shela research

Introduction
Coral bleaching occurs when corals turn white due to various stress
factors like temperature, light, or nutrient changes. According to the
Environmental Stress Index (ESI), coral bleaching has harmful effects on
marine life and ocean ecosystems, leading to difficulties in reproduction and
the degradation of entire reef systems vital for people and wildlife.
In the Philippines, coral bleaching events in 2015 and 2016 affected
areas like Palawan, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Sulu, impacting the
livelihoods of many fishermen and tourism workers. The loss of coral reefs
also affects coastal protection, as they serve as natural barriers against
storms and waves. The first recorded observation of bleaching in 2015 was
in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, but ESI noted bleaching due to rising
water temperatures as early as May 2015 in various Philippine sites.
By October 2015, many sites had experienced severe coral loss.
Resilient sites had stronger water currents and better protection against
human impacts. In Osmeña Marabut Samar, where a Marine Park is located,
some corals are barely surviving, with some already dead due to climate
change and low tide. This has led to the decline in fish populations, affecting
local fishermen's catches.
To assess the impact of environmental stressors, we plan to conduct
comprehensive research and monitoring of coral reefs in affected areas,
analyzing factors such as water temperature, light intensity, nutrient levels,
and human activities. Additionally, we will collaborate with local
communities, scientists, and government agencies to gather data on the
decline in fish populations, livelihoods, and the overall health of the marine
ecosystem.
Related Review Literature
Recent literature on coral bleaching in Marine Park is represented by

the following journal articles:
In 2020, Banguilan assessed the vulnerability of coral reefs in the

Philippines, including Marabut Samar's Marine Park, to bleaching using
remote sensing data and climate models. Their findings indicated a high risk
of bleaching due to rising sea temperatures. In 2018, Pascua and Penaflor
conducted a review of coral bleaching, examining its causes and
consequences, such as ocean warming, pollution, and overfishing. They
stressed the significance of coral bleaching in the Marine Park and the
urgency of taking immediate actions to mitigate its effects. In 2020, Fidelino
provided an overview of climate change's impacts on coral reefs in the
Philippines, specifically in Marabut Samar's Marine Park. The research
emphasized the need for adaptive management strategies to conserve and
protect the coral reef ecosystem.
In 2019, another study by Fidelino conducted a baseline assessment of
coral reefs in the Marine Park, measuring coral cover, diversity, and the
effects of environmental stressors. The study revealed that coral reefs in the
Marine Park exhibited moderate to poor health, with certain areas severely
impacted by human activities like overfishing and pollution.
These articles collectively focus on the theme of effective
management strategies in Marine and Coastal Fisheries, particularly
addressing the issue of coral bleaching and its impact on coral reefs. They
emphasize the critical importance of adopting management and conservation
strategies to prevent further bleaching events and preserve reef biodiversity.
Additionally, the study under discussion examines the impacts of
coral bleaching on coral reefs and underscores the importance of
implementing suitable adaptation strategies to mitigate these effects. It
discusses various strategies employed in the Philippines, such as overfishing
control, coral restoration, and the establishment of marine protected areas.
METHODOLOGY
In order to carry out visual surveys aimed at identifying coral reef

bleaching indicators like white patches or color deterioration, a specific
sequence of steps must be adhered to while scuba diving or snorkeling:
First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that you have all the
necessary gear readily available, which includes a mask, snorkel, fins (for
snorkeling), or scuba equipment (for diving). Subsequently, you should
identify the survey area and meticulously plan your dive or snorkel route,
maintaining a depth of 6 feet below the water's surface and staying within a
1.80-meter-wide corridor on the left side of the marine park.
During the survey, pay close attention to the state of coral colonies,
being vigilant for any concerning signs like white patches, areas with faded
or pale colors, or noticeable color loss compared to nearby healthy
corals.While conducting the survey, it's crucial to document environmental
factors that could contribute to bleaching. These factors include water
temperature (measured with a Celsius thermometer), sunlight exposure
(measured with spectroradiometers to assess the full spectral distribution of
light), and salinity (measured using hydrometers to determine ocean salinity
levels). For salinity measurement, fill the hydrometer with saltwater and
note the lever's rise. You should also record detailed information about the
location, time, date, and specific observations of affected coral areas.
To examine bleached Acropora Formosa (Branching Corals), the
procedure involves obtaining tissue samples. These samples, which come
from branching corals with sizes ranging from 3 to 6 centimeters, are taken
from tagged colonies. They are then placed in individual containers and
labeled with corresponding names. The containers are left in direct sunlight
for 4-6 hours. To avoid sample mortality, and to achieve this, seawater is
added to container 1, and freshwater to container 2, with both containers
exposed to a maximum temperature of 35°C under the sun.
During this exposure, a Celsius thermometer is employed to monitor
the water temperature, while spectroradiometers measure sunlight, and
hydrometers gauge seawater salinity. Container 1 exclusively uses the
hydrometer, while container 2 can utilize either hydrometer and
spectroradiometers. After an hour of sun exposure, each container is
assessed based on the condition of the samples. To ensure the testing isn't
prematurely concluded, all coral samples must be correctly preserved for the
subsequent stages. Lastly, the data collected from the assessment should
include observations of coral colonies, specifically noting any white patches,
areas with pale or faded colors, or significant color loss compared to
neighboring healthy corals.

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Introduction

Related Review Literature

Recent literature on coral bleaching in Marine Park is represented by

In 2020, Banguilan assessed the vulnerability of coral reefs in the

In order to carry out visual surveys aimed at identifying coral reef

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