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The molluscan fauna (gastropods and bivalves) and notes on environmental conditions of two adjoining protected bays in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

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Abstract and Figures

With the rising pressure of urbanization to biodiversity, this study aimed to obtain baseline information on species richness of gastropods and bivalves in two protected bays (Turtle and Binunsalian) in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines before the establishment of the proposed mega resort facilities. A total of 108 species were recorded, (19 bivalves and 89 gastropods). The list includes two rare miters, seven recently described species and first record of Timoclea imbricata (Veneridae) in Palawan. Threatened species were not encountered during the survey suggesting that both bays had been overfished. Turtle Bay had very low visibility, low coral cover, substantial signs of ecosystem disturbances and shift from coral to algal communities. Although Binunsalian Bay had clearer waters and relatively high coral cover, associated fish and macrobenthic invertebrates were of low or no commercial values. Upon the establishment and operations of the resort facilities, follow-up species inventories and habitat assessment are suggested to evaluate the importance of private resorts in biodiversity restoration.
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India Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2014; 2 (5): 72-90
ISSN 2320-7078
JEZS 2014; 2 (5): 72-90
© 2014 JEZS
Received: 24-08-2014
Accepted: 19-09-2014
Rafael M. Picardal
College of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences, Western Philippines
University
Roger G. Dolorosa
College of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences, Western Philippines
University
Correspondence:
Roger G. Dolorosa
College of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences,
Western Philippines University
Puerto Princesa City
5300 Philippines
Email:
rogerdolorosa@yahoo.com
The molluscan fauna (gastropods and bivalves)
and notes on environmental conditions of two
adjoining protected bays in Puerto Princesa City,
Palawan, Philippines
Rafael M. Picardal and Roger G. Dolorosa
Abstract
With the rising pressure of urbanization to biodiversity, this study aimed to obtain baseline information
on species richness of gastropods and bivalves in two protected bays (Turtle and Binunsalian) in Puerto
Princesa City, Philippines before the establishment of the proposed mega resort facilities. A total of 108
species were recorded, (19 bivalves and 89 gastropods). The list includes two rare miters, seven recently
described species and first record of Timoclea imbricata (Veneridae) in Palawan. Threatened species
were not encountered during the survey suggesting that both bays had been overfished. Turtle Bay had
very low visibility, low coral cover, substantial signs of ecosystem disturbances and shift from coral to
algal communities. Although Binunsalian Bay had clearer waters and relatively high coral cover,
associated fish and macrobenthic invertebrates were of low or no commercial values. Upon the
establishment and operations of the resort facilities, follow-up species inventories and habitat assessment
are suggested to evaluate the importance of private resorts in biodiversity restoration.
Keywords: Binunsalian Bay, bivalves, gastropods, Palawan, species inventory, Turtle Bay
1. Introduction
Gastropods and bivalves are among the most fascinating groups of molluscs that for centuries
have attracted hobbyists, businessmen, ecologists and scientists among others from around the
globe. Gastropods and bivalves with high economic importance are widely cultivated [1, 2].
Pearl oyster culture and pearl farming is a multi-million dollar industry [3, 4]. Some species (e.g.
Tectus niloticus) used in the production of pearl buttons had been transplanted outside their
natural range of distribution [5, 6], while efforts to restore the populations of overharvested
species are widely undertaken [7-10] to satisfy the rapidly increasing demands in the global
market.
Ecologically, the importance of molluscs cannot be underestimated. Grazing gastropods can
control ephiphytic and macro algal bloom [11-15]. Under laboratory condition, 20,000 juveniles
of hatchery produced gastropod Tectus (Trochus) niloticus of 4 – 7 mm in diameter can
consume sessile diatoms covering an area of 6.5 m2 within a week [16]. Bivalves as filter
feeders can help purify silted marine waters [17].
Although molluscs are of huge importance to the ecosystem and the society, not much is
known about the gastropods and bivalves of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays in Puerto Princesa
City, Province of Palawan, the Philippines. Both bays were declared as marine sanctuaries by
the City Government of Puerto Princesa in 1992 [18], but uncontrolled fishing activities could
have heavily impacted its molluscan fauna, a similar case for many paper marine sanctuaries in
the country [19].
Both bays are the proposed sites of a world class resort that any disturbance during the
construction stage and operational phase may have a long term effect on the composition and
abundance of these species. This study which sought to document the species richness of
molluscs (gastropods and bivalves) and provide notes on ecological conditions of Turtle and
Binunsalian Bays may serve as basis in proposing relevant conservation measures and could
be used as baseline in monitoring the impacts of any management interventions.
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2. Materials and Methods
The study was conducted in Turtle and Binunsalian Bays,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines (Figure 1). There
was a reconnaissance survey on 23 June 2014 to have a clear
picture of each site in terms of habitat and presence of
gastropods and bivalves. Examined areas during the
reconnaissance period were limited to shallow habitats with
corals and seaweeds. Between 27 June – 1 July 2014, night
sampling activities at different sites were conducted by
dredging at sandy-rubble and muddy habitats. During
sampling, a fish finder was used to avoid dredging over coral
reefs and sea grass beds which can both damage the dredge
and the reef ecosystems. Total dredging time was 12 h in
Turtle Bay and 6 h in Binunsalian Bay. The obtained samples
were identified based on various references [20-23]. We sought
the opinions of experts in confirming the identities of some
tentatively identified species.
Fig 1: The sampling sites in Turtle and Binunsalian Bays in Palawan, Philippines (source: Google Earth).
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Species Richness
A total of 108 species of bivalves and gastropods were
recorded in Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. Of these, 19 species
were bivalves belonging to nine families (Table 1, Figure 2). A
total of 89 gastropod species belonging to 24 families were
also recorded (Table 2, Figures 3-6).
The number of bivalve species in Turtle Bay is higher (17
species) than in Binunsalian Bay (3 species). Such high
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number could be associated with the turbid waters of Turtle
Bay which supply the required food of bivalves plus an added
benefit of concealment from shellfish collectors. However, out
of 19 bivalve species, only four (21%) are utilized as food.
Notably, a few large (~20 cm) Atrina vexillum (Pinnidae),
Chama lazarus (Spondylidae), Decatopecten radula
(Pectinidae) and Maleus maleus (Isognomonidae) were noted
within Turtle Bay. Only the Timoclea costellifera (Veneridae)
occurred in both bays.
As for gastropods, only 27 species were recorded in Turtle Bay
while 65 species in Binunsalian Bay. In spite of such high
number, only six (6.7%) of the 89 gastropod species are
utilized for local consumption. These commercially exploited
species were also low in numbers. Only one or two individuals
per commercially exploited species were encountered during
the survey. Only three gastropod species: Canarium urceus
(Strombidae), Vexillum exasperatum (Costellariidae) and
Monetaria moneta (Cypraeidae) occurred in both bays.
Taking into account the total number (108 species) of bivalve
and gastropod species, lesser number (42 or 39%) were
recorded in Turtle Bay than in Binunsalian Bay (64 or 59%).
Such could be related to the wide sandy area in Binunsalian
Bay which directly faces the open sea.
Table 1: List of bivalves encountered in Turtle (TB) and Binunsalian (BB) Bays, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
Bivalves
Family No. Species TB BB
Arcidae 1 Anadara uropigimelana (Bory St. Vincent, 1824)
Isognomonidae 2 Isognomon isognomum (Linnaeus, 1758)
3 Malleus malleus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Mytilidae 4 Septifer excisus (Weigmann, 1837)
Pectinidae 5 Decatopecten radula (Linnaeus, 1758)
6 Juxtamusium coudeini (Bavay, 1903)
7 Bractechlamys vexillum (Reeve, 1853)
Pinnidae 8 Atrina vexillum (Born, 1778)
Spondylidae 9 Chama lazarus Linnaeus, 1758
Tellinidae 10 Tellin sp1 (white)
11 Tellin sp2 (red)
Veneridae
12 Fulvia subquadrata Vidal & Kirkendale, 2007
13 Fulvia colorata Vidal & Kirkendale, 2007
14 Lioconcha fastigiata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851)
15 Vasticardium elongatum enode (G. B. Sowerby II, 1840)
16 Timoclea costellifera (Adams & Reeve, 1850)
17 Paphia textile (Gmelin, 1791)
18 Timoclea imbricata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1853)
Corbulidae 19 Corbula tunicata Reeve, 1843
Subtotal 19 17 3
Percentage 89 16
Table 2: List of gastropods encountered in Turtle (TB) and Binunsalian (BB) Bays, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
Gastropoda
Family No. Species TB BB
Acteonidae 20 Pupa affinis (A. Adams, 1855)
Buccinidae 21 Phos vandenberghi (Fraussen & Poppe, 2005)
22 Pollia fumosa (Dillwyn, 1817)
Bullidae 23 Bulla vernicosa (Gould, 1859)
Cancellariidae 24 Scalptia articularis (G. B. Sowerby I, 1832)
Cerithidae 25 Rhinoclavis aspera (Linnaeus, 1758)
26 Rhinoclavis longicaudata (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850)
Columbellidae 27 Mitrella floccata hanleyi (Deshayes, 1863)
Conidae
28 Conus arenatus Hwass, in Bruguiere, 1792
29 Conus magus Linnaeus, 1758
30 Conus thalassiarchus G. B. Sowerby I, 1834
31 Conus quercinus [Lightfoot], 1786
32 Conus eburneus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792
33 Conus tessulatus Born, 1778
Costellariidae
34 Vexillum amandum (Reeve, 1845)
35 Vexillum angustissimum (E. A. Smith, 1903)
36 Vexillum collinsoni (A. Adams, 1864)
37 Vexillum coronatum (Helbling, 1779)
38 Vexillum dilectissimum (Melvill & Sykes, 1899)
39 Vexillum exasperatum (Gmelin, 1791)
40 Vexillum formosense (G. B. Sowerby III, 1889)
41 Vexillum gruneri (Reeve, 1844)
42 Vexillum michaui (Crosse & P. Fischer, 1864)
43 Vexillum pelaezi Poppe, Tagaro & Salisbury, 2009
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44 Vexillum perrieri (Dautzenberg, 1929)
45 Vexillum scitulum (A. Adams, 1853)
46 Vexillum spicatum (Reeve, 1845)
47 Vexillum vibex (A. Adams, 1853)
48 Vexillum virgo (Linnaeus, 1767)
49 Vexillum xenium Pilsbry, 1921
Cypraeidae
50 Erosaria labrolineata (Gaskoin, 1849)
51 Palmadusta contaminata contaminata (Sowerby I, 1832)
52 Palmadusta ziczac (Linnaeus, 1758)
53 Purpuradusta gracilis (Gaskoin, 1849)
54 Monetaria moneta (Linnaeus, 1758)  
55 Cypraea tigris (Linnaeus, 1758)
56 Lyncina vitellus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Epitoniidae 57 Epitonium alata (Sowerby II, 1844)
Haminoeidae 58 Atys naucum (Linnaeus, 1758)
59 Aliculastrum cylindricum (Helbling, 1779)
Mitridae
60 Domiporta carnicolor (Reeve, 1844)
61 Domiporta filaris (Linnaeus, 1771)
62 Imbricaria conularis (Lamarck, 1811)
63 Imbricaria olivaeformis (Swainson, 1821)
64 Mitra maesta (Reeve, 1845)
65 Scabricola alabaster (Sowerby, 1900)
66 Scabricola ocellata (Swainson, 1831)
67 Ziba bacillum (Lamarck, 1811)
68 Ziba verrucosa foveolata (Dunker, 1863)
Muricidae 69 Hexaplex cichoreum (Gmelin, 1791)
70 Drupella margariticola (Broderip, in Broderip & Sowerby, 1833)
Nassariidae
71 Nassarius gemmuliferus (A. Adams, 1852)
72 Nassarius bicallosus (E. A. Smith, 1876)
73 Nassarius coronatus (Bruguière, 1789)
74 Nassarius sp.
Naticidae
75 Natica buriasiensis Récluz, 1844
76 Mammilla melanostoma (Gmelin, 1791)
77 Tectonatica venustula (Philippi, 1851)
78 Eunaticina papilla (Gmelin, 1791)
Olividae 79 Oliva carneola (Gmelin, 1791)
80 Olivella fulgurata A. (Adams & Reeve, 1850)
Pyramidellidae 81 Syrnola fasciata (Jickeli, 1882)
Ranellidae 82 Ranularia gutturnia (Röding, 1798)
Strombidae
84 Canarium erythrinum (Dillwyn, 1817)
85 Canarium urceus (Linnaeus, 1758)  
86 Conomurex luhuanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
87 Dolomena pulchella (Reeve, 1851)
88 Dolomena variabilis (Swainson, 1820)
89 Euprotomus bulla (Röding, 1798)
90 Lambis lambis (Linnaeus, 1758)
91 Lentigo pipus (Röding, 1798)
92 Terebellum terebellum (Linnaeus, 1758)
93 Terestrombus fragilis (Röding, 1798)
94 Varicospira crispata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1842)
Terebridae
95 Hastulopsis pertusa (Born, 1778)
96 Hastulopsis suspensa (E. A. Smith, 1904)
97 Myurella kilburni (R. D. Burch, 1965)
98 Strioterebrum arabellum (Thiele, 1925)
99 Terebra funiculata (Hinds, 1844)
100 Terebra subulata (Linnaeus, 1767)
Trochidae
101 Rossiteria pseudonucleolus (Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006)
102 Monilea belcheri (Philippi, 1849)
103 Jujubinus geographicus Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006
104 Pseudominolia tramieri Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006
Turridae 105 Lophiotoma leucotropis (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850)
106 Lophiotoma acuta (Perry, 1811)
Vassidae 107 Vasum tubiferum (Anton, 1838)
Xenophoridae 108 Xenophora cerea (Reeve, 1845)
Subtotal 89 27 65
30 73
TOTAL 108 44 68
Percentage 41 63
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Fig 2: The bivalves of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 1. Anadara uropigimelana, 2. Isognomon isognomum, 3. Maleus maleus, 4. Septifer excisus,
5. Decatopecten radula, 6. Juxtamusium coudeini, 7. Bractechlamys vexillum.
The finding of the rare species Timoclea imbricata
(Veneridae) in Turtle Bay, and Vexillum vibex and Scabricola
alabaster (Mitridae) in Binunsalian Bay implies the presence
of unique niches in both bays and the potential use of these
species as ecological indicators. This is also the first record of
T. imbricata in Palawan. In addition, the list includes seven
species that have been only described between 2005 and 2009:
Fulvia subquadrata, Fulvia colorata (Veneridae); Phos
vandenberghi (Buccinidae); Vexillum pelaezi (Costellariidae);
Rossiteria pseudonucleolus, Jujubinus geographicus,
Psudominolia tramieri (Trochidae) (Tables 1 and 2). Such
continued discovery is suggesting that many species are yet
unknown to science. The number of species in the current list
is expected to increase with continued exploration and
documentation of gastropods and bivalves in both bays.
The combined number of species (108 species) from Turtle
and Binunsalian Bays were higher than those recorded from
the mangrove and estuarine (65 species) areas of Iwahig River
[24] but fewer compared with the more than 200 species in
offshore Tubbataha Reefs [25]. Unregulated harvesting can
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significantly affect the population of harvested species. For
example, poaching in Tubbataha Reefs had significantly
reduced the populations of the reef gastropod Tectus (Trochus)
niloticus [26, 27]. In Iwahig River, the abundance of the
mangrove clam Polymesoda erosa is lower in open accessed
areas compared to areas under the jurisdiction of the Iwahig
Penal Farm [28]. In Turtle and Binunsalian Bays, the reefs
appeared to have been stripped with commercially important
macrobenthic invertebrates. Threatened species such as giant
clams, topshells, sea cucumbers, tritons and helmet conchs
were not encountered, suggesting a relatively low abundance
in the area. With such low number of commercially important
gastropods and bivalves (10 species or 9.3% of the total
species), it is clear that both bays were overfished [29], and
shares the same condition of the so many paper marine
sanctuaries in the country [19]. This justifies the need to
strengthen/revise the conservation schemes employed
following the declaration of both bays as marine sanctuary
more than two decades ago.
Fig 3: The bivalves of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 8. Atrina vexillum, 9. Chama lazarus, 10. Tellin sp. 1 (white), 11. Tellin sp. 2 (red)
12. Fulvia subquadrata, 13. Fulvia colorata.
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3.2. Notes on Environmental Conditions
The water in Turtle Bay was generally turbid (~1-3 m
visibility) making it difficult to find the molluscs during the
reconnaissance survey. Dredging was difficult at the inner
shallow areas having deep muddy substrate. Such could be due
to soil erosion from the surrounding agricultural sloping fields
and inadequate water exchange because of small bay opening.
Hard coral cover at the reef crest was generally low (~10%).
There were lots of broken coral colonies and patches of rubble.
This condition could have been caused by anchors of fishing
boats that seek shelter during the day and in times of bad
weather. There appears a high nutrient load as manifested by
many coral colonies being gradually overtaken by green algae
such as Halimeda spp. and Caulerpa spp. There were also
some bleached corals. By contrast, Binunsalian Bay had
clearer (~5-8 m visibility) water possibly because of its rocky-
sandy coastline and wide opening which directly flushes the
silted water towards the Sulu Sea. Live coral cover was high
(~50%) yet devoid of commercially important fishes,
gastropods, bivalves and echinoderms. Not a single rock
boring giant clams were noted suggesting high level of
exploitation. Giant clams, topshells and other macrobenthic
reef invertebrates can be very visible in successfully managed
protected areas [9, 30, 31].
Measures to rehabilitate the damaged reefs [32] to restore the
lost ecological and economic values [33] must be set in place.
To hasten the recovery of lost species, reintroduction maybe
considered as the first option [5, 6, 10, 34, 35]. The restoration of
biodiversity through effective partnership among the local
government units, private entities and academe [9, 36-38] can
benefit the adjacent open accessed areas through spill-over
effects [39-41].
Fig 4: The bivalves of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 14. Lioconcha fastigiata, 15. Vasticardium elongatum enode, 16. Timoclea costellifera.
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Fig 5: The bivalves of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 17. Paphia textile, 18. Timoclea imbricata, 19. Corbula tunicata.
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Fig 6: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 20. Pupa affinis, 21. Phos vandenberghi, 22. Pollia fumosa, 23. Bulla vernicosa,
24. Scalptia articularis, 25. Rhinoclavis aspera, 26. Rhinoclavis longicaudata, 27. Mitrella floccata hanleyi.
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Fig 7: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 28. Conus arenatus, 29. Conus magus, 30. Conus thalassiarchus,
31. Conus quercinus, 32. Conus eburneus, 33. Conus tessulatus.
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Fig 8: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 34. Vexillum amandum, 35. Vexillum angustissimum, 36. Vexillum
collinsoni, 37. Vexillum coronatum, 38. Vexillum dilectissimum, 39. Vexillum exasperatum.
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Fig 9: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 40. Vexillum formosense, 41. Vexillum gruneri, 42. Vexillum michaui,
43. Vexillum pelaezi, 44.Vexillum perrieri, 45. Vexillum scitulum, 46. Vexillum spicatum 47. Vexillum vibex, 48. Vexillum virgo, 49. Vexillum
xenium.
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Fig 10: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 50. Erosaria labrolineata, 51. Palmadusta contaminata contaminata, 53. Purpuradusta
gracilis, 54. Monetaria moneta, 55. Cypraea tigris, 56. Lyncina vitellus.
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Fig 11: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 57. Epitonium alata, 58. Atys naucum, 59. Aliculastrum cylindricum, 60. Domiporta
carnicolor, 61. Domiporta filaris, 62. Imbricaria conularis, 63. Imbricaria olivaeformis, 64. Mitra maesta, 65. Scabricola
alabaster, 66. Scabricola ocellata, 67. Ziba bacillum, 68. Ziba verrucosa foveolata.
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Fig 12: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 69. Hexaplex cichoreum, 70. Drupella margariticola, 71. Nassarius gemmuliferus,
72. Nassarius bicallosus, 73. Nassarius coronatus, 74. Nassarius sp., 75. Natica buriasiensis, 76. Mammilla melanostoma, 77. Tectonatica
venustula, 78. Eunaticina papilla.
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Fig 13: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 79. Oliva carneola, 80. Olivella fulgurata, 81. Syrnola fasciata, 82. Ranularia
gutturnia, 83. Turritriton labiosus, 84. Canarium erythrinum, 85. Canarium urceus, 86. Conomurex luhuanus, 87. Dolomena pulchella.
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Fig 14: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 88. Dolomena variabilis, 89. Euprotomus bulla, 90. Lambis lambis, 91. Lentigo pipus,
92. Terebellum terebellum, 93. Terestrombus fragilis, 94. Varicospira crispata, 95. Hastulopsis pertusa, 96. Hastulopsis suspense,
97. Myurella kilburni, 98. Strioterebrum arabellum, 99. Terebra funiculata, 100. Terebra subulata.
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Fig 15: The gastropods of Turtle and Binunsalian Bays. 101. Rossiteria pseudonucleolus, 102. Monilea belcheri, 103. Jujubinus geographicus,
104. Pseudominolia tramieri, 105. Lophiotoma leucotropis, 106. Lophiotoma acuta, 107. Vasum tubiferum, 108. Xenophora cerea.
4. Acknowledgement
We are thankful to the management of Kamia Bay Resort,
Seven Seas Corporation and the Western Philippines
University for the logistical support. Thanks to the comments
and suggestions of Dr. Lota A. Creencia on the early draft of
this paper.
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... Most studies on mollusc species in the Philippines were based on the collections of mollusc species by many foreign researchers, such as Hugh Cummings' collections from 1836 to 1840 [9]. There have been a few studies focusing on the locality of marine macro molluscs, such as the studies conducted on Catanduanes Island by Masagca et al [10], in Binunsalian and Turtle Bays by Picardal and Dolorossa [11], in Iwahig River-Estuary by Dolorossa and Dangan-galon [12], in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park conducted by Dolorossa et al [13], and in Palawan, and Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) conducted by Batomalaque et al [9]. In addition to these, there are also a few studies conducted in part of Mindanao, such as the survey conducted in Hadji Panglima Tahil, Province of Sulu [14], in Alabel and Maasim, Sarangani Province [15], and in Padada, Davao del Sur [16]. ...
... In contrast, in the study of Arabaca et al. [20], Muricidae is the best-represented family in Ajuy, Iloilo, Western Visayas. In contrast, in Palawan [11] and Padada, Davao del Sur [16], the family Costellariidae and Nassariidae were the best-represented, respectively. This study recorded an even species richness of marine macro molluscans' bivalves and gastropods, with 52 and 54 species, respectively. ...
... This can be compared to previous studies conducted on a few areas, such as the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, the Kalayaan group of islands, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, which found a significant difference in the species richness of bivalves and gastropods. Briefly, Masagca et al. [10] [11], 50 gastropods and 15 bivalves recorded in Iwahig River-Estuary-Palawan [12], and 69 gastropods and nine bivalves recorded from Kalayaan Islands [9]. There were 43 gastropods and 29 species of bivalves recorded in Ajuy, Iloilo, Western Visayas [20]. ...
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There have been very few studies on mollusk diversity in remote areas of the Philippines. The coastal areas of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, are ideal for studying marine molluscs because they have been discovered to be abundant, diverse, and essential to the locals’ livelihood. However, due to the remoteness of the mentioned area, this lack of information remains scientifically lacking. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diversity of marine macro-molluscan bivalves and gastropods in the intertidal areas of Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Purposive sampling and transect methods assessed the species composition, abundance, and occurrence of marine macro bivalves and gastropods. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to determine the area’s diversity. A total of 557 individual molluscs were sampled and classified, obtaining 43 species of bivalves from 32 genera and 18 families and 47 species of gastropods from 34 genera and 20 families. The family Veneridae had the highest among the bivalves, and the family Strombidae had the highest species richness among the gastropods. This study provided baseline information on the status of marine macro molluscan bivalves and gastropods in the intertidal area of Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. As a result, this will provide solid empirical evidence for conservation and sustainability plans.
... Mangrove gastropods play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance, including in the food chain as herbivores, fungivores, carnivores, omnivores, scavengers, and detritivores (Rusnaningsih 2012;Alongi 2009;Pramudji 2001). Gastropods also play a role in controlling biodiversity in the intertidal zone, including controlling the growth of macroalgae and epiphytes (Duarte et al. 2020;Astiti et al. 2021) through their grazing activity and accelerating the process of litter decomposition carried out by microorganisms by tearing and reducing newly fallen litter (Pramudji 2001;Rusnaningsih 2012;Silaen 2013;Picardal and Dolorosa 2014;Zamprogno et al. 2023). Gastropods in the mangrove ecosystem also have economic value. ...
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Purnama MF, Prayitno SB, Muskananfola MR, Suryanti. 2024. Tropical gastropod density and diversity in the mangrove forest of Totobo Village, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1663-1675. The mangrove ecosystem of Totobo Village, Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia is a habitat for various species of edible and economically important gastropods. This research aims to determine mangrove gastropods' density and ecological index (diversity). This research was carried out from June to September 2023 in the mangrove ecosystem of Totobo. This research adopts purposive sampling and systematic random sampling techniques to determine stations and place the distribution of sampling points (sub-stations). The gastropod sample collection was done using the handpicking method or manually. More than 34 species of gastropods (14 families and 24 genera) were found in the mangrove ecosystem of Totobo. The diversity index (H' = 3.07) of gastropods in the Totobo mangrove ecosystem is directly proportional to the species richness value (R = 4.43), which is in the high category. The evenness index is in the medium category (E = 0.89), and the dominance index (C) has a value of 0.01, meaning no dominance of a particular species. The condition described is a representation of a system of homeostasis or environmental balance that is currently being maintained. This directly impacts the optimal biological activity (physiology) of the gastropod community and other aquatic organisms in the mangrove ecosystem (estuary) of Totobo Village.
... Seagrass ecosystems with good conditions play an essential role in recycling various nutrients in the marine environment, which are then utilized by multiple biotas to form important and complex network chains [38]. Macrobenthos, in their whole life, plays a role in recycling nutrients, helping to purify muddy marine waters [39], and contributing to bioerosion, recruitment, and energy transfer in aquatic ecosystems [40]. ...
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Taka Bonerate waters are the third largest atolls in the world, rich in marine biodiversity, natural structures and aesthetics. Seagrass beds in these waters grow well on small islands, one of the coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity and have many benefits for humans in economic, social and cultural aspects. This study aimed to examine the diversity, distribution, and abundance of macrobenthos in several small islands in the Taka Bonerate National Park, South Sulawesi. The study was conducted using the quadratic transect method. A total of 24 species of macrobenthos, representing 11 species and six genera of the gastropod; 8 species and seven genera of bivalves; and 2 species and four genera of the echinoderm group were recorded. Families Conidae and Strombidae of the gastropod groups have relatively more diverse species than other families. Two species with relatively high density were represented by Protoreaster nodosus and Tripneustes sp. from the echinoderm group (class Asteroidea) with 1.15 individuals/m ² and 0.91 individuals/m ² and with a frequency of attendance of 62.50% and 75.00%, respectively. Other species of macrobenthos density, diversity, uniformity, and richness index vary between stations which relatively diverse distribution of macrobenthic fauna with a stable community. There were two clusters formed, one with more than 50% similarity and the other with low similarity. It was concluded that the relationship between macrobenthos species composition and seagrass habitat at each observation station was quite strong, where the diversity of macrobenthic species tend to increase in seagrass habitats.
... Besides the Philippine cockatoo, Dangan-Galon et al. (2015) also recorded a total of 91 mangrove-associated vertebrate species including 15 Palawan endemics. Picardal and Dolorosa (2014) also recorded 108 molluscan fauna in two bays of Puerto Princesa, including two rare mitres (intertidal gastropods), seven newly described species and first record of the gastropod Tricolia imbricata. ...
... Besides the Philippine cockatoo, Dangan-Galon et al. (2015) also recorded a total of 91 mangrove-associated vertebrate species including 15 Palawan endemics. Picardal and Dolorosa (2014) also recorded 108 molluscan fauna in two bays of Puerto Princesa, including two rare mitres (intertidal gastropods), seven newly described species and first record of the gastropod Tricolia imbricata. ...
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Southeast Asia is an area of rich marine biodiversity providing a host of ecosystem services that contribute to the well-being of coastal communities and beyond. Sustainable management of ecosystems and the services they provide requires a good understanding of their underlying ecological functions and processes. This understanding can be gained through the rigorous assessment of studies identifying and quantifying ecological functions and ecosystem services. The aims of this study were to review the ecosystem services provided by marine and coastal habitats in Southeast Asia. The ecosystem service potential was scored for each habitat. The review was focused on nine key marine and coastal habitats, identified across four case study sites in Southeast Asia, contributing 18 marine relevant ecosystem services. The approach comprised a literature review supplemented with observations from experts from the case study areas. The four case study sites consist of three Man and Biosphere Reserves in Southeast Asia: Palawan in the Philippines, Cu Lao Cham- Hoi An in Viet Nam, Take-Bonerate Kepulauan Selayar in Indonesia, and a recently gazetted marine protected area, the Tun Mustapha Marine Park in Malaysia. The nine key habitats (eight benthic and one pelagic) covered in this review, identified as highly relevant for most case study sites, were mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sand, mud, rock, coarse substratum, pelagic and modified habitats. Further division of these habitats into sub-habitats on the basis of biological type and substrate type was used to capture data on differential provision of ecosystem services within the broad habitat types.
... As we only isolated the Mollusca studies which were conducted in seagrass meadows, the number of publications on Mollusca (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) was found comparatively lower than the other habitats. The trends in Gastropoda and Bivalvia studies in the Coral Triangle were primarily characterized by the discovery of new species, diversity, and habitat preferences with feeding habits (Swadling 1977;Cob et al. 2008Cob et al. , 2014Idris et al. 2008aIdris et al. , b, 2009Reich et al. 2014;Picardal and Dolorosa 2014;Hamsiah et al. 2016;Andrew et al. 2018;Hassan et al. 2019;Al-Asif et al. 2020). ...
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Area of the Coral Triangle (CT), namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, comprises 5.7 million km2 of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most bio-diverse marine eco-regions on the planet, as well as a global hotspot for seagrass species. Many sea creatures of this eco-region rely on the seagrass ecosystem, especially dugong species extensively (a total number of 2279 individuals), sea turtles (4–6 species), benthic organisms, and fish. Apart from these ecological services, carbon sequestration (2.6 billion Mg CO2 storage) by the seagrass ecosystem is considerably higher in comparison to terrestrial vegetation. In this paper, we scrutinized previously acknowledged seagrass species distribution, the associated fauna in seagrass meadows, the total carbon sequestration in the Coral Triangle, past and present research conducted on seagrass and other aspects, and major threats to seagrass ecosystems within this biogeographic region. Depending on their different locations, the six CT countries have a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 19 seagrass species that belong to four distinct families (Hydrocharitaceae, Cymodoceaceae, Zosteraceae, and Ruppiaceae) and cover almost 58,550.63‬ km2. While a total of 21 species of seagrass have been found throughout this eco-region, very little research has been conducted to assess the overall status of the ecosystems within this eco-region. Seagrass ecosystems and services from these habitats within the Coral Triangle are also associated with 100 million human inhabitants, who are supported directly or indirectly by the resources of this ecosystem. These inhabitants may cause considerable disturbance to seagrass ecosystems. For the long-term sustainable management and conservation of these ecosystems, two types of threats, namely local human activities and global transboundary issues including climate change, have been identified and need to be taken into consideration. In terms of human activities, local threats include water quality deterioration due to sewage and pollutant discharge, agricultural activities mainly from palm oil plantations, over-exploitation of seagrass-associated resources, sediment runoff, and destructive fishing practices. Global threats comprise macro and microplastics, sea-level rise due to climate change, global warming, and acidification. Further study of social, cultural, and economic interaction between the local inhabitants and seagrass ecosystems is highly recommended for assessing the ecological and economic contribution of this habitat to the human societies of the Coral Triangle. Despite their importance for human food services and the maintenance of the food web for marine and coastal animals, human activities have a negative impact on seagrass ecosystems around the world, particularly in the Coral Triangle.
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Kabupaten Aceh Utara memiliki potensi sumberdaya hayati laut yang melimpah salah satunya adalah bivalvia. Sebagai langkah awal dalam pengelolaan dan pemanfaatan potensi bivalvia di wilayah Kabupaten Aceh Utara maka perlu dilakukan penelitian terkait dengan keanekaragaman dan kepadatan bivalvia. Tujuan penelitian untuk melihat keanekaragaman dan pola sebaran bivalvia di Perairan Kabupaten Aceh Utara. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli - Agustus 2022 di perairan Kabupaten Aceh Utara. Metode yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan plot 1 x 1 m dengan analisis PCA dan cluster. Hasil penelitian melaporkan ditemukan 7 jenis bivalvia di Kabupaten Aceh Utara yaitu Geloina erosa, Donax cuneatus, Crassostrea sp1., Crassostrea sp2., Maretrix sp., Donax faba, dan Anadara granosa. Keanekaragaman bivalvia di Kabupaten Aceh Utara tergolong rendah berkisar 0 – 0,67. Ada jenis yang mendominasi dengan kepadatan tertinggi yaitu jenis A. granosa yaitu sebesar 23 Ind/m2. Kepadatan tertinggi bivalvia ditemukan pada Kecamatan Syamtalira Bayu yaitu sebesar 19 Ind/m2. Karakteristik kualitas perairan masih dalam rentang baku mutu untuk kelangsungan kehidupan biota laut. A. granosa telah dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat Aceh Utara untuk dijual atau dikonsumsi sendiri. Untuk mengatasi masalah eksploitasi secara berlebihan maka perlunya pengelolan sumberdaya kerang ini untuk pemanfaatan secara berkelanjutan. North Aceh District has abundant marine biological resource potential, one of which is bivalves. As a first step in the management and utilization of the potential of bivalves in the North Aceh district, it is necessary to carry out research related to the diversity and density of bivalves. The aim of the study was to look at the diversity and distribution patterns of bivalves in the waters of North Aceh District. The research was carried out in July - August 2022 in the waters of North Aceh Regency. The method used was purposive sampling with a 1 x 1 m plot with PCA and cluster analysis. The results of the study reported that there were 7 types of bivalves in North Aceh District, namely Geloina erosa, Donax cuneatus, Crassostrea sp1., Crassostrea sp2., Maretrix sp., Donax faba, and Anadara granosa. Bivalve diversity in North Aceh District is low, ranging from 0 to 0.67. There is a type that dominates with the highest density, namely A. granosa, which is 23 Ind/m2. The highest density of bivalves was found in Syamtalira Bayu District, which was 19 Ind/m2. Characteristics of water quality are still within the range of quality standards for the survival of marine biota. A. granosa has been used by the people of North Aceh for sale or self-consumption. To overcome the problem of overexploitation, it is necessary to manage these shellfish resources for sustainable use.
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Desa Sungai Nibung is a village located in Teluk Pakedai District, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. This village is one of the conservation areas established by the Regional Government of West Kalimantan Province in 2020. Desa Sungai Nibung has a high diversity of natural resources, one of which is gastropods. Gastropods are organisms that act as grazers, scavengers, and predators. These organisms can live in waters, coastal and terrestrial. Its diversity has been reported to be more than 75,000 species. Several gastropods have been used by the local community as food with a high protein source. Gastropods found on the coast of Sungai Nibung Village are Ellobium, Cassidula, Nerita, Neritina, Chicoreus, Cerithidea, Littoria, Potamopyrgus, and Onchidium.
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The Philippines has rich marine resources but are threatened by the effects of climate change and other activities made by humans. There is an inadequate or scarcity in literature on prominent impacts of climate change on the country’s rich biodiversity, specifically on marine ecosystem, thus this study aimed to determine the diversity of marine macro molluscan gastropods and bivalves on the intertidal areas of Ajuy, Iloilo, Western Visayas, Philippines. Marine macro gastropods and bivalves were surveyed monthly from October 2015 to March 2016 and transect method was carried out to assess species composition, abundance and occurrence. Shannon-Wiener index (H’) was utilized to determine the diversity of marine macro molluscan gastropods and bivalves in the area. Coefficient of correlation was used to determine correlation between physico-chemical properties of sea water with the diversity index value. There were a total of 8,705 individual mollusks sampled and classified up to 43 species of gastropods having 28 genera belonging to 20 families and 29 species of bivalves belonging to 22 genera out of 14 families. The family Muricidae was the best represented in species richness among the gastropods and family Veneridae among the bivalves. In family wise landing among the gastropods, the maximum number recorded was Batillariidae having a relative abundance of 46%. In bivalves, the most abundant family was Veneridae with 20.25% relative abundance. The Shannon-Wiener index value revealed that the area was still normal in terms of species diversity. Temperature and DO of sea water were positively correlated with the H’, whereas pH and salinity were negatively correlated. This study provided baseline information as to the status of marine macro molluscan gastropods and bivalves in the intertidal area of Ajuy, Iloilo, Western Visayas, Philippines.
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In an ecosystem that had experienced large-scale disturbance such as the Supertyphoon Haiyan in 2013, four years after; gastropods and bivalves were started to be amassed by local gleaners in seagrass and bare patches in shallow waters of Tacloban City. In order to compare which among the two microcosms would have higher abundance, four stations were established along the coastlines of Burayan, San Jose; Magsaysay Boulevard, Anibong, and Caliro, Diit. Laying two 50-meters transect lines in each station; one for seagrass and one for bare patches. Results showed that 12 gastropods: Cerithiidae sp., Terebralia sulcata, Laevistrombus turturella, Terebralia palustris, Clypeomorus sp., Nicilla lamellose, Rapana sp., Bittium eschrichtii, Nasarius reticulatus, Tectus conus, and two unidentified species. On the other hand, bivalves included: Perna viridis, Anadara transversa, Trachycardium sp., Leukoma staminae, and one unidentified species. More gastropods were collected in bare patches while seagrasses indicated evenness and higher abundance in both bivalves and gastropods. Though there were no rehabilitation efforts done for ecosystem recuperation, bivalves, and gastropods communities started to emerge. Rehabilitation of surviving seagrass after a large-scale disturbance is necessary to sustain surviving communities.
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The utility of no-take marine reserves as fisheries-management tools is con-troversial. It is hypothesized that marine reserves will help to sustain fisheries external to them by becoming net exporters of adults (the ''spillover effect'') and net exporters of propagules (the ''recruitment effect''). Local fishery benefits from spillover will likely generate support from fishing communities for marine reserves. We used underwater visual census to show that biomass of Acanthuridae (surgeonfish) and Carangidae (jacks), two families of reef fish that account for 40–75% of the fishery yield from Apo Island, Phil-ippines, tripled in a well-protected no-take reserve over 18 years (1983–2001). Biomass of these families did not change significantly over the same period at a site open to fishing. The reserve protected 10% of the total reef fishing area at the island. Outside the reserve, biomass of these families increased significantly closer to (200–250 m) than farther away from (250–500 m) the reserve boundary over time. We used published estimates of fishery catch and effort, and fisher interviews (creel surveys) to show that the total catch of Carangidae and Acanthuridae combined at Apo Island was significantly higher after (1985– 2001) than before (1981) reserve establishment. Hook-and-line catch per unit effort (CPUE) at the island was 50% higher during 1998–2001 (reserve protected 16–19 years) than during 1981–1986 (pre-reserve and early phases of reserve protection). Total hook-and-line effort declined by 46% between 1986 and 1998–2001. Hook-and-line CPUE of Acanthuridae was significantly higher close to (within 200 m) than far from the reserve. CPUE of Carangidae was significantly higher away from the reserve, possibly reflecting a local oceanographic effect. The benefits of the reserve to local fisheries at the island were higher catch, increased catch rate, and a reduction in fishing effort. The fishery and tourism benefits generated by the reserve have enhanced the living standard of the fishing community.
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In this study of marine bivalves and gastropods of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), Palawan, Philippines, we photo-document 96 species, including 17 species of bivalves (in seven families), an 79 species of gastropods (in 29 families). Of these, 64 species (eight bivalves and 56 gastropods species) were new recorded from the park. The list also includes the seven species of giant clams which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and three nationally protected gastropod species (Cassis cornuta, Charonia tritonis and Tectus niloticus). Thirty-six species that were previously reported at the park were not found in this study, which suggests that there are at least 132 species of gastropods and bivalves at TRNP. Our observations were limited at intertidal and shallow subtidal reefs in the park, suggesting that the number of species in the list may rise with an extensive survey.
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Iwahig River-Estuary in Palawan, Philippines is one of the least disturbed river-estuary systems where biodiversity remains undocumented. In this study, the molluscan fauna of Iwahig River-Estuary is based on samples taken from three site groups: mangrove forest, lower reaches of the river, and intertidal flat near the river mouth. We have listed a total of 15 bivalves and 50 gastropods species spread over among 25 families and 45 genera. Some of these species are habitat specific while others overlap across study sites. Among the recorded species Nassarius pullus and Anadara uropigimelana had the widest range of distribution occurring in mangrove forest, river bed, and intertidal flats thereby considered as a potential biological indicator for climate change adaptation and mitigation studies. Commercially exploited species for food and local shell craft industry include nine bivalves and two gastropods. Some other species have the potentials for aquaculture and shell trade. Exploring the potentials of these species as source of sustainable income for the locals is suggested.
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Poaching a significant volume of the reef gastropod topshell Tectus niloticus in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) in 2006 to 2007 has prompted the management to seek detailed information on the impact of such illegal activities. To determine the present status and trends of topshell population in TRNP and to gather background information about poaching and trade, a follow up assessment in 2008 was conducted. Data on trading and poaching were derived from interviews and other secondary data. Abundance of topshells varied according to three surveyed depths; the highest was in the middle sites (~1.5m), followed by intertidal (1m); and the lowest abundance occurred at 5m deep sites. The abundance in 2008 was 75% lesser than in 2006. Since 2004, there were 33 cases of poaching apprehensions in the park, of which, 15 were topshell related, involving 26 boats and 190 fishermen. The promising economic benefit and the demand in black markets, plus the assurance to collect much volume, appeared to be the driving forces for topshell collection in TRNP. To prevent further decline on topshell populations, there is a need to sustain law enforcement and patrolling in the park.
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The shellfish mariculture industry of Maine was once dominated by oysters. In recent years, however, that emphasishas shifted to the harvest of wild and cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). More than 300 metric tons are currentlybeing harvested annually by the region’s largest mussel farm alone; total production in Maine (the nation’s leader inmussel harvest) in 1985 exceeded 2.9 million kg, with a value of $2.1 million. Production goals of over 10,000 kg ofmeat/ha annually are currently being met; potential production may exceed 12,000 kg/ha/yr in areas of high currents.Although several types of suspended culture are used in northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes, mostproduction is from natural beds or “cultured” beds where mussels have been redistributed by culturists to reducedensity and increase shellfish growth. Overcoming marketing constraints, by cleaning shells and reducing the incidenceof pearls, has led to this growing industry. Further expansion will require addressing problems of dispostion of marketingwastes, predation by eider ducks, and conflicts between mussel draggers and coastal lobster fisheries.
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Spillover, the net export of adult fish, is one mechanism by which no-take marine reserves may eventually have a positive influence on adjacent fisheries. Although evidence for spillover has increased recently, mechanisms inducing movement of adult fish from reserve to fished areas are poorly understood. While density-dependent export is a reasonable expectation, given that density of fish targeted by fisheries should increase over time inside well-protected no-take reserves, no study to date has demonstrated development of the process. This study provides evidence consistent with density-dependent export of a planktivorous reef fish, Naso vlamingii, from a small no-take reserve (protected for 20 years) at Apo Island, Philippines. Mean density of N. vlamingii increased threefold inside the reserve between 1983 and 2003. Density approached an asymptote inside the reserve after 15-20 years of protection. Modal size in the reserve increased from 35 to 45 cm total length (TL) over 20 years of protection. In addition, both density and modal size increased outside the reserve close to (200-300 m), but not farther from (300-500 m), the reserve boundary over the 20 years of reserve protection. Movement of adult N. vlamingii across the boundaries of the reserve was rare. Aggressive interactions among adult N. vlamingii were significantly higher (by 3.7 times) inside than outside the reserve. This suggests that density-dependent interactions were more intense inside the reserve. When interacting adults differed in size, the larger individual usually chased away the smaller one. Furthermore, the mean size of adult fish captured by experimental fishing decreased from 35-cm TL 50-100 m outside the boundary, to 32-cm TL 250-300 m outside the boundary. This represents some of the best evidence available for density-dependent home-range relocation of fish from a no-take reserve.