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S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T A S P E C T S
Implications and Recommendations
Marine scientists estimate that roughly 10–30 percent
of each habitat must be fully protected to help sustain
ecosystem functions and services. Moreover, Republic Act
8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code), recommends that at least
15 percent of municipal waters and 25 percent of mangroves
be protected. While the above recommendations are to be
applied per habitat type, in the past, coral reefs have been
given more attention in the establishment and study of MPAs.
Simulation studies of coral reef protected areas in Mabini
and Verde Island based upon current fishing intensity and
condition of fish stocks (MERF/UP/CI-Philippines, 2007)
indicate that larger total areas of fully-protected MPAs and
lower intensity of fishing is needed to sustain reef fish stocks.
Specifically, at least 53 percent and 73 percent of coral reefs
in Mabini and Tingloy, respectively, are recommended for
full protection. Although some individual MPAs in Batangas
are well managed, total marine area protected in Batangas
is only about 7 percent of municipal waters, of which only a
much smaller portion (0.1 percent of municipal waters) is fully
protected from extractive and pollutive activities.
Roughly 10–30 percent of each habitat must be fully
protected to help sustain ecosystem functions
and services.
Moreover, based upon: a) economies of scale with respect
to MPA management and enforcement patrolling costs; and
b) ease of movement of fish between core and fishing areas,
current sizes of fully protected or “no-take” MPAs (core
areas) are quite small. The Philippine MPA Support Network
currently advocates that core areas be no smaller than 20 to
30 ha with at least 50 ha preferred.
The Batangas Province SEMP already includes plans for the
establishment and strengthening of a network of protected
areas. It is thus recommended that the Batangas MPA
Network consider the above recommended minimum sizes
when setting targets for implementation.
Available technical guidelines for terrestrial and cultural
protection must also be considered in setting targets for
those other protected areas.
Habitat Protection, Restoration and Management
Protected areas for coastal habitats and heritage
References
Bautista, G. 2007. The Archeology of Calatagan, Batangas: An Evaluation for the Institution of a Cultural Resource
Management Programme in the Locality.
Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), University of the Philippines (UP), Conservation International-
Philippines (CI-Philippines). 2007. Completing the Connectivity Cycle for Adaptive Management: Coral Reef
Ecosystem-based MPA Network Management Chain.
Mendoza, Noel. BCRMF Coordinator. Personal Communication. March 2008.
Morales, Luningning. DENR-PENRO. Personal Communication. October 2007.
WWF-Philippines. 2007. Marine Protected Areas in Batangas. Presented during the Joint BBREPC-PSWMB Meeting
in November 2007.
State of the Coasts of Batangas Province
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