An assessment of the seaweed resources conducted in the project area showed at least 97 species with the red algae dominant. The biomass (wet weight) estimate range from 350 g/m2 at Prieto-Diaz to over 1 000 g/m2 in Bulusan (Llana, 1990).
Of the seaweed species found, Gelidiella acerosa and Gracilaria spp occur in abundance throughout the year. Eucheuma gelatinae, Digenea simplex, Halimenya spp are also found. The know species of Gracilaria found in the area include G. firma; G. teniustipitata, G. cylindrica, G. eucheumoides; G. salicornia; G. confervoides; Polycavernosa fastigiata; G. arcuata; and Ceratodictyon spongiosum (Llana, 1990). Further taxonomic identification of species found in the project area is being made by the Seaweed Taxonomy Consultant of the Project.
The production of seaweeds in the Province could be obtained from auxillary invoices issued by the Provincial Office of the Department of Agriculture in Sorsogon. However, not all seaweed traders obtain such invoice. Thus, the data available is not a reliable information to estimate production. Seaweed traders do not usually report the actual volume of their trade to avoid payment of dues to the government. The seaweeds consist of a mixture of Gracilaria species gathered from the reef flats. It is estimated that most of wild crops collected consist of Gelidiella acerosa which is the most abundant species. Figures 4–6 show a few common species of Gracilaria found in Barcelona and Bagacay.
