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Multidisciplinary Approach to the Assessment of Buenlag-Sabangan River at Binmaley, Pangasinan Philippines
Authors: Shella C. Parreño Pangasinan
Number of views: 305
- Biological and physico-chemical components of Buenlag-Sabangan River as well as
stakeholders’ interventions were studied to assist the municipal government of Binmaley, Pangasinan in
the preparation of a proposal for the development of the area. Results revealed 23 species of macroflora
in the riparian system of the river with Rhizophora apiculata as the most important species
(IVI=36.81%). The macrofloral diversity of the riparian system; however, was low (H'=1.31). Aquatic
macrofaunal community, on the other hand, is composed of 20 species of fish, 11 species of crustaceans
and six (6) species of mollusks. The community structure of aquatic fauna is characterized by high
importance value index (IVI=43.94%) of non-edible species of small mussel (unidentified) and very low
IVI (<5%) of economically important of fish species, an indication that the river is overfished. Aquatic
macrofaunal diversity was also low (H=1.71). Recorded water physic-chemical parameters were within
the standard set by the DENR for Class C water, which suggests that the water is fit for fish cultivation.
The river and its resources were moderately utilized mostly as sources of water for fishpond, as sources
of food and livelihood. Strategies employed by local stakeholders relevant to resource protection,
conservation, and management were moderately implemented; however, a more serious problem on low
catch was still encountered by the respondents. Reduction in the number of fishing apparatus, provision
of an alternative source of income and implementation of property right system, was proposed to increase
catch per unit effort.