TITLE:
Caulerpa J. V. Lamouroux (1809) (Chlorophyta: Bryopsidales) Species and Sites in Eastern Samar, Central Philippines
AUTHORS:
Ma. Natalia A. Ciasico
KEYWORDS:
Caulerpa Species, Caulerpa Sites, Caulerpa Massive Populations, Edible Species, Central Philippines
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
12,
2024
ABSTRACT: A descriptive survey was conducted in Eastern Samar to identify the Caulerpa species, sites where these species exhibit massive populations, and the most preferred edible species. Results revealed that only four of the eleven species, C. racemosa, C. lentillifera, C. chemnitzia var. peltata, and C. cylindracea, have massive populations; The four Caulerpa sites are the municipalities of Arteche, Guiuan, Salcedo (Matarinao Bay) and Quinapondan, and species C. racemosa, C. lentillifera, and C. chemnitzia var. peltata are most preferred edible species which are considered in the local diet. The study concludes that the distribution of Caulerpa in Eastern Samar is area-specific and should therefore be considered in resource planning and management, particularly in relation to aquaculture.