Monday, February 28, 2011

Effects of Volcanic ashes in the blue swimming crabs of Sorsogon Bay, Philippines

Effects of Volcanic ashes in the blue swimming crabs of Sorsogon Bay, Philippines
Author: Jimely O. Flores
28 February 2011

Blue swimming crab are scientifically known as Portunus pelagicus or locally known in the languages of the Philippines as kasag, alimasag, masag, kappi, etc.
Continuous volcanic ash fall in Sorsogon Bay which is one of the fishing grounds for the blue swimming crabs is relatively unknown at present as there are no studies measuring the impacts. However, assumptions could be made basing on the biology of the organisms, the condition of the habitat and the oceanographic features and processes in that particular body of water, and the characteristics of the volcanic ashes.

Volcanic ashes are inherently acidic and when dissolved in waters result into the decreased of ph of the water concerns. It also increases turbidity as well as addition of other chemical components which may or may not affect the organisms.
Sorsogon Bay is the smallest body of water immediately within the vicinity of the Bulusan Volcano spewing ashes at the present. It is a shallow bay and relatively enclosed with an area of about 22,000 hectares, with its narrow channel opening into the inland seas near the Islands of Ticao and Burias Islands. Continuous high volume of volcanic ashes falling into the Bay may temporarily affect the physical and chemical water characteristic especially in the coastal areas especially at slack waters, rendering the waters more acidic and turbid.

The blue swimming crabs life cycle starts from being an egg attached in the mother’s abdomen. Most of the mother crabs are benthic preferring sandy bottoms in deeper marine waters. When the eggs are released from the females they became part of the organisms drifting with the surface and sub-surface currents (planktons) while undergoing different metamorphic stages for as long as 15 days until they grow and become crab instars and are ready to start a benthic life (living near or at the bottom of the sea). Being planktons, the survival and developments of the eggs and larvae of the blue swimming crabs, may be affected by the lowered pH, turbidity and the other chemicals (from the volcanic ashes) dissolving into the waters. This is especially true as the organisms are calcium carbonate builders (their shell).
When the larvae have metamorphosed into crab instars and start living as part of the benthic ecosystems, they are found to be quite abundant in seagrass and seaweeds areas maybe because of the abundant protection and food these kinds of habitats offer. However, these habitats are also prone to the higher incidence of volcanic ash accumulation as compared to the open waters where circulation maybe faster and constant. This stage of the crab lifecycle may also be said to be relatively vulnerable to the volcanic ash falls.

While the blue swimming crabs grow and mature, the blue swimming crabs undergo passive migration into the deeper waters and thus lesser prone to the impact of volcanic ashes.

In general, there is a probability that the blue swimming crabs may be directly negatively impacted by the ash falls of the Bulusan Volcano but the impact might not be immediately felt. If the impact had significantly reduced the development and survival of the affected blue swimming crabs’ eggs, larvae and juveniles, then it could be expected that the next batch of individuals expected to enter the fisheries in the future harvest seasons may be reduced.

There could also be indirect impacts of the volcanic ash falls by affecting negatively the development and survival of the other organisms and the habitat, the blue swimming crabs may in the long term be also affected.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Green Dishwashing Detergent at Health and Wellness Bazaar

green your dishwashing activities through using eco and user friendly dishwashing detergent... it could be bought from the health and wellness bazaar at Lingsat, San Fernando, La union, Philippines... Since we are also promoting the reduction and reducing of waste... We appreciate if you could bring your dishwashing detergent containers to earn discount points... See you!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Green Dishwashing Detergent at Health and Wellness Bazaar

Health and wellness bazaar just finished preparing dishwashing detergent which is eco-friendly and user friendly... it could be bought from the health and wellness bazaar at Lingsat, San Fernando, La union, Philippines... Since we are also promoting the reduction and reducing of waste... We appreciate if you could bring your dishwashing detergent containers to earn discount points... See you

Sunday, February 6, 2011

How to Celebrate a Green Valentine

February 14, 2011 is fast approaching...

Lovers and hopefuls are in frantic search of possible great and unforgettable adventures or experiences

Either with their love ones, friends, families or with themselves

Whatever or whoever would that be

Always remember to enjoy and leave healthy footprints.


Some ways we could celebrate a green valentines are:

1. Give real flowers not those made from plastic or fabric :)

2. Alternative to real expensive flowers are plants... plants may come in different types and sizes on a wide price ranges that could fit anyone's budget.

3. Give hand crafted gifts to show they are worth the time, money and effort spent, find these items at Health and Wellness Bazaar, Lingsat, San Fernando, La Union.

4. Give gifts that are worthwhile such as books, eco-friendly home items, eco-friendly and healthy personal items, etc. Wide ranges of such good products are found in the Health and Wellness Bazaar, Lingsat, San Fernandon, La Union.

5. And the most meaningful of all... Give LOVE, TIME HUGS AND SMILE...