PROPONENT: Xavier University – McKeough Marine Center

Rationale:

Xavier University - Marine Station in Jasaan is home to diverse and productive coastal ecosystems, including seagrasses, and coral reefs, that are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting fisheries, and providing recreational opportunities. However, these ecosystems face increasing threats from human activities such as pollution and coastal development, as well as natural factors like climate change and extreme weather events. Understanding the current state and health of these resources is essential for their conservation and sustainable management.

An assessment of the coastal resources and water quality of coastal area fronting in Xavier University – Marine Station, Jasaan will provide critical data on the diversity and distribution of these ecosystems and key water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. This information will help identify the main anthropogenic pressures and natural factors impacting the coastal environment. The findings will inform the development of targeted conservation and management strategies, providing stakeholders and decision-makers with the insights needed to mitigate threats and enhance the resilience of Marine Station's coastal environment.

Project Description and Objectives:

This project aims to conduct an assessment of the coastal resources and water quality in the coastal waters fronting Xavier University - Marine Station, Jasaan. The diverse ecosystems in this region are vital for supporting biodiversity, fisheries, and recreational activities. By characterizing the diversity and distribution of these coastal resources and assessing water quality parameters, such as pH, TSS, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen, the project will evaluate the health and ecological condition of the coastal waters. Based on the findings, the project will provide recommendations for conservation and management actions to promote the sustainable use and preservation of the coastal resources that will enhance the resilience of these vital ecosystems.

Expected Results

The project is expected to yield a detailed inventory of the coastal resources present in the coastal water in Xavier University - Marine Station, Jasaan waters. It will provide essential data on water quality parameters. The assessment will identify major anthropogenic pressures and natural factors impacting the environment. The project will offer practical recommendations for conservation and management to promote the sustainable use and preservation of these vital ecosystems.