Four fisherfolk from the Tañon Strait were recently recognized as Ocean Heroes for championing conservation, coastal law enforcement and sustainable fisheries in the Visayas.
Recognition was also given to Tañon Strait Marine Protected Areas which are effectively-managed through strong local government and community collaboration. These MPAs are now providing a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits for coastal communities.
The 2017 Ocean Heroes are Virgilio Aviso, Renato Buenviaje, Jocelyn Moya-Hekrdle, and Mariano Sarcol. They stood out from dozens of candidates for their commitment to protect the Tañon Strait, a 161-kilometer strip dividing the provinces of Cebu and Negros Island.
Virgilio Aviso, 65, from Amlan in Negros Oriental, led a focused coastal and marine awareness and value-changing campaign for his community, encouraging fellow fishers and their families to adopt practical conservation measures and proper fishing practices. Through his leadership, the residents are taking ownership and pride in practicing responsible stewardship over the marine resources.
Renato Buenviaje, 55, from Escalante City in Negros Occidental, has served as a fish warden for over a decade. Buenviaje also led a large mangrove rehabilitation program in his community, while ensuring the establishment of the local fisheries council to oversee the rehabilitation of Marine Protected Areas and other marine habitats.
Jocelyn Moya – Hekrdle, 51, from Toboso in Negros Occidental, led the establishment of environmental associations and spearheaded activities on marine conservation to protect the marine resources and habitats in and around her home community. She is extremely active in promoting fisheries law enforcement in the Tañon Strait.
Mariano Sarcol, 60, from the coastal municipality of Barili in Cebu, was recognized for his advocacy in establishing MPAs, protecting municipal waters against the encroachment of illegal commercial fishers, plus continuously enforcing fishery laws. “I just want to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of wild fish and shellfish. By reducing illegal fishing, I can ensure that our coastal communities will always have food,” he shares.
“Our Ocean heroes inspire so many, including our enforcement agencies, with their vigor and courage in protecting the Tañon Strait. May their determination and dedication spread, as we work together to protect and conserve our rich yet fragile marine resources,” said Oceana Philippines vice-president Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos.
The awards were integrated with the recognition given to the exemplary stakeholders and partners of the province of Negros Occidental, during the culminating activity of the celebration of the 25th year of the establishment of its Provincial Environment Management Office under the leadership of Atty. Wilmon Penalosa.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon led the public officials and participants in the momentous occasion.
Launched in 2016, the Ocean Heroes Awards is a partnership among Oceana Philippines, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, and the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources to honor courageous community leaders to ensure the sustainable management of the marine ecosystems of the Tañon Strait.
This year’s Ocean Heroes Awards expanded with partnerships between the provincial governments of Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, Tañon Strait Protected Area Office and Rare, plus the inclusion of a new category for ‘Best-managed Marine Protected Area’ inside the protected seascape, spearheaded by the Provincial Agriculture Office, Rare plus the province of Negros Oriental.
The Tanon Strait is one of the largest and most productive marine protected areas in the country, hosting 63 percent of the country’s coral species and 14 types of whale and dolphin, while providing food and livelihood for 42 towns, cities, and municipalities in Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.
Oceana works around the globe to promote sustainable fisheries and science-based coastal resource management.
