Presentation on Apo Reef updates 2013

• 1. APO REEF NATURAL PARK the precious gift of God to the people of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, PhilippinesPresented by: EMS I ROBERT P. DUQUIL Assistant PASu, Apo Reef Natural Park DENR-CENRO, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF APO REEF NATURAL PARK Location It lies under the clear blue waters of the West Philippine Sea. 15 nautical miles west of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro 20 nautical miles northeast of the Calamian Groups of Islands, Northern Palawan. 2 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF APO REEF NATURAL PARK3 4. Area: 15,792 hectares Marine: 15,763 has Land Area: 29 hasBuffer Zone Area: 11,677 hectares (All Marine)Total Area: 27,469 hectares (PA + Buffer Zone)4 5. Apo IslandApo MenorCayos del Bajo5 6. 1980 - Apo Reef was designated as Marine Reserve (Presidential Proclamation No. 1801). 1992 - Apo Reef was included in the initial listing of IPAS sites all over the country pursuant to RA7586, also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.6 7. 1994 - Apo Reef became part of the Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project (CPPAP). The CPPAP officially ended on June 30, 2002. 1996 - Apo Reef was declared as a Protected Area under the category of Natural Park (Presidential Proclamation 868) and its surrounding waters as Buffer Zone pursuant to RA7586 or NIPAS Act of 1992.7 8. Habitat and Ecosystem Mangrove Habitat Mangroves serve as a vital nursery area for juvenile fishes and nutrient production that contribute to the aquatic food chain. The mangrove forest and the lagoon are home to several species of fish, stingrays, jellyfishes, marine plants and other marine organisms. The mangrove forest also serves as habitat 8 for several species of shorebirds. 9. Habitat and Ecosystem Beach Habitat (Sandy Beaches, Beach Forest, Karstic Rock)9 10. Habitat and Ecosystem Marine Habitat (Coral Reefs, Lagoons, Seagrass & Algal Flat)10 11. Present Status and Conditions Flora and Fauna 47 species of migratory and resident breeders birds 46 species of plants (terrestrial) 7 species of seagrasses 26 species of algae 385 species of fishes (85 families) 78 genera of marine invertebrates 190 species of hard and 7 species of soft corals (species of hard corals represent 38% of 488 known species of hard corals in the Philippines) 11 12. Coral Cover 16.09% - CY 2009 Survey The condition of the reef transects for the whole study was poor. In spite of the generally poor hard coral cover in ARNP, the coral communities in several monitoring stations of the park remained diverse. Coral Species 190 species of hard and 7 species of soft corals (species of hard corals represent 38% of 488 known species of hard corals in the Philippines)12 13. Coral Cover of Apo Reef from 1994 to 2009 Year SurveyedCoral Cover199433%DENR-CEP thru UPMSI199933%DENR-CPPAP thru PCU and PIU Staff200337.13%DENR & WWF/KKP thru Mr. E. Applied Environmental Sciences200651.03%DENR & WWF/KKP thru Mr. E. Applied Environmental Sciences200916.09%DENR & WWF/KKP thru Consultants13 14. Reef Fish (based on CY 2009 Survey) Species Richness 281 species from 37 families Total Abundance 22,176 individuals Biomass 1,411 kg (from the 15 stations surveyed) Average Biomass Estimate 188.14 tons/km Standing Stock of Reef Fish 6,396.76 tons (based on the average biomass estimate and the total coral cover/reef area of 34 km) Fish Species 385 species of fishes (85 14 families) 15. Comparison of 1994, 2003, 2006 and 2009 survey data of reef fishes at Apo Reef Natural Park are summarized as follows: Parameter1994200320062009148 species225 species226 species281 species24 families30 families30 families3712,075 individuals10,121 individuals9,246 individuals22,176 individualsEstimated Fish Biomass512 kg231 kg1,238 kg1,411 kgMean Estimated Fish Biomass Estimates (fish counts converted into weights per unit area)107.39 tons/km66.13 tons/km330.14 tons/km188.14 tons/ kmStanding Stocks of Reef Fish (based on the average biomass estimate and the total coral cover/reef area of 34 km)3,651.26 tons2,248.42 tons11,302.96 tons6,396.76 tonsSpecies Richness Abundance15 16. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of WildlifeNear Threatened Species (IUCN 3.1)Vulnerable Species (Under DAO 2004-15, pursuant to RA 9147)Species listed under CITES (Appendix I) 28 June 1979Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)16 17. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of WildlifeGreen Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Species listed under CITES (Appendix I) 1 July 1975Endangered Species (IUCN 3.1; DAO 2004-15, pursuant to RA 9147)17 18. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of WildlifeHawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Critically Endangered Species (IUCN 3.1; DAO 2004-15, pursuant to RA 9147) Species listed under CITES (Appendix I), 4 February 197718 19. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife Smooth Top Shell (Trochus niloticus)Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)Threatened Species (FAO No. 208, Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550)Giant Clams (Tridacna spp) Endangered Species (FAO No. 208, Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550) Listed in CITES Appendix I, 29 July 1983 and 1 August 198519 20. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife Hard/Stony Corals (Scleractinia spp.) Listed in CITES Appendix II, 18 January 1990Blue Corals (Helioporidae spp.)Organ-pipe Corals (Tubiporidae spp.)Fire Corals (Milleporidae) Listed in CITES Appendix II, 01 August 198520 21. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife Long-snouted Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates) Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)Endangered Species (FAO No. 208, Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550) Listed in CITES Appendix II, 28 June 1979 21 22. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife Humphead/Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)Species listed in CITES Appendix II (Prohibited under Section 97 of RA 8550)Manta Ray (Manta sp.) Prohibited Species (FAO No. 193, Series of 1998, effective April 12, 1998) 22 23. Potential Capabilities in terms of Ecotourism Apo Reef is one of the bestknown diving destinations in the Philippines. All of the breathtaking marine resources in Apo Reef give divers an unforgettable and rewarding experience. The Park has the unique underwater wealth of wonders which is teeming with marine flora, fauna and luxuriant coral growth acclaimed as one of the worlds best. The park considered as the precious gift of God to the people of Sablayan and show window of Occidental Mindoro. 23 24. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE Bird Species Egret, Cattle Egret Egret, Eastern/Pacific Reef Fantail, Pied / Malaysian Kingfisher, White Collared Oriole, Black-naped Owl, Philippine Scops Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon, Nutmeg/Pied Imperial Rail, Barred Scrubfowl, Tabon Sunbird, Olive-Backed Sunbird, Purple-Throated Tern, Black-naped Tern, Common Tern, Great Crested Tern, Roseate 24 25. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE Marine Species Dolphins, BottlenoseDolphins, Risso'sDolphins, SpinnerGiant ClamsLobster, Painted SpinyManta RaySmooth Top ShellTurtle, GreenTurtle, Hawksbill 25 26. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE Fish Species ButterflyfishesDamselfishesEmperor FishFusiliersGoatfishesGroupersJacksParrotfish, BumpheadParrotfishesSiganidsSnappersSurgeonfishesWrasse, Humphead/Napoleon 26 27. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTS30 footer w/ 115 HP Yamaha Outboard EngineRepair of PAO BuildingAcquisition of two (2) High Speed Watercrafts26 footer w/ 50 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine27 28. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT REVENUES YEAR1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 TOTALTotal Collections (IN PESO) 67,355.00 223,150.00 260,450.00 397,645.00 451,490.00 569,750.00 838,260.00 889,870.00 1,073,830.00 1,079,100.00 1,377,100.00 1,627,100.00 1,641,777.00Monthly Average (IN PESO) 5,612.92 18,595.83 21,704.17 33,137.08 37,624.17 47,479.17 69,855.00 74,155.83 89,485.83 89,925.00 114,758.33 135,592.00 136,815.002,459,508.00 12,956,385.00204,959.00 29. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT VISITORS RECORDEDYEAR 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012TOTAL 871 1,831 1,166 1,514 1,717 2,485 2,381 1,471 1,825 2,221 2,283 2,859 2,404 2,945Number of Visitors FOREIGN 486 1,421 892 1,038 1,274 2,159 1,923 1,031 1,255 1,619 1,779 2,098 1,660 1,855LOCAL 385 410 274 476 443 326 458 440 570 602 504 761 744 1,090 30. Potential Capabilities in terms of Ecotourism Connectivity with other major destinations such as Northern Palawan, Puerto Galera, Batangas and Boracay, Subic, Cebu Potential growth of domestic cruising Continuous growth of SCUBA diving industry Proximity of Apo Reef from Metro Manila30 31. Significant issues and management concerns gathered from monitoring work Main Issues & Concerns Collection of endangered and prohibited species such as Top Shell (Samong), Giant Clams/Tridacna spp. (Manglot) and lobster. Octopian fishers are responsible in the collection. Cyanide Fishing. Fishers using spearfishing, set longline and live fish food trade (buhaybuhay) were also using sodium cyanide to catch their target species. Management Interventions Enactment of PAMB policies regulating octopian & spearfishing. Resolution No. 2004-022 and 2005003 enacted by PAMB. PAMB Resolution prohibiting the use of spearfishing and active fishing gears. Resolution No. 2004018 and 2006-002 enacted by PAMB. PAMB Resolution prohibiting the Buhay-Buhay Fishing at Apo Reef Natural Park. Resolution No. 2004017 enacted by PAMB prohibiting the "buhay=buhay" fishery. Crown of Thorns Infestation31 32. Significant issues and management concerns gathered from monitoring work Main Issues & Concerns Collection of endangered and prohibited species such as Top Shell (Samong), Giant Clams/Tridacna spp. (Manglot) and lobster. Octopian fishers are responsivle in the collection. Cyanide Fishing. Fishers using spearfishing, set longline and live fish food trade (buhaybuhay) were also using sodium cyanide to catch their target species. Crown of Thorns Infestation Management Interventions PAMB Resolution prohibiting the use of set longline (kitang) or hookand-line. Resolution No. 2006-003 enacted by PAMB prohibiting the set longline methods. Recommendation: PAMB Resolution prohibiting all fishing methods or gears that requires diving or swimming at Apo Reef Natural Park. PAMB Action: Enactment of NoTake-Zone Policy at Apo Reef, Resolution No. 2007-005 & Ordinance No. 001, Series of 2007. Partnership: The Municipal Government provided alternative livelihood for the affected fishermen in support to the closure of fishing & other fishery related activities. 32 33. Management interventions taken/proposed to address the issues Issues Poaching by local fishermen. Inadequate alternative livelihood for the local fishermen that forced them to Poach in the protected area. Absence of Boundary Marker Buoys Proposed Management Interventions Assistance and education to the displaced fishermen to look for alternative livelihood. Lobbying to concerned groups or individuals in the government or private sectors for any livelihood support for the benefits displaced fishermen in the declaration of no-take-zone policy of Apo Reef. Installation of Marker Buoys within the Protected Area / Buffer Zone Boundary, especially in its four (4) major corners and within the secondary corners to be identified33 34. Maraming salamat po!34 35. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan Supports of LGU Sablayan Protection & Law Enforcements. The LGU Sablayan provided manpower and logistics in support to the operation of TF MARLEN at Apo Reef such as, but not limited to food provision, boats, radios, fuel & supplies. Ecotourism Program. The LGU Sablayan undertakes the ecotourism development of Apo Reef Natural Park in support to protection and conservation program. Billboards & Interpretive Signs36 36. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan Supports of LGU Sablayan Ecotourism Program. Trail/Boardwalk MaintenanceFloating Raft Maintenance37 37. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan Supports of LGU Sablayan Ecotourism Program.Construction & Maintenance of PavilionConstruction & Maintenance of Huts38 38. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Support from the LGU in the Declaration of No-Take-Zone Policy of Apo Reef The LGU Sablayan installed Fish Aggregating Devices, locally known as Payao, in the Municipal Waters in support to the alternative livelihood of displaced fishermen of Apo Reef.Sample of Payaos installed by LGU SablayanFishing at Payaos installed39 39. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Support from the LGU in the Declaration of No-Take-Zone Policy of Apo ReefYellow fin tuna and skip jack Caught by fisherman at the payao40 40. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS Partnership between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the WWF Philippines Supports from WWF PhilippinesTechnical Assistance/Research (2003, 2006 & 2009)Logistics for Protection & Conservation Work41 41. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTSConstruction of Administration Building implemented by PTA (Not yet functional)42 42. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTSConstruction and Installation of Desalination Facilities implemented by PTA through the DPWH (Not yet Operational) 43. ECOTOURISM PLANS Visitor Management Carrying Capacity 104 person per day ACTIVITIESAllowed ActivitiesControlled ActivitiesRestricted ActivitiesRecreational swimming Scuba Diving Snorkeling Sightseeing Sun bathing Photography Glass bottom boat Kayaking Birdwatching Dolphin watchingGame fishing Nesting Turtle watchingNo-Take-Zone Policy Implemented since 2007 44. ECOTOURISM PLANS Ecotourism Needs ACTIVITIESMARKETDiving, Snorkeling and sun bathingInternational and local touristBird watching and Lagoon RaftingInternational / local tourist and studentsEstablishment of Research Center and Tourist Briefing Center within the DENR BuildingInternational / local tourist and students Manila based information center in the DENR Regional Office Monthly radio plug in the local radio station Information Education Campaign materials about Apo Reef Display Center of Souvenir items t-shirt, caps and handy crafts bearing the Apo Reef Logo Construction of Tourist Boat glass bottom boat service boat for touristDive Shop EstablishmentFor advertising, marketing activityCommunity and environmental awareness of the Sablayaos International, Local and Fisher folksInternational / local tourist and students For hiring, international, local tourist and studentsFor hiring, international, local tourist and students 45. Welcome Aboard!Thank You!