Multidisciplinary Approach to the Assessment of Buenlag-Sabangan River at Binmaley, Pangasinan Philippines

Biological and physico-chemical components of Buenlag-Sabangan River as well as stakeholders’ interventions were studied to assist the municipal government of Binmaley, Pangasinan in the preparation of a proposal for the development of the area. Results revealed 23 species of macroflora in the riparian system of the river with Rhizophora apiculata as the most important species (IVI=36.81%). The macrofloral diversity of the riparian system; however, was low (H’=1.31). Aquatic macrofaunal community, on the other hand, is composed of 20 species of fish, 11 species of crustaceans and six (6) species of mollusks. The community structure of aquatic fauna is characterized by high importance value index (IVI=43.94%) of non-edible species of small mussel (unidentified) and very low IVI (<5%) of economically important of fish species, an indication that the river is overfished. Aquatic macrofaunal diversity was also low (H=1.71). Recorded water physic-chemical parameters were within the standard set by the DENR for Class C water, which suggests that the water is fit for fish cultivation. The river and its resources were moderately utilized mostly as sources of water for fishpond, as sources  of food and livelihood. Strategies employed by local stakeholders relevant to resource protection, conservation, and management were moderately implemented; however, a more serious problem on low catch was still encountered by the respondents. Reduction in the number of fishing apparatus, provision of an alternative source of income and implementation of property right system, was proposed to increase catch per unit effort.

Keywords: Multidisciplinary approach; assessment; macroflora; macrofauna; importance value; diversity