Sea Grapes (Caulerpa spp.) (Chlorophyta: Caulerpaceae) from Coron, Northern Palawan, Philippines with Notes on Their Harvest and Production
Keywords:
lato, Caulerpa, phycoculture, seaweeds, PhilippinesAbstract
Caulerpa species, collectively known as “sea grapes”, are widely cultivated and harvested in the Philippines. This study identified Caulerpa species from Coron, Northern Palawan based upon their morphology, and described for the first time the current status of Caulerpa harvesting in the municipality through a social survey. A total of two species (Caulerpa lentillifera and Caulerpa racemosa) with two varieties of the latter species (C. racemosa var. turbinata and C. racemosa var. laetevirens) were identified and distinguished by their ramuli characteristics. Data from a select group of fisherfolks, market vendors, and buyers showed that wild harvesting of sea grapes has been practiced since the 1990s, signifying that the seaweeds have been regarded as a source of food and income in the last three decades. The dry season (January to April) is perceived as the peak season for sea grape harvesting and their prices have remained constant at PhP 40.00/kg (USD 0.79/kg) over the past four years. The estimated annual income during the peak season is valued at around PhP 48,480.00 (USD 918.53). In Coron, it is suggested that the supply is adequate for their local market demand given the current harvesting methods. The possibilities of phycoculture of sea grapes have also been explored but, at present, with only limited success. This study revealed that Caulerpa is still regarded as an economically important crop that provides income and livelihood to the Calamian archipelago and has the potential to be cultivated for sustainable production and use.
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