Marine Meiofauna in Songculan Lagoon, Songculan, Dauis, Bohol Philippines

Meiofaunal organisms are small animals found living in the benthic zones of both freshwater and marine habitats and are considered numerically dominant metazoans. Their presence in the benthic zone is important since they serve as links to higher trophic levels in the ecosystems. This study aimed to identify meiofaunal organisms found in Songculan Lagoon, Songculan Dauis, Bohol, Philippines; determine the physico – chemical properties of water and sediments in Songculan Lagoon; and compute and compare for relative abundance of the meiofaunal taxa. This study was limited to meiofaunal taxa identification up to class level. Sampling involves coring method. The results identified eleven (11) meiofaunal taxa namely; Netamoda, Copepod, Ostracod, Turbellaria, Gastropod, Flatworms, Gastroticha, Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Rotifera and Tardigrada.