Apo Island Marine Reserve (Negros Oriental)
Apo Island has a protected reef where traditional fishing is allowed only in the nonsanctuary and where all nonecological, exploitive activities are prohibited and prevented.
It is an area where scientific research is conducted on a relatively undisturbed marine environment; A place where students, tourists, local residents and all interested people can observe enjoy and learn; An excellent location for underwater observation Via snorkeling or SCUBA diving; and a place to experience the ecology, both terrestrial and marine of a small tropical island.
In 1978 a coral reef conservation program was started on Apo Island by Silliman University (Marine Conservation and Development Program).
In 1980 a set of conservation guidelines were endorsed by the Barangay Council on Apo Island and the town of Dauin, Negros which has political jurisdiction over Apo.
A formal agreement making the entire Apo Island coral reef a marine reserve with a smaller fish sanctuary was accepted by the island barangay and the Dauin Municipal Council in 1985.
The island is now protected under the municipal law and managed by the Marine Management Committee of the Apo Island community with support from Dauin Municipal Government, Protected Area Management Board-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police and technical assistance from Silliman University.
The entire marine habitat around Apo Island, from the high tide mark to a distance of 500 m off shore is protected from all fishing methods or other uses destructive to the coral reef habitat.
These fishing methods include: dynamite fishing; "muro-ami" type of fishing or related methods using weighted scare lines or poles; spearfishing using SCUBA; cyanide or other strong poisons; and very small mesh gill nets.
A coral reef "fish sanctuary" and breeding area is located on the southeast corner of the island extending from the southern tip of the island to the middle of the southeast beach.
The following rules apply: no fishing or collecting is permitted; anchoring of large motorized boats is not permitted without an anchor buoy; and breeding stock for giant Tridacna clams placed in the area are strictly protected from collection.
The marine habitat outside of the "fish sanctuary" but within the marine reserve is called a traditional fishing area where all destructive fishing methods and uses are prohibited but where the following traditional fishing methods are permitted: hook and line; bamboo traps; gill nets; spearfishing without SCUBA; other types of nettingl and traditional gleaning.
The rationale supporting the marine reserve and fish sanctuary as outlined is that: the coral reef serves as habitat for fish and once physically disturbed it supports fewer and fewer fish; a "fish sanctuary" is necessary to allow coral reef fish to breed and grow to maturity without fishing; this allows reproduction rates to increase and increased numbers of larvae, juveniles and mature fish to circulate around the islands into traditional fishing areas which increases potential fish catch to local fishermen; a "fish sanctuary" where increased numbers of tame fish reside attracts SCUBA diving and snorkeling tourists to Apo; they often donate a small fee to the barangay for being allowed to visit the area; the entire marine habitat surrounding Apo is declared a marine reserve to help prevent illegal and destructive fishing activities done by outsiders to Apo; and the area on the southeast corner was chosen as a "fish sanctuary" because this topographically diverse drop off and rich coral habitat provides a good breeding ground for fishes and insures breeding and protection for a sufficient numbers of species.
A rest-cottage located on the southeast beach (fish sanctuary area) is available for day or overnight rental.
Fees, dependent on the number of visitors and their length of stay will be collected by an island resident with an official logbook.
Simple meals and fish may be purchased in the Apo village. A commercial resort is operating on the other side of the island.
Apo Island Community Center Handwoven mats ("banig") made on Apo Island are for sale by Apo women. "Banig" provide alternative income for fishing families dependent on the Apo Island coral reef.
Apo Island is located about 5 km off the southeast coast of Negros Island approximately 25 km south of Dumaguete City.
The island may be reached by a two hour "banca" (motorized outrigger boat) trip originating from Silliman Beach, on the north side of Dumaguete. Or, it may be reached by a 30 min. banca trip from Malatapay, Zamboanguita, a small town 25 km south of Dumaguete.
(Modified from the Apo Island Marine Reserve Brochure produced by then MCDP project of Silliman University. )
It is an area where scientific research is conducted on a relatively undisturbed marine environment; A place where students, tourists, local residents and all interested people can observe enjoy and learn; An excellent location for underwater observation Via snorkeling or SCUBA diving; and a place to experience the ecology, both terrestrial and marine of a small tropical island.
In 1978 a coral reef conservation program was started on Apo Island by Silliman University (Marine Conservation and Development Program).
In 1980 a set of conservation guidelines were endorsed by the Barangay Council on Apo Island and the town of Dauin, Negros which has political jurisdiction over Apo.
A formal agreement making the entire Apo Island coral reef a marine reserve with a smaller fish sanctuary was accepted by the island barangay and the Dauin Municipal Council in 1985.
The island is now protected under the municipal law and managed by the Marine Management Committee of the Apo Island community with support from Dauin Municipal Government, Protected Area Management Board-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police and technical assistance from Silliman University.
The entire marine habitat around Apo Island, from the high tide mark to a distance of 500 m off shore is protected from all fishing methods or other uses destructive to the coral reef habitat.
These fishing methods include: dynamite fishing; "muro-ami" type of fishing or related methods using weighted scare lines or poles; spearfishing using SCUBA; cyanide or other strong poisons; and very small mesh gill nets.
A coral reef "fish sanctuary" and breeding area is located on the southeast corner of the island extending from the southern tip of the island to the middle of the southeast beach.
The following rules apply: no fishing or collecting is permitted; anchoring of large motorized boats is not permitted without an anchor buoy; and breeding stock for giant Tridacna clams placed in the area are strictly protected from collection.
The marine habitat outside of the "fish sanctuary" but within the marine reserve is called a traditional fishing area where all destructive fishing methods and uses are prohibited but where the following traditional fishing methods are permitted: hook and line; bamboo traps; gill nets; spearfishing without SCUBA; other types of nettingl and traditional gleaning.
The rationale supporting the marine reserve and fish sanctuary as outlined is that: the coral reef serves as habitat for fish and once physically disturbed it supports fewer and fewer fish; a "fish sanctuary" is necessary to allow coral reef fish to breed and grow to maturity without fishing; this allows reproduction rates to increase and increased numbers of larvae, juveniles and mature fish to circulate around the islands into traditional fishing areas which increases potential fish catch to local fishermen; a "fish sanctuary" where increased numbers of tame fish reside attracts SCUBA diving and snorkeling tourists to Apo; they often donate a small fee to the barangay for being allowed to visit the area; the entire marine habitat surrounding Apo is declared a marine reserve to help prevent illegal and destructive fishing activities done by outsiders to Apo; and the area on the southeast corner was chosen as a "fish sanctuary" because this topographically diverse drop off and rich coral habitat provides a good breeding ground for fishes and insures breeding and protection for a sufficient numbers of species.
A rest-cottage located on the southeast beach (fish sanctuary area) is available for day or overnight rental.
Fees, dependent on the number of visitors and their length of stay will be collected by an island resident with an official logbook.
Simple meals and fish may be purchased in the Apo village. A commercial resort is operating on the other side of the island.
Apo Island Community Center Handwoven mats ("banig") made on Apo Island are for sale by Apo women. "Banig" provide alternative income for fishing families dependent on the Apo Island coral reef.
Apo Island is located about 5 km off the southeast coast of Negros Island approximately 25 km south of Dumaguete City.
The island may be reached by a two hour "banca" (motorized outrigger boat) trip originating from Silliman Beach, on the north side of Dumaguete. Or, it may be reached by a 30 min. banca trip from Malatapay, Zamboanguita, a small town 25 km south of Dumaguete.
(Modified from the Apo Island Marine Reserve Brochure produced by then MCDP project of Silliman University. )
Labels: Negros Oriental
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