rehabilitation, community-based management, and policy-driven protection efforts to sustain the ecological and economic functions of the mangrove ecosystem.
Keywords: mangrove ecosystem, rapid assessment, species composition, coastal ecology, biodiversity, ecosystem services, Aroroy Masbate
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25269
Cite this article:
Posada, N., Lizano, L., Felezmiño, J. I., Ortiz, A., Estonido, X., Valenciano, M. A., & Dejucos, J. (2025). Rapid assessment of mangrove ecosystem in Brgy. Matalang-talang, Aroroy, Masbate. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(17), 319-335. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25269
*Corresponding Author