Marie Frances Jessica S. Cruz, Nikki Careen R. Palacios, Edwin Richbald A. Salinas
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Villa Igang is one of the secluded resorts in the municipality of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras that is frequently visited by local and foreign tourists. Marine life is abundant in the costal area of Villa Igang.
This study aimed to measure the relative abundance and population density of the starfishes in Villa Igang and to relate the number of starfishes in a ten-day period of observations with the physico-chemical parameters of the environment such as water and soil conductivity, salinity, temperature and water depth.
The study was conducted on May 2007 at Villa Igang, Guimaras. The quadrats were laid in the seagrass bed area perpendicular to the shore with three replicates. The observation was done every afternoon for ten consecutive days.
The results showed that the only species found was Protoreaster nodosus and with population density of 1.75. The water temperature, water conductivity, and soil conductivity have positive relationship, however, these factors were not significant. Water salinity, soil salinity and water depth have negative relationships, however, these factors were not significant.
Statistical analysis showed that only soil temperature had a significant relationship with the number of starfishes with a person r value of 0.728. Starfishes tend to burrow in the soil when temperatures drop below 8 degrees Celsius and become inconspicuous.
Several factors may increase the temperature of soil in the area, one of which is human intervention. Therefore great care not to alter soil temp through human activities must be observed so as not affect the community of the starfishes.