EDITORIAL

Coral Reef Restoration, 

The Tangalan Model

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Overfishing and coral reef degradation are twin plagues that limit the capacity of our country to feed its 96 million population. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in collaboration with the University of San Carlos (USC) came up with. “Filipinnovation” on coral reef restoration. It targets nine (9) sites in the entire country including Boracay, Malay and Tangalan, Aklan. However, the pressing problems of Malay LGU, caused the suspension of the coral reef project.

In a briefing to members of the tri-media, Tangalan Fisherfolks Cooperative, and Barangay officials held on October 13, 2012 at Blue Starfish Resort, Jawili, Tangalan, Dr. Filipina Sotto, Program Leader and Head Marine Biology Section, USC explained that the coral reef restoration project is geared to promote science-based management practices through public-private partnership. As a pilot project it intends to establish 40 nursery units with 20,000 coral nubbins. After 2 months, these contraptions are moved out to open sea of not more than 10 meters water depth. Project No. 5 development started five (5) months ago with closed coordination of LGU Tangalan, ASU, DOST, DENR, and DA-BFAR.

Mr. Joey Gatus, Instructor, Biology Department, USC discussed the technical aspect of coral species, growth, reproduction and cultural requirements. According to him, corals are classified into two types which are: 1. reef building (hard species) and 2. non-reef building (soft/branching species). Hard species comprise 32.3 percent of the total population growing 2 cms. per year. The soft species 6-10 cms. reproduction could either be done by asexual (fragments) and sexual (fertilization). The requirements for optimum growth are: a) salinity – 32/1000 parts per million or salt water, b) temperature – 18-34 degree centigrade c) no sedimentation, and d) presence of hard substrate to cling into.    

The project employs the hanger type coral nursery unit made of PVC material (.5” dia) measuring three (3) cubic meters. It will have 18 series of nylon ropes (6 mm) running the whole length with 6 cm gap in between ropes. This is fixed with plastic cable ties to maintain position.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez has pledged P700,000 from the 2013 Aklan provincial budget for additional funding of coral reef restoration as part of his campaign for poverty alleviation. In the same manner, Cong. Ted Haresco of Kasangga Partylist promised P300,000 from his PDAP allocation. 

The Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) data show, coral reefs in the Philippines cover 21,000 sq km in a coastline (length) of 17,460 kms. Being the world’s second largest archipelago, the Philippines is located inside the coral triangle that includes Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Some 2,000 endemic species of fishes thrive in this marine ecosystem providing food and livelihood to 540 million people according to Amina Mohamad, UN Executive Director. 

Boracay’s Coral Reef Restoration differs from DOST-USC strategy. It uses hollow pyramid shaped reefs buds made of organic and inorganic materials. Divers position them 1 km away from the shoreline. It measures 1.2 x 1.2 m, weigh 450-500 kgms and cost P9,000 each. The target is to deploy 5,000 structures along a strategic 2 km coastline. Jose Rodriguez, Vice Chair of Sangkalikasan Cooperative averred that environment-friendly structures enhance growth of algae. Hollow block disk design serves as convenient spawning area of demersal fish species.

Dr. Theresa Mercedita Lim of DENR Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) said that the country’s fish catch has been declining since the early 1960’s. This is partly due to deteriorated status of coral reef system. Only 4 percent of the country’s coral reef is healthy, 27 percent poor, 27 percent good, and 42 percent fair.

Based on studies, it will cost $2,000 to restore a 13,000 hectares coral reef at an estimated cost of P40,000 to manage marine protected area according to Juker Tamlada, UNEP Head for Coral Reef Unit. This situation calls for the hiring of more Bantay Dagat and PNP personnel. 

There is a lot of confusion among line agencies involved in management planning of coastline and inland fishery resources. These are DA-BFAR, DENR-PAWB and DOST-USC, ASU. Overlapping of functions is responsible for the failure of some government projects. Funds are spread out too thinly with hardly noticeable results. 

LGU Tangalan initiative where 375 hectares of marine sanctuary was established in Jawili 5 years ago is encouraging development. Assisted by BFAR and US Peace Corps Volunteers the project is now tourist attraction as more indigenous fish species have returned to breed and spawn in the protected area. On October 19, 2012, Mayor Gene Fuentes is scheduled to receive plum award as model municipality for coastal resource management from BFAR Director in Quezon City. 

Coral reefs in the Philippines are seriously threatened by chronic siltation, pollution, bleaching due to El Niño, destructive fishing practices (cyanide, blast fishing, trawls fishing, muro-ami) and illegal harvesting of fish corals. Laws against violators have no teeth and seldom implemented. Dr. Sotto aptly said that you cannot protect something which you can’t understand hence the need for advocacy via information education to protect corals and to promote marine diversity. /MP