Effects of Cage Aquaculture to the Physico-Chemical Status of Mariculture Park in Tubalan Cove

This study was conducted at Tubalan Cove, Tubalan, Malita, Davao Occidental in order to determine the amount of DO (dissolved oxygen), BOD (biological oxygen demand), phosphates, nitrates, pH, salinity, temperature, and transparency and compare them to standard levels. Awareness determination on cove preservation and catch volume in fishing and gleaning �before� and �after� establishment of cage aquaculture also included. Results revealed that turbidity is significantly higher in Alibungog than Tubalan and Udalo. Temperature, salinity, pH, and DO vary insignificantly among three sampling stations. Water parameters that are on critical level are COD (chemical oxygen demand), phosphates, and Amm-cal N while parameters still within standard levels are pH, DO, nitrate, nitrite, salinity, and hydrogen sulfide. Nokos (squid) was the frequently caught fish. Average of 4 hours daily and 4 days weekly spent in fishing; gill net was the common fishing gear. Tuway was frequently caught in gleaning, 3 hours daily and 2 days weekly was spent in gleaning, tagad was the common gleaning tool. More catch rated by respondents on fishing and gleaning �before� the establishment of cage aquacutlure, while slightly more catch �after� the establishment of cage aquaculture. Moderately aware is the awareness level on dynamite fishing, poison fishing, and illegal fine mesh net, and aware only on water quality monitoring. Tubalan Cove seawater started to deteriorate particularly on COD, phosphates, and ammonia. It is recommended to conduct regular water quality monitoring to be spearheaded either by Malita LGU, BFAR, or SPAMAST (Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology) Research Center to prevent further deterioration of seawater in the Mariculture Park of Tubalan Cove.