Coral reefs of Negros Oriental [Philippines]
1998
Montebon, A.R. | Vogt, H.P. | Schirm, B. (CEMRINO Inc., 109 San Jose Ext., 6200 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental (Philippines))
The nearshore ecosystem of Negros Oriental, particularly the coral reefs, was assessed using large scale surveys. Distribution and abundance of reef benthos like hard and soft corals as well as dead corals were investigated. Of the estimated 300 km of the province's coastline, 186 km had coral reefs or coral communities occupying about 26.5 sq.km. This suggests an average reef width of 143 m. Among the 21 coastal municipalities in the province, 7 had coral reefs that are considered to be still in "good" condition. Overall, the reconnaissance showed that 5% of the total reef had "excellent" hard coral cover (76-100%) equivalent to about 1.3 sq.km. of reef. Approximately 3.7 sq.km. (14%) was in "very good" condition (51-75% hard coral cover) while more than 14 sq.km. (55%) was classified as either "good" (21-50% cover) or "fair" (11-30% cover). The remaining area basically had "poor" coral cover (10%). Information from the large scale reconnaissance was also used to survey in detail proposed sites for management purposes, i.e., marine reserves. To date, there were about 20 marine reserves (established and proposed) around the province of Negros Oriental ranging from about 5 ha in area to more than 20 ha. Activities of promoting and establishing marine reserves in the province are justified by the apparent decline in its nearshore ecosystems, despite successful efforts to prohibit blast fishing some 20 years ago
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