Ecosystem services of coastal and fisheries resources: Perspectives of high school students in Municipality of Panukulan, Polillo Island, Quezon, Philippines

The study was conducted among three hundred thirty-one (331) high school students (representing 83.59% of the total registered high school students) of Libo National High School in Barangay Libo, Municipality of Panukulan, Polillo Island, Quezon, Philippines, to assess their perception and understanding on the ecosystem functions and services, causes of degradation and destruction, and socio-economic importance of mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. Their perception, level of concern, and attitude on local environmental condition, socio-economic, and environmental issues were also determined. Results showed that the students were most knowledgeable on habitat, nursery and breeding ground function of seagrasses and coral reefs, and coastal protection function of mangroves. Majority of the students identified illegal fishing practices, uncontrolled wood harvesting and reclamation as major causes of degradation of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses, respectively. However, the students seem to be not familiar or less knowledgeable on the impact of climate change and upland anthropogenic activities to coastal ecosystems. This showed that the students were not able to reflect on the interconnectedness of upland and coastal ecosystems. The study also showed that the students were highly concerned about the quality of water in their traditional drinking wells and springs, degradation of mangroves due to uncontrolled wood cutting, and destruction of coral reef cover due to dynamite fishing. Furthermore, this study showed that the students have a positive environmental attitude, as well as awareness on social and environmental responsibility, and that they will likely participate in coastal resources management activities.