Papers by Neil Angelo Abreo
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, 2020
Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is a global threat to marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems... more Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is a global threat to marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems. The main objectives of this study were to compare and characterize the AMD composition of mangrove stands that are located in a reserve area and mangrove stands that are influenced by nearby human settlement. Two study areas were chosen based on similar mangrove species composition and stand where transect quadrats (50 x 50m) were established in the area. The AMD were sampled during low tide in six subplots (5 x 5m) located in the transect quadrats in the mangrove forest of Dahican and Matiao, in Pujada bay, Davao Oriental. Various types of AMD were collected, cleaned and dried and then weighted and classified as belonging to plastics, cloths, rubber, glass, metals, wood or other items. Comparison of weight of AMD between the two study areas (Dahican and Matiao) showed no significant differences (P=0.119). In terms of comparison of different categories in the two study areas, only Matiao showed significant differences (P<0.001) with the category of cloth contributing highly at 39 g. There was no significant difference of the categories for the study area in Dahican (P=0.137). Further confirmatory studies on AMD and mangroves and its ability to trap AMDs are suggested including the impacts of AMD on marine fauna and flora.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2019
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2019
Marine litter is a global threat to marine biodiversity. However, there is a key knowledge gap on... more Marine litter is a global threat to marine biodiversity. However, there is a key knowledge gap on the impacts of marine litter in the Philippinesa country of high marine biodiversity and large exclusive economic zone. This gap is addressed here by using information shared on the internet by citizen scientists and conservation groups to assess the impacts of marine litter on megafauna. Facebook, presently the largest social media platform, was scanned for posts concerning the interaction between litter and marine species in the Philippines. Results showed thirty-two individuals from 17 species were affected by marine litter in the country. Furthermore, ingestion (61%) was the most frequent interaction reported. Mindanao was also identified as a hotspot for marine litter interactions. The study highlights the utility of social media in providing data to create an inventory of marine species adversely affected by litter and the spatial distribution of these interactions.
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2019
This version is distributed under a non-commercial no derivatives Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) ... more This version is distributed under a non-commercial no derivatives Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) user license, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and not used for commercial purposes. Further, the restriction applies that if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2017
The Fishing Industry in the Philippines plays an important role in the food and employment need o... more The Fishing Industry in the Philippines plays an important role in the food and employment need of Filipino fishers. By using anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs or payao), the Philippine tuna fisheries was transformed into a million-dollar industry. Minimal studies on exploitation rates and fish behavior around anchored FADs hampered further understanding of this fishery practice. Studies on fish behavior using Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) are good complement where data is limited. A study using semi-structured interview (n = 46) and three focus group discussions (n = 39 participants) to record fishers' knowledge and observations on the behavior of different fish species around anchored FADs was conducted. This particularly focused on attraction, retention, and departure behavior of fishes in identified FAD sites. Based on the fishers' knowledge, tuna schools are attracted to anchored FADs at 10 km distance. In anchored FADs, tuna form schools segregated by species and size. There was no relationship between the attraction distance and the reported school size and the various waiting times for fish to aggregate below the FADs. There was no variation between the species present at day or night time although fishers have reported a distinction of species found near the surface (0-10 m) and those found at other depths (11-20 m). Juvenile yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), and frigate and bullet tunas (Auxis spp.) are found to stay at 25-50 m from the FAD at a depth of >20 m. Adult oceanic tunas reside in deeper waters (75 m). The fish visual census produced similar results with the semi-structured interviews and FGDs but did not observe oceanic tunas at depths of 15-20 m in the anchored FADs examined.
IAMURE International Journal of Ecology and Conservation, 2015
Marine biodiversity plays a vital role in ecosystem resilience and stability against climate chan... more Marine biodiversity plays a vital role in ecosystem resilience and stability against climate change and alien species invasions, among others. This also plays a role in the provision of ecosystem services and functions that benefits humans. However due to anthropogenic activities and population increase, marine biodiversity have been affected most. We conducted a review using open-sourced journals on the effects of nutrient enrichment, sedimentation, heavy metals and plastic pollution in the marine environment and its implications on marine biodiversity. Lethal and sub-lethal effects were observed in different organisms that could affect marine biodiversity directly or indirectly. Direct effects include mortality of organisms while indirect effects include habitat degradation or alteration, a simplified food web, increase alien species invasion and reduced fitness of organisms. Human land use change, coastal construction activities, untreated sewage discharges, pesticides, mine tail...
IAMURE International Journal of Ecology and Conservation, 2015
Mangrove ecosystems are very important because of its many ecological and economic functions. It ... more Mangrove ecosystems are very important because of its many ecological and economic functions. It provides food, shelter, and protection to a myriad of organisms and maintains connectivity with other coastal ecosystems. It holds diverse forms of both floral and faunal associations, which are used by humans for different purposes. This review discusses the physiognomy, ethnobiology, composition of mangrove ecosystems with emphasis on associated fauna and mangrove crabs, fish production, and the human threats that can alter the stability of mangrove ecosystems. Different journal articles, books, manuals, and other online sources from both local and international sources were used to discuss the review. Mangrove ecosystems were found to be occurring in tropical and subtropical areas and are distributed horizontally in estuarine and vertically in intertidal zones due to a number of environmental and biotic factors. The ecosystem is composed of diverse associations of communities of both...
Journal of Marine and Island Cultures
The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is expected to exacerbate the marine litter problem. The use of di... more The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is expected to exacerbate the marine litter problem. The use of disposable personal protective equipment (e.g., facemasks) will result to increase in marine plastics pollution. Here we explored the potential of citizen science to determine the distribution of marine litter associated with COVID-19 in Mindanao, Philippines. Volunteers were invited through social media, contributing geotagged photographs of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Although the information is limited, results showed the possible pervasiveness of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Since the waters surrounding the Southern Philippines is known to host high marine biodiversity, the potential negative interaction of marine litter associated with COVID-19 and marine species is inevitable. The contribution of citizen science to address some of the limitations on marine litter research is highlighted and is recommended to be explored further.
Marine plastic pollution has adversely affected different species through entanglement and ingest... more Marine plastic pollution has adversely affected different species through entanglement and ingestion. Globally, 66% (81 of 123 species) of marine mammals are reported to have interacted with plastic in the marine environment, suffering negative effects. The number of marine organisms affected is expected to rise as a function of the increasing amount of plastic in the marine environment. With the high contribution of the Philippines to marine plastic pollution, this study aimed to record plastic ingestion by cetaceans found in the country. Post-mortem gastrointestinal (GI) tract examination was performed in the Deraniyagala’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon hotaula) beached in Maco, Compostela Valley, Philippines. A piece of coal and a 133 cm black polypropylene rope was suspected to have caused blockage in the GI tract of the specimen. Occlusion of GI tract by plastic is often implicated to mortality of organisms found to have ingested the material. This study provides the first evidence of plastic ingestion by M. hotaula and confirms the susceptibility of cetaceans to plastic ingestion in the Philippines.
Philippine Journal of Crop Science, 2016
Marine plastic debris is a global problem that is threatening marine biodiversity. Different mari... more Marine plastic debris is a global problem that is threatening marine biodiversity. Different marine organisms have been exposed to the lethal and sub-lethal effects of this problem. Sub-lethal effects include reduced fitness due to reduced feeding, reduced reproductive output, limb amputation, and exposure to diseases and toxic materials, while lethal effects include drowning, gastro-intestinal blockage, and stomach rupture. Marine turtles are very vulnerable to these effects since these organisms actively ingest plastic mistaking it as prey. This adds stress to the declining population of marine turtles. On 17 April 2015, a dead adult female green turtle was recovered in Brgy. Lapu-lapu, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines. Necropsy showed that several plastic materials caused blockage in the pyloric end of the stomach which may have caused the turtle’s mortality.
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2021
Litter in the marine environment, in particular plastic, is a significant threat to marine megafa... more Litter in the marine environment, in particular plastic, is a significant threat to marine megafauna. Cetaceans are known to ingest or become entangled in marine debris, likely impacting individuals and populations. Southeast Asia is a biodiversity hotspot and harbours a diverse cetacean assemblage. However, there are key knowledge gaps relating to the impact of litter in this region due the lack of experts to survey its vast coastlines. This study aims to address such gaps by using social media, gathering data from Facebook posts relating to cetacean strandings and litter across Southeast Asia between 2009 and 2019. Results show that at least 15 cetacean species have been negatively affected by litter, with ingestion most commonly affecting deep-diving species. Epipelagic and mesopelagic foragers were most vulnerable to entanglement. Davao in the Philippines was identified as a litter-related stranding hotspot. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and pygmy sperm whale (Ko...
Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is considered a global threat to the marine environment. Mortal... more Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is considered a global threat to the marine environment. Mortality from ingestion or entanglement in AMD is widely reported from marine animals and has harmful impacts on seagrass and corals. The distribution of AMD plays a vital role in its interaction with marine organisms. However, there is little information on AMD distribution in the Philippines – a country ranked as the third most significant contributor of AMD in the ocean. During the monitoring of dugong (Dugong dugon) feeding trails in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines, AMD was recorded at one of the sites surveyed. Plastic debris was the most dominant in number and weight of total AMD collected. Here we present the first quantification, characterization, and distribution of AMD in a shallow subtidal area in Mati City, Philippines. More studies are needed to assess the impacts of AMD on the marine environment and organisms, particularly within the Philippines.
Philippine Journal of Science, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic, apart from its health and economic impacts, has become a new contributor t... more The COVID-19 pandemic, apart from its health and economic impacts, has become a new contributor to marine litter. Pollution by personal protective equipment (PPE) in the environment has been recorded in different parts of the world. However, no such data is available from the Philippines. We present the first findings of a marine litter survey using an aerial drone on a beach in Davao Gulf Mindanao, Philippines, showing the first quantification of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Marine litter density was recorded at 0.7 items/m2, with plastics making up most of the identified litter. Disposable face masks made up 2% of the total litter, having a density of 0.014 items/m2. The presence of discarded PPE is a source of concern. Given that the use of PPE will continue, the number of PPE in the marine environment is expected to increase in the future. This study highlights the need to greatly improve the solid waste management of areas straddling Davao Gulf, especially in dealing...
Journal of Marine and Island Cultures
Journal of Marine and Island Cultures
Solid waste management is a perennial problem in the Philippines and this can be due to lack of i... more Solid waste management is a perennial problem in the Philippines and this can be due to lack of information dissemination on proper waste disposal. This study assessed and compared the solid waste management practices of three technical and vocational colleges in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The study utilized a combination of semi-structured interviews (n=90), and actual field collection of solid wastes with weekly sampling for three months. Result of the survey on proper solid waste disposal showed high awareness of the students from the three schools (TS, CS and VS with 37%-67%). In addition, the prevailing perception on impacts of improper solid waste disposal are the following: diseases, pollution, floods, clogging of waterways and providing mosquitoes with breeding areas. Moreover, the respondents also perceived negative impacts on local economy of the improper solid waste disposal. All solid waste found in each institution were classified as either non-biodegradable or biodegradable. A large chunk of solid wastes was primarily plastic (45%) and paper (27%) in the three schools monitored. Based on the result of the field sampling, the non
Marine litter has adversely affected many marine species. However, information on its impacts on ... more Marine litter has adversely affected many marine species. However, information on its impacts on filter-feeding elasmobranchs (such as the whale shark, Rhinocodon typus) is scarce. The Philippines is an essential habitat for whale sharks, and the lack of data on marine litter and its effects on these organisms in the country is concerning. Beached carcasses present opportunities to provide useful data and insights on the issue. On the 7th August 2018, a live whale shark was found beached in Tagum City, the Philippines, and it eventually died. As part of the post-mortem examination, the gastrointestinal tract and gills of the specimen were examined. Marine litter was found lodged in its gills, and pieces of plastic were found inside its stomach (including several pieces likely from local sources within the Philippines). This study is the first documentation of litter in whale sharks from the Philippines, confirming their vulnerability to marine litter.
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Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is considered a global threat to the marine environment. Mortal... more Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is considered a global threat to the marine environment. Mortality from ingestion or entanglement in AMD is widely reported from marine animals and has harmful impacts on seagrass and corals. The distribution of AMD plays a vital role in its interaction with marine organisms. However, there is little information on AMD distribution in the Philippines -a country ranked as the third most significant contributor of AMD in the ocean. During the monitoring of dugong (Dugong dugon) feeding trails in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines, AMD was recorded at one of the sites surveyed. Plastic debris was the most dominant in number and weight of total AMD collected. Here we present the first quantification, characterization, and distribution of AMD in a shallow subtidal area in Mati City, Philippines. More studies are needed to assess the impacts of AMD on the marine environment and organisms, particularly within the Philippines.
Marine plastic debris is a global problem that is threatening marine biodiversity. Different mari... more Marine plastic debris is a global problem that is threatening marine biodiversity. Different marine organisms have been exposed to the lethal and sub-lethal effects of this problem. Sub-lethal effects include reduced fitness due to reduced feeding, reduced reproductive output, limb amputation, and exposure to diseases and toxic materials, while lethal effects include drowning, gastro-intestinal blockage, and stomach rupture. Marine turtles are very vulnerable to these effects since these organisms actively ingest plastic mistaking it as prey. This adds stress to the declining population of marine turtles. On 17 April 2015, a dead adult female green turtle was recovered in Brgy. Lapu-lapu, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines. Necropsy showed that several plastic materials caused blockage in the pyloric end of the stomach which may have caused the turtle's mortality.
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Papers by Neil Angelo Abreo