The Dumaguete City Council approved on final reading the Piapi Marine Reserve Ordinance during its 117th regular session on Nov. 26.
Authored by Councilor Petit Baldado, and co-authored by fellow Councilors Marife Cordova, Tincho Perdices, Bernice Elmaco, Tony Remollo, and JV Imbo, the Ordinance provides the legal framework on the establishment and management of a 3.65-hectare marine sanctuary in Dumaguete’s coastal waters 200 meters off the coast of Barangay Piapi.
The establishment of the Piapi Marine Reserve was actively pursued by the Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Piapi Purok Anduhaw (NAMAPPA) to protect the productive coral and sea grass ecosystems in the area.
Such move would ensure sustainability of the fishermen’s daily catch, as well as preserve the excellent condition of the underwater environment for marine eco-tourism livelihood opportunities, the group said in their statement to the Council.
“There are about 20 fishers along the Piapi coastal area. They were the ones who clamored for a Marine Protected Area. They understand very well the benefits an MPA can offer to [sustain their primary] livelihood, and open up new livelihood opportunities for their families as well,” noted Leo Mamicpic of the Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental (FEnOR).
In their letter of support, Dr. Janet Estacion and Dr. Aileen Maypa of the SU Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences noted that the City has a total of 31 hectares of marine protected area distributed in four reserves in barangays Bantayan, Looc, Mangnao, and in Banilad. “[Designating] this addition [of 3.65 hectares as marine sanctuary] will surely contribute to the livelihood and food security of Dumagueteños,” the marine experts said.
“If well enforced, an increase in abundance, and the size of the fish and other associated organisms (like shells, crabs, shrimps, salawaki) will be expected over time,” Estacion and Maypa added. “Simultaneously, the export of juvenile and adult fishes from the Piapi Marine Reserve into the adjacent fishing grounds will enhance the fish catch. In addition, the spillover of larvae can also benefit surrounding fishing grounds,” they scientists said. (Gary Rosales)
