#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002
WHS
RAMSAR
TUBBATAHA REEF MARINE PARK, PHILLIPPINES – WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park consists of two uninhabited coral atolls in
the Sulu Sea, 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The coral reef
biodiversity is outstanding, which makes this location important ecologically as well
as a popular site with divers. The park covers 33,200ha and has many species: 372
corals; 417 fish; 6 sharks; 7 seagrasses; 79 algae; and 6 cetaceans. The islets are
nesting sites for sea birds and marine turtles. Despite being remote, the Tubbataha
reefs deteriorated in the late 1980s because of destructive fishing by local and
migrant fishermen from the South and Central Philippines, Taiwan and China.
Although fishing was limited by the monsoons, living coral on the reef-flats
decreased by 24% in 5 years. The introduction of seaweed farming in 1989 and El
Niño bleaching in 1998 also damaged the reefs. The Tubbataha Reef Strategic
Environmental Plan is managed by the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development, and technical assistance is provided by research institutions and
NGOs, with financial support from the government, external grants, and user fees.
Long-term collaboration by the stakeholders reversed the damage from illegal
fishing, anchors, and collection of marine animals. Dedicated NGOs conducted
research, installed mooring buoys, and built field stations, and now are ‘responsible’
for park management, in association with the Philippine government. Tubbataha is
the only MPA in the Philippines where the Philippine Navy routinely patrols the park
and the Philippine Coast Guard controls illegal fishing. Private tourism operators
assist in law enforcement and management decision-making. This strong
collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector is critical for the
conservation of this valuable marine resource.
Ecological Monitoring: There has been annual ecological monitoring since 1997 by
WWF-Philippines. Rangers collect data on water temperature, rainfall and coral
populations. Training on seabird censuses for the rangers is scheduled for 2003.
Ecological monitoring is substantial and included in the annual and financial plans of
the management board.
Socio-economic Monitoring: The Tubbataha Management Plan stipulates socioeconomic
monitoring in the areas surrounding Tubbataha, including sustainable
resource management initiatives on Cagayancillo island, 80 nautical miles northeast
of Tubbataha, which has political jurisdiction over the Park. Information, education
and communication activities have strengthened local law enforcement, developed
training packages, and established a micro-credit facility; all in partnership with the
local government, which conducts socio-economic monitoring in partnership with
WWF-Philippines.
Monitoring Effectiveness: Ecological monitoring has been effective in management
decision-making. Baseline data were gathered in 1997 and used to compare with
recent surveys. Socio-economic monitoring has identified the community
interventions that are expected to improve the standard of living in Cagayancillo.
Coral reefs are 90% the natural resources.
Ecological Monitoring is effective.
Socio-economic Monitoring is effective.
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