2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 1
Available Online: 10 January 2026
Author/s:
Moron, Bernyl M.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Bernyl.moron@cbsua.edu.ph)
Vargas, Jan Angela
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Janangela.vargas@cbsua.edu.ph)
Pacala, Ruthie
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Ruthie.pacala@cbsua.edu.ph)
Villamina, Lyca Jane
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Lycajane.villamina@cbsua.edu.ph)
Belbes, Mel Alvin
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (melalvin.belbes@cbsua.edu.ph)
Abstract:
The rapid assessment of the seagrass ecosystem in Barangay Mantalang Talang, Aroroy, Masbate was conducted to establish baseline information on the existing seagrass species, composition, and seagrass cover, Physicochemical water quality analysis, and socio-ecological services. The study was conducted following the guidelines of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in assessing the seagrass Ecosystem. Results revealed a generally moderate or less healthy seagrass ecosystem. The presence of the six (6) seagrass species that were found at the four (4) transects is Enhalus acoroides, Halodule pinifolia, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, and Thalassia hemprichii. The physico-chemical parameters in Barangay Mantalang-Talang, Aroroy, Masbate, fall within the range of what is required for the seagrass to grow and survive. In terms of the level of awareness and the practices of the community relative to the ecological services provided by the seagrass ecosystem, the survey results clearly show that provisioning services of seagrass ecosystems are highly valued, particularly in terms of food production and support for local livelihoods, such as fishing and aquaculture. These two services with high responses suggest that the community has a strong dependence on healthy seagrass meadows for economic and food security, but not for sustainability. This highlights a knowledge gap that could be addressed through environmental education and climate change awareness efforts.
Keywords: Mantalang Talang, seagrass ecosystem, rapid biodiversity assessment, water quality, awareness in ecological services
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25330
Cite this article:
Moron, B. M., Vargas, J. A., Pacala, R., Villamina, L. J., & Belbes, M. A. (2026). Rapid assessment of Seagrass Ecosystem in Barangay Mantalang Talang, Aroroy, Masbate. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(1), 33-47. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25330
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