2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 9
Available Online: 5 May 2026
Author/s:
Flores, Bernadeth*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (bernadeth.flores@cbsua.edu.ph)
Gemino, Shiena
Estrera, Anrica
Burga, Ailaine
Masong, Miralyn
Moron, Bernyl
Nolasco, Michael
Abstract:
The study employed a Quantitative-Descriptive Research Design to quantify, analyze, and describe the seagrass diversity in three selected Coastal barangays in the Municipality of Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The Research aimed to assess the seagrass species diversity and recommend conservation and management initiatives within the study area. The data was gathered using the transect Quadrat Method (Saito and Atobe Method, 1970), species density, cover, frequency, and diversity indices using the Shannon-Weiner diversity indices and Simpson’s (1-D) indices. The result showed that seven (7) species were identified in Libmanan, Camarines Sur, one (1) in Barangay Caima, four (4) in Barangay Bahao, and six (6) in Barangay Salvacion. These species are Enhalus acoroides (Tape grass), Halophila minor (Dwarf seagrass), Halophila ovalis (Spoon grass), Thalassia hemprichii (Dugong grass), Cymodocea serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium, and, in the opportunistic sampling, Cymodocea rotundata. Syringodium isoetifolium shows higher shoot density, while Enhalus acoroides has the highest species cover and frequency where identified in Barangay Salvacion. Barangay Salvacion exhibits a higher number of species but low diversity; Bahao has fewer species but shows higher diversity due to the even distribution of seagrass species. Barangay Caima shows no diversity, or only one species is present. The study reveals that this coastal habitat is at high risk and threatens both human and natural threats. These findings suggested that seagrass species may be declining, especially in Barangay Caima. Conservation and Management are significant to this valuable ecosystem. The study provides essential baseline data that can guide future conservation and management in the Municipality.
Keywords: seagrass, species, diverse, physicochemical, threats
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26139
Cite this article:
Flores, B., Gemino, S., Estrera, A., Burga, A., Masong, M., Moron, B., & Nolasco, M. (2026). Seagrass diversity assessment in Libmanan, Camarines Sur: A basis for conservation and management initiatives. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(9), 183-198. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26139
* Corresponding Author