Development of an integrated methodological framework for environmental monitoring of coral reef ecosystem in Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines

The study was conducted to develop an integrated methodological framework for environmental monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem of Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines. Tingloy, composed of five islands is known for its rich coral reefs. However, these reefs are being threatened by man-made stresses and natural disturbances. Through coordination with different sectors the need to develop monitoring guidelines that can be used to assess their present status was identified. The methodological framework was conceived by the combined efforts of the community and the different institutions such as the Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas, Provincial Government and Environmental Resource Office, the academe and the local government unit in the area. The different stages in the development process were: review of secondary data, coordination with fishermen and institutions, presentation of the development process, reconnaissance, social survey, identification of problems and the identification and selection of monitoring indicators. The problems identified were poverty, overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, sedimentation and storms or typhoons. The indicators for these problems include income, number of fishers, human health condition, fish sizes and abundance, fishing effort, fish catch, coral cover, garbage, oil spill, and sedimentation. Due to financial constraint, only income, fish sizes and abundance, coral cover, benthic lifeforms, garbage, oil spill and sedimentation were used as indicators. The developed methodological framework was applied and condition of the coral reef ecosystem was determined. Among the five sites, results of the survey showed that only coral reefs of Makawayan and Caban were found to be in good condition with a 50-74.9% coral cover among the five sites. With regards to reef fish, Caban had the highest fish biomass and abundance among five sites. On the other hand, areas in Bonito and Sto. Tomas exceeded the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines] standard of 70 MPN/100 ml for total coliform. In general, the water quality of the coastal waters in Tingloy was still within the DENR standard for clan SA marine water. The unique feature of the developed monitoring framework is that it is a product of the integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge. It can be employed by other coastal communities in assessing and monitoring their own coral reef ecosystems