Macroinvertebrates in the Coastal Areas of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental

A RESEARCH PAPER

Presented to the faculty of the English Department

Xavier University Senior High School - Ateneo de Cagayan

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for G12 Research 202 Year 2019-2020

Ralph Matthew S. Aclao

Trixia May P. Alerta

Nicole Divine Grace B. Baliquig

Anna Patricia A. Edma

Darren Kaye C. Gabutan

Gienni Marie M. Ga rrido

Ralph Jehnisan N. Guibao

Jammy Antonette T. Mandario

Arianne Daphne L. Piquero

Zaira Joy U. Sotaridona

Fr. Jacques De Billy

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Throughout the century, economic advancement has been growing and becoming one of

the foci of each country. However, this trend leads to the negligence of the human’s responsibilities

regarding the environment. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the hopes of economic

growth consumes the welfare of the surroundings that causes different types of pollution. It is also

the leading cause of water pollution, harmful substances e.g. chemicals or microorganisms

contaminate streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, aquifers, or other bodies of water, degrading water

quality and rendering toxic to humans or the environment. In response to this global issue,

bioassessment is used by experts to determine factors affecting the issue as well as the necessary

approach of dealing and finding solutions to the growing problem.

Biological assessment, also known as bioassessment, is an evaluation of the condition of a

waterbody based on the organisms living within it (www.waterboards.ca.gov, 2019). It has been

used to evaluate the ecological status of estuaries with implications for water management (Nebra,

Muñoz-Camarillo, Rodriguez-Climent, & Ibañez, 2014). Multiple studies used macroinvertebrates

as biological indicators for water quality, biodiversity and richness of an ecosystem.

 Macroinvertebrates are organisms in the aquatic environment without a backbone that can

be seen with the naked eye. (Tampus, A. D., Tobias, E.G., Amparado, R.F., Bajo, L.Sinco, A, L.,

2012).They include mostly of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, arachnids and annelids. The

sensitivity of these organisms to changes are often used as biotic indices of habitat disturbances

(Flores & Zafaralla, 2012). The assemblages of these organisms are frequently considered to be

good indicators of water quality. They are considered as water quality bio-indicator due to its long

life period and sensitivity to the changes in the environment (Moretti & Callisto, 2005). The

existence of pollution-sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrates suggest good water quality while

pollution-tolerant organisms indicates water pollution (Dacayana, 2013).

Macroinvertebrates in water systems are exposed to both natural and human-induced

changes, causing the organisms to react in various ways (Roozbahani, Nabavi, Farshchi, & Rasekh,

2010; Tweedley, Warwick, & Potter, 2015). As inevitable changes due to anthropogenic practices

occur, there is also a continuous disturbance to our ecological balance, specifically on the situation

of macroinvertebrates in our waters. Latest records of the ecological status of local waters,

especially in fairly populated areas such as towns and cities, are needed as basis for water

management.

The current study aims to assess water quality based on macroinvertebrate population and

diversity. Through this study, researchers and local citizens will gain insight on the ecological

status of the coastal waters of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. The data gathered will be used as

reference by professionals and stakeholders to assess the implications on water quality and to

formulate methods for the protection and management of the coastal waters of the locale.
 1.2 Statement of the Research Questions

This research aims to assess the water quality of the coastal areas in Gitagum, Misamis

Oriental based on macroinvertebrate diversity. Specifically, it aims to answer the following

research questions:

1. What is the species composition of macroinvertebrates present in the study sites?

2. What are the species richness and species diversity of macroinvertebrates in the

study sites?

3. What is the conservation status of the macroinvertebrate species present in the study

sites?

4. What are the implications of the diversity status of macroinvertebrates to the water

quality of the study sites?

1.3 Significance of the Study

The study aims to provide the diversity of macroinvertebrates that indicates the water

quality of coastal areas of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. The data collected in the study will be

beneficial to the following stakeholders:

To the DENR:

The study will the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to establish

possible conduct assessment to the current diversity of macroinvertebrates which indicates the

quality of coastal waters in Gitagum, and also help the LGU to plan about the preservation and

protection of the coastal water.

To the environmentalist and advocates:

As the study of macroinvertebrates indicates the water quality, data from this research will

help the environmentalist and advocates to raise public awareness about the current status of the

oceanic waters, specifically for those who are living in the said area.

To the Local Government:

This study can be used by the LGU of the Municipality of Gitagum as reference to design

strategic plans and policy to conserve and protect the coastal waters in the area and to improve

ecotourism and livelihood of the residents.

To the residents of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental:

This study provides awareness in the water quality and status of macroinvertebrates in their

area. This paper shares an idea on water quality of Gitagum; hence it provides information on

whether the area is ideal for resident fishermen to fish. Knowing the richness of macroinvertebrates

indicates the presence of fish in the area helps fishermen make a greater profit in their livelihood.

Moreover, this will help them in preparing and making plans for the conservation and protection

of their own marine life.

To the Future Researchers:

The findings of this study can be used by future researchers as the basis for their ongoing

or future studies. Furthermore, by conducting similar studies, future researchers can update the

water quality and status of macroinvertebrates in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental as well as other areas

in the Philippines with rich marine life.

 1.4 Scope and Delimitation

This study is focused on the bioassessment of water quality based on the diversity of

macroinvertebrates in the three chosen areas in Poblacion, Gitagum. Since the research study is

focused on species richness and diversity, the researchers included all the named taxonomic family

of marine macroinvertebrates in order to include all named species of macroinvertebrates present

in coastal areas of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. Likewise, the research study aims to determine the

species composition of macroinvertebrates in three areas in which the researchers will conduct the

study. Also, it aims to identify macroinvertebrates which are bioindicators in order for the

researcher to know the water quality of the three research areas. This study will be conducted on

three specific coastal areas that are located at the municipality of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. The

first location of the study will be held at a coastal area near a residence area, second is within the

vicinity of a beach resort, and third is an untapped inshore. The area that the researchers will study

is delimited to 100 meters by 20 meters using the line intercept method. The species were

determined through collecting samples in the 100 meters by 20 meters area.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction for Literature Review

This section contains literature and studies on macroinvertebrates and water quality. The

following materials were gathered from books, journals and online sources that provided the

researchers with thorough review of the topic and the necessary background information in

pursuing this study.

2.2 Conceptual Literature

Water Quality

Marine water quality refers to the presence or absence of water pollutants in a particular

body of water, unlike freshwater quality which focuses on the potability of water

(Encyclopedia.com, 2009). Water quality testing is a way to evaluate the environment. This can

assist researchers in predicting and learning the systems in the environment and determining

anthropogenic impacts on an ecosystem (Environmental Measurement Systems, 2017). Moreover,

the purpose of the particular water body should be considered upon declaring water quality. Water

quality may be evaluated through gathering data containing the salinity, amount of dissolved

oxygen, and turbidity (Floridakeys.noaa.gov, n.d.). Furthermore, these factors, along with pH,

vegetation, and temperature, affect the presence of aquatic macroinvertebrates (Extension.usu.edu,

2019). The present study focuses on the use of scientific methods to collect and interpret data about

the population of benthic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators of water quality.

Macroinvertebrates
 Macroinvertebrates or “benthos” are organisms that are seen with the naked eye and are

living in an aquatic environment, usually on rocks, logs, and aquatic plants. (Tampus et al, 2012;

Superada & Tampus, 2015) These animals do not have a backbone and are considered as

biomonitoring species. (Superada & Tampus, 2015; Dacayana, Hingco, & Socorro, 2013) Prone

to being sensitive to changes that happen in their habitat, macroinvertebrates are widely used in

determining water quality. These species serve as bioindicators of environmental conditions

especially in assessing the effects of pollutants in an aquatic territory. They become of service as

indicators by the use of their diversity, richness, and abundance. Thus, macroinvertebrates are of

great use in measuring the effects of pollution and determining water quality.(Tampus et al, 2012;

Flores & Zafaralla, 2012; Dacayana et al, 2013 )

Biological diversity

Biological diversity is defined in this study as the variety and variability among living

organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur (OTA, 1987). Biodiversity is an

umbrella term, which refers to the magnitude of divergence in nature, including both number and

frequency of ecosystems, species or genes in a given system (McNeely, Miller, Mittermeier, Reid

& Werner, 1990). Biodiversity has three levels - ecosystem diversity, species and within-species

diversity, and genetic diversity, which are all essential and important for environmental health.

Biodiversity is a result of historical and evolutionary processes over long periods of time

(Kanashiro, Thompson, Yared, Loveless, Coventry, Martins-da- Silva, Degen & Amaral, n.d.).

Bio Assessment

Biological assessment (bio assessment) is an assessment of the state of a water body

dependent on the organisms living inside it. It includes reviewing the sorts and quantities of living
beings present in the water and contrasting outcomes with built up benchmark of organic

wellbeing. Researchers and scientists around the globe utilize this way to deal with legitimately

and quantitatively measure the biological strength of a water body and to screen the combined

effects of natural stressors on surface waters (Waterboards.ca.gov, n.d.).

There are various approaches in surveying the water body ecosystem. These incorporate

numerical instruments, and may include diversity indices, biotic indices, and integrated biological

indices. A perfect index should be sensitive to all stressors from human exercises applied on

biological systems; in any case, they must separate those stresses from natural variation (Lopez &

Diaz, 2015).

Diversity indices

Species diversity increases with the multifaceted nature of the environment. This diversity

considers both the lavishness and equality of species. Uniformity is a proportion of the general

wealth of various species making up the extravagance of a region. This uniformity is a significant

segment of decent variety records (Hill,M. O., 1973; Leinster, T., & Cobbold, C.A., 2012) and

communicates equally dissemination of the individuals among various species. There are

distinctive diversity indices that are used to describe the diversity of the species in a community;

like the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson records (Tiem.utk.edu, 2019). The diversity indices enable

us to evaluate effectively the condition of aquatic ecosystems. Communities with high scores of

diversity indices show great ecological conditions, while those with low scores show ecological

affected conditions (Lopez & Diaz, 2015).

Biotic Indices
 Biotic indices depend on the way that natural networks are a result of their condition, in

that various types of creatures have diverse territory inclinations and contamination resistances.

So when a natural profluent is released into a stream, intolerant life forms lessen in numbers or

vanish, while those that can endure such stresses, increases in number (Mfe.govt.nz, n.d.). Score

systems utilizing macroinvertebrates have been created to identify changes in groups; the

outcomes appear as arrangements of taxa with or without bounties, which are broken down to

deliver a score, class, or list (Armitage et al., 1983). In 1976, the Biological Monitoring Working

Party (BMWP) was set up to evaluate the organic state of a waterway, which was appropriate for

introducing the state of the biological situation of streams in the UK. BMWP works with the

ordered degree of family, and the final score is acquired by summing the individual scores of all

families present in an investigation site. Score values for individual families mirror their endurance

to pollution. Families intolerant to pollution have high scores, while families tolerant to

contamination have low scores (Hawkes 1997; Armitage et al., 1983).

The Indices of Biological Integrity

It is first produced for the use of fish communities, yet the natural foundations of IBI can

be utilized to create comparable records that apply to other taxa, for example, green growth,

macroinvertebrates and macrophytes, or even to join taxa into an increasingly far reaching

appraisal of biotic integrity. Regardless, the incentive for every measurement depends on

examination with a territorial reference site characterized by practically little or no impact from

human exercises (Karr, 1991). The IBI utilizes a mix of univariate and biotic files in an attempt to

catch with more noteworthy affectability the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on aquatic

biological systems (Abbasi & Abbasi, 2012); a few properties can be utilized for the improvement

of an IBI, yet they should be inside one of the three gatherings sorts of measurements: (a) species
abundance and arrangement, (b) trophic arrangement, and (c) plenitude and condition (Karr, 1991).

An IBI requires an examination of the record scores of test locales with the scores accomplished

by the normal living space of the area. Subsequently, the purpose of an IBI is to represent an

increasingly coordinated picture of biological system health (Abbasi & Abbasi, 2012).

Pollution

Pollution is defined as the source of dangerous substances or simply the pollutants that are

affecting the environment. Pollutants are substances caused by natural or human activities that

develop noxious effects to the inhabitants (Natural Geographic, 2011). Pollution is divided into

five subtypes - air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, sound pollution and light pollution.

In this present study, researchers will emphasize water pollution; water pollution occurs when

harmful materials such as chemicals, oil spills, sewage, pesticides, fertilizers from agricultural

runoff, or dangerous metals are being introduced in any part of the water system (Bradford, 2018).

Due to these, the contaminated water and pollutants may cause a burden on the marine ecology

and affects the biodiversity of the marine community. The best way to monitor studies biologically

in which includes water quality, is the combination of chemical and biological methods. To get

the environmental status of a given water body, macroinvertebrates are used as bio-assessment

indicators (Duan, Pan, Wang, & Xu, 2014).

2.3 Related Studies

Macroinvertebrates are organisms that are commonly sensitive to changes in their

environment. It can be used to determine water quality of certain places. In the study entitled,

“Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage in Bulod River, Lanao del Norte, Philippines,” by

Charity May L. Dacayana, Jonas T. Hingco, and Magdalene Mae L. Del Socorro,
macroinvertebrates were used as bio-monitoring species which determined the water quality of

freshwater bodies in Bulod River. The researchers conducted their study in a 21 km-coverage of

the Bulod River. The area was divided into three sampling sites, these are: upstream, midstream,

and downstream. This can be applied to the current study in which the chosen area will be divided

into three stations. In the months of October and November in 2013, the researchers collected the

macroinvertebrate samples from these sampling stations. To get the samples, a D-framed net was

positioned and a designated kicker was used to disturb the area. After which, non-invertebrates

were put back to the stream immediately and the samples were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol.

The samples were then identified in a laboratory with reference to the guide of Bouchard (2004).

Rarefaction analysis was the method used to estimate the taxa richness in each sampling site.

Moreover, the instrument that was used to measure the water quality was the Field Biotic Index

(FBI). As a result, 1198 macroivnvertebrates belonging to 24 families were gathered and

identified. Dominantly, aquatic insects were very present in the area that took up 91% of the total

population gathered. In conclusion, with the use of the FBI, the upstream station was marked with

a very good water quality. In the downstream area was identified with pollution-sensitive fauna

and lastly, the midstream station was concluded to have a fairly poor water quality due to massive

pollution from agricultural and anthropogenic disturbances. The method FBI can be a great

analyzation method to the current study.

As the current study is focused on macroinvertebrates as biological indicators of water

quality, a similar study by Superada and Tampus (2015) was used. The study used

macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality in three estuary sites in Iligan City namely

Mandulog, Tambacan, and Timoga. Due to the close proximity of the research locale of the paper,

it has become an important source of reference on how to conduct the current study which is set
to be done in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. The related study used dip net and kick net method in

collecting samples and there were six orders of macroinvertebrates recorded (Decapoda, Diptera,

Odonata, Archaeognatha, Gastropoda and Oligochaeta). Due to its high tolerance to organic

pollution, Arthropoda was present in three estuaries. Timoga has the highest rating of water quality

while Tambacan has the lowest rating recorded. Affected by anthropogenic disturbances,

Tambacan has the highest Field Biotic Index among the three sites. Field Biotic Index (FBI) refers

to the quantitative measure that includes the counting of each individual in a family. Aside from

this, the study made use of Canonical Correspondence Analysis for determining the association

between the physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates. Overall, findings of the study

showed low abundance of macroinvertebrates in Iligan City estuaries is due to low water quality

possibly caused by human disturbances.

Uherek and Gouveia (2014) further described that macroinvertebrates can contribute to the water

quality of Maroaga stream in the Maroaga cave system in Amazon, Brazil. The study was

conducted last March 29, 2008. The samples were gathered in 12 sampling locations, and were

collected with the use of kick nets method. In a white plastic tray, every sample was deposited and

segregated from the sediments with the use of forceps. The related study also identified the

taxonomic key of every sample that was collected. The related study concluded, based on the

gathered data, that among the 253 samples that were collected, all of it were included in the 25

major taxonomic groups. Based on the BMWP classification method, the stream of Maroaga was

placed in the section “good”, where it was interpreted as an aquatic environment that is "clean or

not significantly altered", without reaching the very clean water level. According to the gathered

results of the related study, even if the Maroaga stream was located in an Environmental Protection

Area, it was still not deemed as very clean water. The water from the interior of Maroaga cave,
which flows down from the stream of Maroaga, was inhabited by a number of bats that produce

their wastes on the floor of Maroaga cave, and most of the bat's waste enters that Maroaga stream,

and that may be the reason why it is not considered to be very clean water. The addition of the

guano to the stream water likely altered the physicochemical properties of the water and, in turn,

affected the macroinvertebrate community. Overall, with the help of gathered results, it was

concluded that the stream of Maroaga has a healthy macroinvertebrate network, and has a clean

environmental quality.

A study by Fajardo, Seronay and Jumawan in 2015 entitled “Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity

and Physico-chemical Characteristics of Freshwater Bodies in Tubay, Agusan del Norte.” was also

used in the current study. It evaluated freshwater bodies near nickel mining activity through

selected physico-chemical parameters and macroinvertebrates composition. Mining activities can

potentially increase sedimentation in nearby bodies of water that may result in poor habitat quality.

Monitoring macroinvertebrates can signify changes in the environment thus making it as a useful

tool in assessing aquatic habitat quality. It is an essential way to find aquatic pollution such as high

level of sediment inputs influenced by mining and other human activities. This can be useful in

the current study as it focused on three different areas specifically a commercial area, residential

area and untapped area.

2.4 Conceptual Framework

Macroinvertebrates serve as bio-indicators for the water quality in three coastal areas in

Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. In order to determine the biological diversity of macroinvertebrates,

bio-assessment method was used to determine the biological diversity of macroinvertebrates in

three of the areas. The macroinvertebrates which are naturally sensitive to the changes of their

habitat were the main indicators of the water quality of the areas. Biological diversity in the areas

would imply how much pollution is present in the area.

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design

The descriptive type of research design aims to observe and report on a certain

phenomenon. The research aimed to find the diversity of macroinvertebrates in three locations

along the coast of Gitagum (near Gemini beach resort, untapped area, and residential areas).

Records on the presence of macroinvertebrates were then used to determine the water quality of

the areas.

3.2. Entry Protocol

Before the study was conducted, communication letters were sent to the Barangay Captain

and Mayor of the Municipality of Gitagum to ask for permission to study and conduct a research

study.

3.3. Study Site

The overall area of sampling was divided into three stations. The coastal areas in Poblacion,

Gitagum (8.5614° N, 124.3865° E), which was about 12.9 meters or 42.4 feet above mean sea

level are to be labeled as: near Gemini beach resort, near residential areas and untapped areas.

Station 1 (untapped area) was located near the Gitagum Municipal Police Station. The area is

not occupied nor used by any community or a particular establishment.

Station 2 (residential area) was located 122.44 m away from Station 1. The area was occupied

by a community. The community often used the area for different activities such as gleaning and

swimming.

Station 3 (Gemini beach resort) was located 546.55 m away from Station 2. The area was an

active resort, which entertains and receives visitors every day.

Figure 1. The geographic location of the study area showing the three sampling sites.

3.4. Sampling Procedure

The location of the study site was determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS)

device by measuring geographical coordinates and elevation.

The modified transect-quadrat method will be employed. Line intercepts were established

to limit each sampling site to 100 meters by 20 meters. The collection of macroinvertebrates will

be conducted by the use of a D-frame net (FBA standard, mesh size 500 µm). The Kick Net method

was employed to dislodge the macroinvertebrates present in the water. Bamboo sticks were used

as a depth marker along with other measuring tools. Dip net method was also applied, extracting

the macroinvertebrates from the water while non-macroinvertebrates are to be returned. The

macroinvertebrates samples were placed in a water basin and recorded, with reference to the

USEPA Volunteer Stream Monitoring Methods Manual (1997). Preliminary identification of

macroinvertebrate species will be based on several field identification keys. Representative species
samples will be collected using forceps, contained in jars, and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol.

Collected samples will be brought to the laboratory for further identification and verification by

experts. Field Biotic Index (FBI) will be used as a basis in determining the water quality.

3.5. Data Analysis

Species richness was determined by the number of species present in the community.

Diversity index was determined by Shannon-Weiner Index: H = - ∑[(pi) (lnpi)] where Pi is the

proportion of each species in the sample. Simpson’s Index of Dominance was also used to

determine if the community is dominated, through the formula C= Σ(p ) where n is the number of
i
2

individuals of a species.

3.6. Assessment of the Conservation Status

The conservation status of macroinvertebrate species was determined using national

assessment criteria. National assessment was classified using the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (2019).

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Species Composition of Macroinvertebrates in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental

Nineteen species of macroinvertebrates from seventeen known genera with two

unidentified genera belonging to sixteen families were recorded from three coastal areas of

Gitagum namely of a resort, a residential area, and an untapped area.

Figure 1. Actinostella flosculifera

Order: Actiniara

Family: Actiniidae

Genus: Actinostella

Species: flosculifera

Common Name: Collared Sand Anemone

Description: It is a member of the class Anthozoa are either gonochoric or hermaphroditic. Its

diameter is 8cm-10cm. It is benthic and found in tropical places.

Figure 2. Turbo castanea

Order: Archaeogastropoda

Family: Turbinidae

Genus: Turbo

Species: castanea

Common Name: Chestnut turban

Description: Mostly found on sand, shells, and corals rubble in a shallow subtidal. It can reach a

maximum length of 5.0 cm. The shell is turbinate and is sculpted with a spiral row of beads

sometimes with small spines. It is commonly in tan to light brown color.

Figure 3. Arcitalitrus sylvaticus

Order: Amphipoda

Family: Talitridae

Genus: Arcitalitrus

Species: sylvaticus

Common Name: Lawn Shrimp

Description: It lives in rubble, debris and sometimes vegetation in stream riffles. The body can be

cylindrical, sub cylindrical or fusiform. Both the head and legs are visible from a dorsal view.

Larval period can last from 6 to 36 months. Adults can reach up to 8 mm in length.
Figure 4. Alpheus saxidomus

Order: Decapoda

Family: Alpheidae

Genus: Alpheus

Species: Saxidomus

Common name: Pistol Shrimp

Description: It has a pair of pincers, one larger pincer and the other, a small pincer. It can grow up

to 3.5 cm. The body is gray and translucent with dark bands.
Figure 5. Birgus latro

Order: Decapoda

Family: Coenobitidae

Genus: Birgus

Species: latro

Common name: Left-handed Hermit Crab

Description: The anterior body part of the crab is calcified, or hardened, while its posterior part,

protected by the shell it inhabits, is soft. The total length of the crab is 10-30mm, with shield

lengths 3-8mm.The left claw is larger than the right one. The chelipeds (claws) are purplish in

color with white tips. The walking legs are colored orange-brown with white tips.
Figure 6. Pilodius granulatus

Order: Decapoda

Family: Xanthidae

Genus: Pilodius

Species: granulatus

Common name: Crab

Description: The crab is small with dark purple-brown color. Carapace width is 20 - 40 mm while

the carapace length is 10 - 30 mm.

Figure 7. Synapta maculata

Order: Apodida

Family: Holothuriidae

Genus: Synapta

Species: maculata

Common name: Sea Cucumber

Description: Soft-bodied invertebrate with green-brown color with yellow streaks only on the

dorsal surface. The length is 28 - 35 mm and diameter 9 - 14 mm.

Figure 8. Holothuria scabra

Order: Aspidochirotida

Family: Holothuriidae

Genus: Holothuria

Species: scabra

Common name: Sea Cucumber or Sandfish

Description: The soft-bodied invertebrate is green-gray on the dorsal surface, while pale peach at

the ventral surface. The length is 80 mm and diameter is 20 mm.

Figure 9. Littorina littorea

Order: Littorinimorpha

Family: Littorinidae

Genus: Littorina

Species: littorea

Common name: Common Periwinkle snail

Description: it is a species of small sea snails that grows up to 52 mm in shell height. The shell is

often dark in color with gold yellowish bands, and has a sharp tip.
Figure 10. Monetaria annulus

Order: Littorinimorpha

Family: Cypraeidae

Genus: Monetaria

Species: Annulus

Common Name: Gold Ring Cowrie

Description: A dominant brownish shell that has darker brown border stripes along the upper side

with nearly off-white at the bottom part. Since it is a cowrie, it’s like an egg-shaped shell with a

flat surface at the bottom. It is 20 – 25 cm long. It can be usually found under rocks or seagrasses.
Figure 11. Semicassis granulata

Order: Littorinimorpha

Family: Cassidae

Genus: Semicassis

Species: granulata

Common name: Scotch Bonnet

Description: The shell is creamy white with a pale orange-brown spot on the surface. The shape is

rounded and with a diameter of 13 – 25 mm.

Figure 12. Mytilus trossulus

Order: Mytiloida

Family: Mytiloidea

Genus: Mytilus

Species: trossulus

Common Name: Mussel

Description: Mussels are wedge-shaped with a size of about 5 to 15 cm and their length not

exceeding their width. They appear to be dark in color ranging from black with a greenish color to

dark brown, with a smooth surface. They tend to attach to rocks and burrow in mud or wood.
Figure 13. Buccinum undatum

Order: Neogastropoda

Family: Buccinidae

Genus: Buccinum

Species: undatum

Common Name: Common Whelk

Description: Found on muddy sand, gravel and also rock. Sometimes present in brackish waters.

It is mainly found in subtidal zones but can also be found in intertidal zones. The length of the

body is up to 10 cm and 6 cm wide. The shell is yellow or brown with light and dark spiral spots.
Figure 14. Asteronotus mimeticus

Order: Nudibranchia

Family: Discodoridae

Genus: Asteronotus

Species: mimeticus

Common name: Sea Slug

Description: This sea slug is a soft-bodied invertebrate with maroon-brown color on the sides and

a single yellow-brown streak in the center of the dorsal surface. The length is 25 mm and diameter

15 mm.
Figure 15a. Ophiothrix Figure 15b. Ophiothrix fragilis

Order: Ophiurida

Family: Ophiothricidae

Genus: Ophiothrix

Species: fragilis

Common Name: Brittle Star

Description: Figure 15a. has a whitish color with dark spots on its arms, while Figure 15b. has

black all over. Both species have a small disc-like on the middle, about 0.1 – 3 inches. Both have

5 long arms (60 cm and longer in length) attached to its disc. It is very flexible for it to move and

squeeze to hide in corals. It can be found mostly in ragged corals or in intertidal zones.
Figure 16. Alitta succinea

Order: Phyllodocida

Family: Nereididae

Genus: Alitta

Species: succinea

Common Name: Bristle Worm

Description: It has a brown, elongated and segmented body with lighter brown on its sides. Its

body is about 20 - 25 cm long that is being covered with its thin cuticle. Its mouth is found in the

first segment of the body and its orange tail a part of the last segment. It’s usually found in intertidal

zones or near hydrothermal vents and other marine habitats.

Figure 17. Alitta virens

Order: Phyllodocida

Family: Nereididae

Genus: Alitta

Species: virens

Common Name: Bristle Worm

Description: It has a gray, elongated and segmented body with brownish on its sides. Its body is

about 80 - 90 cm in length and is covered with a thin layer of cuticle. Its mouth is found in the first

segment of the body and its tail part of the last segment. It is usually found in intertidal zones or

near hydrothermal vents and other marine habitats.

Figure 18. Hydrachna sp.

Order: Trombidiformes

Family: Hydrachenellae

Genus: Hydrachna

Common name: Water Mite

Description: Can be found in vernal pools, ponds and slow moving streams, about 2 to 3 mm long.

The most common looks like a fat spider with a bright red, round body. It has eight small legs

attached near the front and end of its body.

Figure 19. Linckia laevigata

Order: Valvatida

Family: Ophidiasteridae

Genus: Linckia

Species: laevigata

Common name: Blue Star

Description: Color morphisms commonly found are pure, dark, and light blues. The stars are 260

- 290 mm in diameter, and the arms have rounded tips. The stars have bright dotted pigments along

each arm.
Figure 20. Loxorhynchus grandis

Order: Decapods

Family: Epialtidae

Genus: Loxorhynchus

Species: grandis

Common name: Sheep Crab

Description: has a carapace, four sets of walking legs, and a set of claws, or chelipeds. Males are

larger than females. The carapace of a male can be up to 17 cm across, while females can grow to

11 cm. The shell is reddish, brown, or blue-green and is often masked.

Figure 21. Conus radiatus

Order: Neogastropoda

Family: Conidae

Genus: Conus

Species: grandis

Common name: Rayed Cone

Description: The shell’s color is pale yellowish to pale chestnut, often have deeper coloring on the

lower part. Its shell is between 30 mm and 109 mm. the lower part of the body is distant sulcate.

Its spire is striate.

Table 1. Species Composition of Macroinvertebrates in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental

Common Number of
Family Species
Name Individuals

Xanthidae Pilodius granulatus Crab 35

Mytilidae Mytilus trossulus Mussel 20

Nereididae Alitta succinea Bristle Worm 1

Nereididae Alitta virens Bristle Worm 1

Ophiothricidae Ophiotrix fragilis Brittle Star 7

Gold Ring
Cypraeidae Monetaria annulus 1
Cowrie

Ophidiasteridae Linckia laevigata Blue Star 1

Left-handed
Coenobitidae Birgus latro 411
Hermit Crab

Cassidae Semicassis granulata Scotch Bonnet 1

Holothuriidae Actinopyga echinites Sea Cucumber 1

Sea Cucumber
Holothuriidae Holothuria scabra 1
or Sandfish

Discodoridae Asteronotus mimeticus Sea Slug 5

Hydrachenellae Hydrachna sp. Water Mite 8

Talitridae Arcitalitrus sylvaticus Lawn Shrimp 6

Turbinidae Turbo castanea Chestnut turban 1

Common
Buccinidae Buccinum undatum 338
Whelk
 Collared Sand
Actiniidae Actinostella flosculifera 145
Anemone

Alpheidae Alpheus saxidomus Pistol Shrimp 4

Common
Littorinidae Littorina littorea 288
Periwinkle snail

Epialtidae Loxorhynchus grandis Sheep Crab 1

Conidae Conus radiatus Rayed Cone 451

Total 19 21 21 1727

Table 1 shows the collective species composition of the three sampling sites in Gitagum,

Misamis Oriental. The table shows that Birgus latro with 411 specimens, Semicassis granulata

with 193 specimens and Actinostella flosculifera with 145 specimens are the most abundant

species.

Table 2.1

Order Species Tapped (no. of individuals)

Actinaria Actinostella flosculifera 122

Archeogastropoda Turbo castanea 1

Amphopoda Arcitalitrus sylvaticus 1

Decapoda · Aplheus saxidomus 3

 · Birgus latro 378

· Pilodius granulatus 26

· Loxorhynchus grandis 0

Holothuriidae Actinopyga echinites 1

Aspidochirotida Holothuria scabra 1

Littorinimorpha · Littorina littorea 273

· Monetaria annulus 1

· Semicassis granulata 1

Mytiloida Mytilus trossulus 2

Neogastrapoda · Baccinum undatum 318

· Conus radiatus 233

Nudibranchia Asteronouts mimeticus 1

Ophiurida Aphiothrix fragilis 7

Phyllodocida · Alitta succinea 1

· Alitta virens 1

Trombidiformes Hydrachnenelae 1

Valvatida Linckia laevigata 0

Table 2.2
 Order Species Untapped (no. of individuals)

Actinaria Actinostella flosculifera 0

Archeogastropoda Turbo castanea 0

Amphopoda Arcitalitrus sylvaticus 5

Decapoda · Aplheus saxidomus 0

· Birgus latro 9

· Pilodius granulatus 5

· Loxorhynchus grandis 1

Holothuriidae Actinopyga echinites 0

Aspidochirotida Holothuria scabra 0

Littorinimorpha · Littorina littorea 2

· Monetaria annulus 0

· Semicassis granulata 0

Mytiloida Mytilus trossulus 0

Neogastrapoda · Baccinum undatum 0

· Conus radiatus 25

Nudibranchia Asteronouts mimeticus 2

Ophiurida Aphiothrix fragilis 0

 Phyllodocida · Alitta succinea 0

· Alitta virens 0

Trombidiformes Hydrachnenelae 7

Valvatida Linckia laevigata 1

Table 2.3

Order Species Resort (no, of individuals)

Actinaria Actinostella 28
flosculifera

Archeogastropoda Turbo castanea 0

Amphopoda Arcitalitrus sylvaticus 0

Decapoda · Aplheus saxidomus 1

· Birgus latro 24

· Pilodius granulatus 4

· Loxorhynchus grandis 0

Holothuriidae Actinopyga echinites 0

Aspidochirotida Holothuria scabra 0

Littorinimorpha · Littorina littorea 13

· Monetaria annulus 0
 · Semicassis granulata

Mytiloida Mytilus trossulus 18

Neogastrapoda · Baccinum undatum 20

· Conus radiatus 193

Nudibranchia Asteronouts mimeticus 2

Ophiurida Aphiothrix fragilis 0

Phyllodocida · Alitta succinea 0

· Alitta virens 0

Trombidiformes Hydrachnenelae 0

Valvatida Linckia laevigata 0

Table 2.4

Order Species Total (no. of individuals)

Actinaria Actinostella 145

flosculifera

Archeogastropoda Turbo castanea 1

Amphopoda Arcitalitrus sylvaticus 6

Decapoda · Aplheus saxidomus

 · Birgus latro

· Pilodius granulatus 451

· Loxorhynchus grandis

Holothuriidae Actinopyga echinites 1

Aspidochirotida Holothuria scabra 1

Littorinimorpha · Littorina littorea

· Monetaria annulus 290

· Semicassis granulata

Mytiloida Mytilus trossulus 20

Neogastrapoda · Baccinum undatum

· Conus radiatus 789

Nudibranchia Asteronouts mimeticus 5

Ophiurida Aphiothrix fragilis 7

Phyllodocida · Alitta succinea

· Alitta virens 2

Trombidiformes Hydrachnenelae 8

Valvatida Linckia laevigata 1

Figure 20. Species composition of Macroinvertebrates according to Order

Figure 20 shows the percentage composition of the Order of macroinvertebrates found in

Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. Some Families are labeled as 0% due to its automated rounding off

system for percentage values greater than 0% but less than 0.5%.

Table 3. Biodiversity Indices of the Three Study Sites

Biodiversity
Simpson's Simpson's Shannon's Shannon's
Richness
Diversity Dominance Diversity Evenness
Untapped 0.99 0.20 1.71 0.58 0.48
Tapped 0.80 0.30 1.71 0.78 0.22
Resort 0.58 0.43 1.30 0.59 0.22
 The biodiversity indices of the three study sites in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, namely

tapped, untapped and resort are listed in Table 3. The table shows that the untapped area had the

highest diversity index using both Simpson’s and Shannon’s diversity index with values of D =

0.99 and H = 1.71, respectively. High diversity indicates low dominance which is why the

untapped area had the lowest dominance index of 0.20 among the three study sites. Low dominance

means that varying species in the areas were equally distributed and this can be seen by the

evenness value and species richness of the untapped area which are 0.58 and 0.48, respectively.

These indicate that the untapped area is highly diverse with an evenly distributed number of

species. Both the tapped and resort areas had lower diversity index compared to the untapped area.

The tapped has a diversity of D = 0.80 and H = 1.71, with dominance value of 0.30, evenness value

of 0.78 and species richness of 0.22. On the other hand, the resort is the least diverse among the

study sites with a diversity of D = 0.58 and H = 1.30, dominance value of 0.43, evenness value of

0.59 and species richness of 0.22.

Conservation Status of Macroinvertebrates

Table 4. Conservation Status of Macroinvertebrates

Species Common Name Status

Actinostella flosculifera Collared Sand Anemone No Data

Alitta succinea Bristle Worm No Data

 Alitta virens Bristle Worm No Data

Alpheus saxidomus Pistol Shrimp No Data

Arcitalitrus sylvaticus Lawn Shrimp No Data

Asteronotus mimeticus Sea Slug No Data

Buccinum undatum Common Whelk No Data

Conus radiates Rayed Cone Least Concern

Diogenes pugilator Left- Handed Hermit Crab No Data

Holothuria scabra Sea Cucumber or Sandfish Endangered

Hydrachnenelae Water Mite No Data

Linckia laevigata Blue Star No Data

Littorina littorea Common Periwinkle snail No Data

Loxorhynchus grandis Sheep Crab No Data

Monetaria annulus Gold Ring Cowrie No Data

Mytilus trossolus Mussel No Data

Ophiotrix fragilis Brittle Star No Data

Pilodius granulatus Crab No Data

Semicassis granulata Scotch Bonnet No Data

 Synapta maculate Sea Cucumber No Data

Turbo castanea Chestnut turban No Data

The following conservation status of macroinvertebrates were assessed using the

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The result

shows that one species was assessed as Least Concern, another is endangered, and twenty

macroinvertebrates species had no available data in the Red List. The IUCN has no available data

on the eighteen identified species basically because these species are not commonly monitored or

studied by some researchers. Using IUCN, one species have recently been properly identified as

endangered namely Holothuria scabra commonly known as sea cucumber or sandfish (Uthicke et

al. 2005). It is commonly found in the Indo- Pacific between latitudes 30° N and 30° S (Hamel et

al. 2001). This species has been remarkably low at least 50% of its range in East Africa,

Madagascar, India, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. In Philippines, and

Indonesia, it is considered overexploited at least 25% of its range, and in China, the species have

been heavily targeted (Chen 2004, Li 2004). In New Caledonia, India and Malaysia catches have

been depleted (Hamel et al. 2001), In Torres Strait, the fishery for this species was shut in the mid-

1990s (Skewes et al. 2000). It is likewise to be overexploited in Vanuatu as the fishery has been

down since 2008. It has been primarily harvested in fisheries for hundreds of years, however, the

fishing pressure has intensely increased since the 1960s, the population of these species was

estimated to deplete by 90% over the past 25- 50 years. The species is commonly harvested for its

high value (Toral-Granda 2006, 2007). It is one of the most important species of holothurian and
it is extensively exploited in many Asian countries (Rasolofonirina pers. Comm. 2010). Various

actions to preserve these species have been observed in many Indo- Pacific countries. This species

has been banned in Papua New Guinea, India, and Fiji, and harvesting of it is closed in Vanuatu

since 2008. In the Philippines, The exporters must observe the size limit 6.35 cm (dry length) for

exportation. The collection of sea cucumber has been banned in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(Bruckner et al. 2003). Holothurian fisheries has been closed in Inhambane Province, it will return

if the population will increase (Bruckner et al.2003). The success of the ban implemented in some

countries are not yet determined in the present.

Diversity Status of Macroinvertebrates

Simpson’s index of diversity (D) measures diversity in terms of the number of species

present as well as the relative abundance of the species present in a certain area. This index

interprets D-values closer to one (1) as high diversity while D-values closer to zero (0) as low to

no diversity. Along with Simpson’s diversity is the Simpson’s dominance which implies that with

a high value of dominance, diversity is lesser, and with a low value of dominance, the diversity is

higher. In addition, Shannon’s index of diversity (H) indicates diversity in direct proportion to the

evenness and richness. This means that if Shannon’s index, evenness and richness are of high

values, usually ranging from 1.5-3.0 (Shannon’s index), the measure of diversity is also high. On

the other hand, if these values are low, the measure of diversity of the area will also be low. In

relation to the interpretation of values, this study indicates water quality based on the diversity,

dominance, evenness and richness values shown based on the computations.

In the table 2, the Untapped site shows high diversity in both Simpson’s and Shannon’s (D

= 0.99 & H = 1.71), low value of dominance, high evenness, but a low value of species richness.
Based on that, it indicates how the environment of the site is clean and habitats are present in the

area. This means that the water quality of the area is good, adaptable and species are able to live

there. For the Resort site, the values shown are low in almost all the factors, it shows low diversity

in both Simpson’s and Shannon’s (D = 0.58 & H = 1.30), high in dominance which means low

diversity as well, low in evenness and also in species richness. This points out that the environment

in this area is stressful, not clean and species aren’t able to survive that much due to intervention.

This also implies that the water quality of the area is low and not as adaptable as the untapped site

as to why habitats are not much present. Lastly, for the Tapped site, the computation shows that

this area shows high diversity in both Simpson’s and Shannon’s (D = 0.80 & H = 1.71) but not as

high as the untapped site, it has the lowest value of dominance, medium evenness, and high in

species richness, which can only mean a good environment and a high water quality. Though it

shows signs of a stress-free environment, the kinds of species present and how they adapt to certain

environment are still to be considered. In this area, species such as (please mention species nga

makadapt to dirty envi) are evident and are living in the area. These species are known for their

adaptability to certain water areas that are regarded to be dirty. This implies that in the Tapped

site, the environment must be dirty and stressful as these certain species are the ones that are

present. As the environment is viewed as disturbed and unclean, it infers that the water quality of

the area is also not good and not clean.

Discussion of the Implications of the Overall Results

Out of the 21 species, Holothuria scabra was identified to be endangered. Therefore, it is

imperative that the local government unit of Gitagum be made aware. With this information, the

LGU of Gitagum can assess the municipality's compliance with the following laws: Republic Act

No. 9593 Section 2 C which aims to promote ecologically sustainable tourism, and Republic Act
No. 9275 which aims to protect the Philippine's bodies of water from land based pollution sources.

This assessment will then make way for formulation of new policies along with awareness

programs within the municipality to protect the marine life within its shoreline, especially

macroinvertebrates which serve as indicators of water quality. Ideally, these measures are but

means to help declare specific areas of the Gitagum shoreline as a sanctuary for marine life,

preferably the untapped area with the tapped area regulated, and all three areas closely monitored.

For the rest of the species with Deficient Data and No Data at all, researchers and other experts

should make significant efforts to identify and classify these organisms to help other researchers

in studies, conservationists in active advocacy, and local residents co-existing with the animals.

OVERALL DISCUSSION?

The biodiversity of macroinvertebrates was assessed in three areas (the untapped, tapped,

and resort) in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. Species richness, diversity, dominance, and evenness

were used to interpret the data collected in the study sites. The indices used to determine diversity

are Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D), Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’). Simpson’s

Dominance (SD) was used to assess the dominance of a species and evenness was assessed using

Shannon-Weiner’s Index. For species richness, tapped area has the highest value of 0.48 and the

untapped and resort areas have an equal value of 0.22. For dominance, the resort area has the most

dominated community with Conus radiatus having 193 individuals and SD = 0.43, followed by

the tapped area also dominated by the Conus radiatus and SD = 0.30, and the least dominated

community is the tapped area with Birgus latro having 378 individuals and SD = 0.20. The most

diverse area is the untapped with D = 0.99 and H = 1.71, seconded by the tapped with D = 0.80

and H = 1.71, and the least diverse area is the resort with D = 0.58 and H = 1.30.
 Species diversity has a positive correlation with water quality. Therefore, the untapped area

was also determined to have the highest water quality among the three sites. However, some

species present in the study sites are pollution tolerant and can thrive in compromised marine

ecosystems. Species composition of the study sites must also be considered.

As for the identifying the conservation status of the species, the IUCN Red List was used.

Holothuria scabra was declared Endangered, Actinopyga echinites was declared Vulnerable,

Conus radiatus was declared Least Concern, Birgus latro was declared Data Deficient, and the

remaining eighteen species had no data on their conservation status.

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