ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Master of Science in Environmental Management

The study aimed to determine the current status of Marine Protected Areas along Casiguran Sound that would serve as basis in management upgrading. The study used descriptive method of research involving multiple stakeholders like the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENRO), Barangay Captains and representatives of the Municipal Fishery and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC), the Barangay Fishery and Aquatic Resource Management Council (BFARMC), fisherfolk, divers or dive guides and selected residents who from part of the civilian fisheries patrol force in the area known as Bantay Dagat. The data were categorized and subjected to statistical treatments such as frequency count and weighted mean.
Coral reefs in Ditangol MPA is 59% while in Mabudo MPA is 40% and is under fair category. Fish species has declined from 2003 to 2019 in both MPAs investigated. Species belonging to Pomacentridae were recorded to have a greatest number of decline.
Results revealed that there is an existing management scheme implemented within the MPAs. Threats affecting the MPAs were mostly anthropogenic, industrial, and climate change. As the perceived solution to address threats, promotion of MPAs as major tourist destination was considered. Despite the laws and municipal ordinances implemented, there is a need to upgrade the current management strategies to protect the MPAs. The respondents gave recommended policies to address the threats to MPA sustainability such as policy prohibiting the use of destructive fishing gears and other destructive fishing practices.
It was recommended that strict monitoring, dissemination of IEC materials, adoption of recommended solutions and policies identified by the respondents should be implemented for the sustainability of the MPAs.