The Philippines has tightened laws on fishing and species collection on Apo Reef to help it recover from near destruction. Gregg Yan of the World Wildlife Fund, Philippines said,
It has been declared a ‘no-take zone’ to allow the reef and the various species around it ample time to recover from years of fishing.
He said that a marine park would be established there. It is hoped that such a venture will attract tourists, yield funds for its own protection.
It is also expected to act as an alternative livelihood for local fishermen whose activities will inevitably be affected by this ban.
The Apo Reef which lies off the coast of Mindoro Island is Philippines largest coral reef. Extending to over 27,400 hectare, the Apo Reef has lost much of its coral cover due to excessive and destructive fishing methods, use of cyanide and dynamite.
Indeed, only about one-third of the corals were remaining by the 1990s.
Fishing in this area was banned in 1994, but the ban was improperly enforced. Yet it helped restore the reef somewhat. Endangered species too are being sighted at the reef.
Yan said,
A few months back, divers saw a school of over a hundred scalloped hammerhead sharks. Even giants like the whale, shark and sperm whales are being seen regularly, an indicator that biodiversity levels are returning.
In fact, the new local law instituted this week is expected to add to increased protection this ecologically sensitive spot.
