Caulerpa J. V. Lamouroux (1809) (Chlorophyta: Bryopsidales) Species and Sites in Eastern Samar, Central Philippines

Abstract

A descriptive survey was conducted in Eastern Samar to identify the Caulerpa species, sites where these species exhibit massive populations, and the most preferred edible species. Results revealed that only four of the eleven species, C . racemosa, C . lentillifera , C . chemnitzia var . peltata , and C . cylindracea , have massive populations; The four Caulerpa sites are the municipalities of Arteche, Guiuan, Salcedo (Matarinao Bay) and Quinapondan, and species C . racemosa, C . lentillifera , and C . chemnitzia var . peltat a are most preferred edible species which are considered in the local diet. The study concludes that the distribution of Caulerpa in Eastern Samar is area-specific and should therefore be considered in resource planning and management, particularly in relation to aquaculture.