Marine red algae (Rhodophyta) in the intertidal areas of Siquijor, Philippines

Abstract

Red algae are known for their ecological and economic importance such as sources of industrial products like carrageenan and bioactive compounds with antiviral, anticoagulant and antioxidant properties. However due to coastal development, human settlement, tourism and pollution, coastal communities including algae are threatened. Siquijor, Philippines being one of the most visited tourist destinations experience influx of tourists, massive development of beach resorts and pollution which could result to the decrease in the algal abundance, cover and species richness. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the species composition of red algae in Siquijor. Red algae were collected from Tambisan, Cang-alwang and Solangon using transect line and quadrant sampling method. A total of 26 species of red algae belonging to 6 orders and 9 families were identified based on morphological and anatomical features. Tambisan has the highest number of species identified while Solangon has the least number of species which could be attributed to the anthropogenic activities. Result of the biotic similarity tests (Jaccard and Sorensen indices) revealed that there is high similarity of species found in Cang-alwang and Solangon where anthropogenic activities are observed.