Species composition of seaweed biofoulers in fish cage aquaculture in Bongao Channel, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Aldimar S. BARA; Marcelita A. JEVA; Rosalina A. ADJAD; Mudzrina H. ARIK; Edgar F. SOMBLINGO; Albaris B. TAHILUDDIN

doi:10.61326/jofbs.v5i2.04

Authors

Aldimar S. BARA Mindanao State University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0428-3341
Marcelita A. JEVA Mindanao State University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4314-0591
Rosalina A. ADJAD Mindanao State University https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6304-7631
Mudzrina H. ARIK Mindanao State University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7204-0160
Edgar F. SOMBLINGO Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology - Southeast Fisheries Development Center https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4670-5054
Albaris B. TAHILUDDIN Mindanao State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3237-3552

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61326/jofbs.v5i2.04

Abstract

The excessive growth of seaweeds (macroalgal biofouling) on submerged cage structures is a severe operational constraint for fish cage aquaculture in tropical environments. This study investigated the species composition of macroalgal biofouling growing on the submerged structures of the fish cage aquaculture in Bongao Channel, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, via a qualitative survey (e.g., snorkeling around the cage systems). The primary objective was to provide a taxonomic inventory of the colonizing seaweed species to understand the biological makeup of the fouling community. Through morphological examination of the collected samples, a total of 26 species belonging to 16 distinct genera were identified, representing the three major algal divisions: Chlorophyta (green algae) exhibited the highest generic richness, including Boergesenia, Caulerpa, Chaetomorpha, Cladophora, Halimeda, Boodlea, and Ulva. Rhodophyta (red algae) were represented by Acanthophora, Actinotrichia, Chondrophycus, Yonagunia, Gracilaria, Hypnea, and Endosiphonia, while Ochrophyta (brown algae) included Padina and Sargassum. The presence of various taxa, particularly filamentous Chaetomorpha and stoloniferous Caulerpa, identifies these groups as the key structural components of the biofouling community on the cage nets. Additionally, the inventory recorded the occurrence of economically valuable red algae (e.g., Gracilaria and Hypnea) and ecologically significant brown algae (e.g., Sargassum) within the assemblage. These findings establish a critical taxonomic baseline, providing the essential species-level data required to develop targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable management practices for the floating cage aquaculture in Tawi-Tawi.

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