Comparative Morphometric Analysis of Reproductive Structures of Female Sea Urchins in Barangay Daan Lungsod and Punong, Gingoog City

The Philippines has a rich and prolific
population of sea urchins. Sea urchins are echinoderms
that play an important part in marine ecology by aiding
in the regulation of algae development and the
overgrowth of coral reefs. One notable aspect of existence
is the reproductive structure of female sea urchins,
specifically their gonad, ovary, which have been subject
to numerous quantitative analyses, like morphometric.
Morphometric Analysis is a method of obtaining
comprehensive and direct measurements when
comparing variables. The present study aims to compare
the morphometric analysis of the reproductive structure
of female sea urchins in Barangay Daan Lungsod and
Punong, Gingoog City. The study utilized a nonexperimental design by collecting 15 samples per location.
The data were then administered to an online software
program, SPSS, and employed T-test Independent.
Results revealed that sea urchins from Punong varied
significantly in length, width, and mass. However, sea
urchins from Daan Lungsod showed a significant
difference in the gross maturity index of color. While the
gross maturity of index for gross surface texture showed
no significant difference between the two sampling
locations. The present study found that sea urchins from
Punong are likely to be older and can possibly store more
nutrients than Daan Lungsod’s. However, sea urchins
from Daan Lungsod are more mature. It is recommended
to do sampling in both dry and wet seasons for more
reliability. The present study can be used to inform the
fishermen on harvesting and help manage sea urchin
populations sustainably for ecological and economic
reasons.