Assessment of sea grasses (families hydrocharitaceae and potamogetonadeae) in Buguis, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur.

A survey of sea grass in the intertidal zone in Buguis, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur on October 29-30, 2000 revealed the presence of 5 species belonging to 2 genera and 2 families. Four of these are identified and one is unidentified in the species level. All the species are common.

The collected species were described, identified and classified. Halodule pinifolia has the highest density (22.73), and the unidentified species has the lowest density (11.13). Halodule pinifolia has the highest frequency (1). Moreover, Halophila ovalis has the lowest frequency (0.33). Halodule pinifolia has the highest cover (2.8) while Halophila ovalis cover is about (1.36). The species with highest importance value was Halodule pinifolia (27.11) and the species with lowest importance value was Halophila ovalis about (12.08).

The distribution of sea grass species in the study area is successfully safe if they are protected. Transplantation should be done for the recovery of the damaged sea grass beds.