Potentials of Establishing Sentinel Integrated Reef Ecosystem in Eastern Coast of Bicol Region, Philippines

Sentinel species is an important input in understanding environmental health conditions that can provide integrated and relevant information on the possible degree of impact of anthropogenic and natural causes providing information about ecological processes. Identifying “proper set” of ecosystem sentinels will enhance the capacity to monitor and predict environmental change to help guide ecosystem science and conservation efforts. In the Eastern Bicol Region, we surveyed selected areas to identify the healthy coral reefs to develop a “sentinel integrated system” that will allow regular monitoring of the best reefs and as a showcase for proper coral reef ecosystem management. Please describe the methods briefly. Results showed that there are healthy reefs and indicator organisms were found that are good candidate for a sentinel integrated system that can serve as potential markers of environmental or biological changes. Most healthy reefs are found in Eastern Al (Albay and Lagonoy Gulfs) while those in Asid Gulf and Western Albay have low reef quality. This also corresponds to deep and shallow reef areas respectively.