COMPOSITION OF DINOFLAGELLATE SPECIES IN BAROBO COASTAL WATERS, BAROBO, SURIGAO DEL SUR

Abstract

Dinoflagellates play an important role in marine environment. The primary task of this study is to document species diversity and abundance of dinoflagellates in Coastal Waters of Barobo. Four sampling stations were established in the area for the collection of samples. Nine physicochemical parameters of the waters were also determined in a one- shot sampling in the month of October 2011.
Dinoflagellates were determined up to species level. Among the nine physicochemical parameters determined in the four sampling stations, only temperature, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and salinity showed significant differences between stations while the rest had no significant differences. A total
of 42 dinoflagellate taxa were recorded in the coastal waters of Barobo during the month of October 2011. There were 886 total number of individuals with Pyrocystis sp. had the highest count with the percentage abundance of 12.10. Out of 42 taxa, 10 taxa were common in all sampling stations where Ceratium dominated the species composition followed by Peridinium. This abundance of
dinoflagellate species are still at the normal scenario that could be considered out of its harmful effect to the organisms at the higher trophic levels however, due to the high diversity of dinoflagellate species in this area harmful algal bloom is potential.