Status of Benthos and Reef Fish Communities in Pujada Bay, Davao Oriental, Mindanao

Coral reef resources, particularly corals, macrobenthos and reef fish in Pujada Bay in the southeastern coast of Mindanao were assessed in 2002 to determine their status. A one-shot standard survey methods of corals and their associate fish was conducted in the reef sites of Guang-guang, Manguihay, Lawigan, Mamali and Macambol. Soft-bottom macrobenthos in these reef sites were monitored for one year. Hard coral cover in Pujada Bay was in a poor to fair category. Reef fish had low diversity and indicator species were low in abundance - the conditions indicative of a degraded reef. Reef fishes were dominated by low-valued species and high-value species had low incidence - a profile symptomatic of overfishing. The preponderance of herbivore fish species in some reef areas bespeaks of the important role of vegetation in supporting the productivity of the reef. The reef sites supported a diverse group of macrobenthos largely, mollusks. Reefs in Macambol showed a good coral-reef fish condition while that in Mamali was in a poor state. Despite the latter, the reef supported a good number of macrobenthos and reef fish. Protective, enhancement and rehabilitation activities are needed to stop if not reverse the dismal situation of the Bay. Good management of land-based activities must also be pursued alongside reef ecosystem management.