Effects Of Cage Aquaculture to The Physicochemical Status of Mariculture Park in Tubalan Cove

Abstract

This study was conducted in Tubalan Cove to determine the levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates, nitrates, pH, salinity, temperature, and transparency; to assess the volume of fish and shellfish caught; and to evaluate the awareness level of coastal residents regarding the preservation efforts in Tubalan Cove.  Turbidity was significantly higher in Alibungog than in Tubalan and Udalo. Temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) vary insignificantly among the three sampling stations. Water parameters with high levels included COD, phosphates, and Ammonium-Nitrogen (N), while parameters with normal levels were pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, nitrite, salinity, and hydrogen sulfide. The mean age of the respondents was 39 years, and the majority had a high school education or less.  The most frequently caught fish was Nokos (squid). A typical day involved 4 hours of fishing, 4 days a week. The gill net was a common type of fishing gear.  Tuway shells were frequently caught during gleaning, which involved spending 3 hours a day, 2 days a week, gleaning. Tagad was a common type of gleaning gear. Moreover, the participants revealed that they caught more fish and shells before the establishment of cage aquaculture in the area. Respondents were moderately aware of dynamite and poison fishing, as well as the use of fine mesh nets, but were less aware of water quality monitoring. Tubalan Cove is still at a safe level.