2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 11
Available Online: 9 May 2026
Author/s:
Sibulo, Sunshine A.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (sunshine.sibulo@cbsua.edu.ph)
Ilarde, Glency O.
Notario, Aira May
Salditos, Princess R.
Alcibor, Bencel E.
Barbosa, Daisyre B.
Bandola, Cristian Jay B.
Labilles, Rosechel C.
Nolasco, Michael N.
Abstract:
This study addresses the critical lack of baseline data on mollusk communities in the mangrove ecosystems of Pasacao, Camarines Sur, by assessing their abundance, diversity, and socioeconomic relevance. Using a descriptive-quantitative field design, the research investigated mollusk populations across three coastal barangays: Balogo, Sta. Rosa Del Sur, and Sarimao. The line-transect quadrat method was employed, establishing two 50- meter transects at each site with systematically placed 5m X 5m quadrats. All visible mollusks were collected, counted, and taxonomically identified. Environmental parameters salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ, while Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s indices quantified diversity. Concurrently, structured surveys (n = 45) assessed local reliance on mollusks for food security and livelihoods. A total of 18 mollusk species were recorded across the study sites. While Sta. Rosa Del Sur recorded the highest abundance (1,108 individuals of Cerithidea cingulata), Sarimao exhibited the highest diversity and the least environmental degradation. Conversely, Balogo and Sta. Rosa Del Sur displayed signs of pollution, including plastic waste and potential oil contamination, which reduced species diversity. Socioeconomically, the majority of coastal households, particularly in Balogo (86.67%), rely on mollusks as a primary food source, though commercial trade and craft usage remain minimal. To support conservation and sustainable management, the study recommends improving municipal solid waste management, establishing a seasonal harvesting ban in October to protect juvenile growth, restoring degraded mangroves near the local oil depot, implementing community-led conservation education modeled after Sarimao, and integrating mollusk diversity indicators into municipal coastal management plans.
Keywords: mollusks, abundance, species diversity, mangrove ecosystem, conservation policy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26181
Cite this article:
Sibulo, S. A., Ilarde, G. O., Notario, A. M., Salditos, P. R., Alcibor, B. E., Barbosa, D. B., Bandola, C. J. B., Labilles, R. C., & Nolasco, M. N. (2026). Abundance and diversity of mollusks in the mangrove ecosystem of coastal barangay in Pasacao, Camarines Sur: Implications for local policy enhancement and sustainable management. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(11), 117-132. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26181
* Corresponding Author