Diel Patterns of Species in Balagan River, Binmaley, Pangasinan

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the diel pattern of species caught by surface gill net set at different time settings in Balagan River, Binmaley, Pangasinan. Setting of the gill net was done six times of the day, commencing at 9 to 10 AM, 2 to 3 PM, 5 to 6 PM, 9 to 10 PM, 2 to 3 AM and 5 to 6 AM. There were 13 species belonging to 12 families of finfishes and crustaceans present in the catch of surface gill net operated in Balagan River. Most of the species caught were present during the time of operations. The highest mean catch was observed during 2 to 3 AM operation with 465.00 g, followed by 2 to 3 PM with 343.75 g, 9 to 10 AM (298.50 g), 9 to 10 PM ( 223.00 g), 5 to 6 PM ( 160.50 g) and 5 to 6 AM ( 73.50 g). Despite the differences in catch, statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in terms of time operations. In terms of diel patterns of species caught, most of the species are either diurnal and nocturnal species. Three species namely, Chanos chanos, Oreochromis mossambicus and Elops hawaiiensis exhibited multi-activity patterns being present in all periods of the day.