Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

Empowering People to Save our Philippine Reefs

Last August 14-19, 2017, the six (6) certified local open water divers (3-local fishers, 2-local government personnel of Lian, Batangas and 1- DLSU-COSCA) underwent a Reef Check EcoDiver Training course. This a collaborative effort among key stakeholders namely: The Municipality of Lian, Batangas, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office-Lian, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 4-A, PUSOD Inc., DLSU-SHORE, DLSU-COSCA and Lian Fisherfolks Association (LFA) in the light of the establishment of an Artificial Reef and Reef Check EcoDiver training for certified local fishers open water divers.

The Reef Check EcoDiver program aims to impart to participants the learning about the globally standardized Reef Check methodology as well as how to identify key indicators for fish, invertebrates, substrates, data collection and data quality assurance. It is the most widely used coral reef monitoring protocol. This is designed to teach community-based groups, government departments, and the academe on how to conduct full scale Reef Check surveys. The main goal of Reef Check program is to bring together community groups, government departments and academia to: a). Educate the public about the coral reef crisis; b.) Scientifically investigate coral reef ecosystems processes; c.) Facilitate collaboration among academia, government, People’s Organizations and community; d.) Stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damage reef.

Moreover, the Reef Check Team is composed of only six members from different sectors of the local community, local government and academe. These six (6) new certified local EcoDivers have acquired the basic knowledge and skills of a marine biologist for non-biologist. This will be their inception to doing coral reef monitoring and coral reef management to maintain a sustainable development on the marine ecosystem. 

To be useful for new certified local EcoDivers, Reef Check Surveys should be carried out every year with sufficient replication number of sites especially those which have Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These surveys will help determine reef conditions and improve varieties of vertebrates and invertebrates in Talim Bay, Batangas.

With the involvement of the local community and local government of Lian Batangas, a big step towards the bringing back of healthy reefs in the Philippines and save our mother ocean from the different anthropogenic-caused hazards.