TRANSPLANTATION AND SURVIVAL RATE OF SEAGRASS (Enhalus acoroides) IN THE COASTAL AREAS OF TERNATE CAVITE

Based on the Coastal Conservation Management Unit-Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office-Cavite, there is no current data about the existence of seagrass in the entire province, declaring “No Seagrass in Cavite.” This study determined the physicochemical characteristics of the donor site and transplantation site for seagrass transplantation in terms of soil texture, pH, turbidity, temperature, and salinity; monitored the survival rate of transplanted seagrass; and formulated a strategic plan to be proposed for seagrass transplantation to the estuary in Ternate, Cavite. The physicochemical characteristics were analyzed using probes, wherein three trials were conducted during the assessment. The soil samples were obtained from three sampling points at the donor and transplantation site, and a soil texture analysis was conducted using the hydrometer method. Findings revealed that the donor and transplantation site have closer values in terms of the average pH, temperature, and soil texture; however, the transplantation site has a lower average value in terms of total dissolved solids. In the first trial of transplantation, no seagrass plants survived due to the extreme occurrence of low tide, and the site was dried since the water was not sufficient. In the second trial, 48% of the population survived at the newly selected site because the newly transplanted seagrass was still submerged in the water during the lowest tide. In the proposed strategic plan, it is crucial to assess the physiochemical characteristics of both transplantation site and donor site before the transplantation to determine their compatibility. Matured Enhalus acoroides plants yielded an average survival rate and tolerance to desiccation. Regular monitoring of the number of surviving seagrasses is highly recommended.