Integrating multi-faceted approaches in malacofauna diversity changes: Insights on ecological and resource management in a data-limited developing country
Malto, M.A.D.; Albarico, F.P.J.B.; Lim, Y.C.; Chen, C.-F.; Cayabo, G.D.B.; Chen, C.-W.; Dong, C.-D. (2025). Integrating multi-faceted approaches in malacofauna diversity changes: Insights on ecological and resource management in a data-limited developing country. Regional Studies in Marine Science 81: 103979. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103979
In: Regional Studies in Marine Science. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 2352-4855, more
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| Keywords |
Management
Overexploitation
Philippines
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Community structure; Ecological changes; Mollusk |
| Authors | | Top |
- Malto, M.A.D.
- Albarico, F.P.J.B.
- Lim, Y.C.
- Chen, C.-F.
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- Cayabo, G.D.B.
- Chen, C.-W.
- Dong, C.-D.
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| Abstract |
Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances, especially in developing countries like the Philippines. However, it is challenging to evaluate human impacts on coastal diversity and ecology with a single tool, in addition to the limited resources, scarce data, and lack of monitoring. Thus, integrating multidisciplinary approaches, various datasets, and citizen science to grasp coastal health better is imperative. This study utilized several techniques to evaluate the population trend, habitat distribution, and resource use, exemplified using two necessary coastal resources: Bivalvia and Gastropoda. Results showed that overexploitation caused changes in the malacofaunal population and cultural traditions in the area. Overall, 166 gastropod and 30 bivalve species have been recorded in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, in the Philippines since 1958. Conservation status revealed that 26 gastropod species were IUCN Red listed, four bivalve species were listed in CITES Appendix II, and one was considered vulnerable to extinction. Different habitats support unique species and present economically significant opportunities and challenges. There were 78 gastropod species, and 30 bivalve species identified either for food, shell-crafting use, or both. Current resource-use (2023) comparisons for gastropods were shell craft only > food & shell crafts, while for bivalves, were food & shell craft > shell craft > food. Over time, gleaning as a primary overexploitation practice sequentially drove economic activities, led to cultural development (festival), and resulted in the loss of important species due to poor management. A multi-faceted approach to malacofauna assessment provided a better view of a data-limited country's ecological- and resource-management developments and challenges. |
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