ABSTRACT

MIRANDA, LILETH C. Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon. March 2012. Assessment of Water Quality and Fish Diversity in the Coastal Waters of Tambaling, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

Adviser: Dr. Angela Grace Toledo-Bruno This study was conducted in Tambaling, Barangay Pedro sa Baculio, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. It aimed to assess the water quality, fish diversity and recommend measures for the sustainable management of the coastal water in the area. Three stations were established for the collection of water samples to test for the temperature, turbidity, DO, BOD, and pH. The water samples were analyzed at DOST Testing Laboratory in Cagayan de Oro City. The values of tested parameters were used to compare the water quality standard set by the DENR for class SC water (fishing). Fish species found in the area were weighted and total catch of fish were determined through actual observations and interviews with fisherfolks. The entire study was done on November 2011, to January 2012. At the time of the study, average temperature of the area was 28.33C, the average BOD is 2.86 mg/L and average pH 8.23, all fall within the standard of DENR for Class SC water. However, average DO, which is 7.72 mg/L is higher as compared to the standard of DENR which is 5 mg/L. A total of 16 fish species belonging to 13 genera, and 13 families were observed in the study area. Twelve fish species are dominantly present during the sampling period. There were 4 fish species that are reported as locally extinct in the area, according to fisherfolks who were interviewed.

Bangsi (Cypselurus obligolepis) and Matangbaka (Selar crumenophthalmus) are the most abundant species caught by the fisherfolks during the fish sampling. Based on the IUCN Red List of 2011, only Bidlawan (Caesio caerulaureus) and mulmul (Choerodon anchorago) are

considered least concern out of the total 12 species. Fisherfolks related that fish catch was highest 5-10 years ago, approximated to be 17.5 to 39.6 kg of fish per day. At present, fisherfolks are able to catch about 4.5 to 17 kg per day only. Bangsi has the highest average weight of 9.79 kilograms per fisherfolk per day. Although the tested water quality parameters were within the DENR standard for Class SC water, fisherfolks accounts indicate a decline in fish diversity and catch. It is recommended that sampling should also include other water quality parameters and longer period of monitoring of fish abundance.