Lasagas Ruel, Yagos Rosanilio and Lasagas Annielyn
Abstract
This study evaluated the diversity and abundance of associated marine macroinvertebrates in seagrass ecosystems along the coastal waters of Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur. Sampling was conducted across three stations within established seagrass meadows using belt transect methods. A total of eighteen (18) macroinvertebrate species were recorded. Station 1 exhibited the highest species richness with sixteen (16) species, while Stations 2 and 3 each recorded nine (9) species. Six species, Protoreaster nodosus, Diadema setosum, Linckia laevigata, Mycale grandis, Pectin coruscans, and Echinotrix calamaris, were common across all stations. Protoreaster nodosus was the most abundant species in Station 1, whereas Diadema setosum dominated Stations 2 and 3. Shannon diversity indices indicated moderate diversity among the sampling sites. Although species richness was moderate, the dominance of a few taxa and the limited representation of economically important species underscore the need for sustained habitat protection and regulated resource use. These findings provide baseline ecological information that can support local coastal resource management, guide conservation planning, and inform long-term monitoring of seagrass-associated macroinvertebrate communities.