12/11/2025
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ผ๐นโ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ณ๐: ๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฏ๐ธ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ต๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
๐ง๐ฎ๐ด๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐, ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ผ๐น โ On June 16, 2025, a biophysical assessment of the Kinubkuban Reef Marine Fish Sanctuary was conducted through the FISH Visayas Project, in partnership with local and provincial stakeholders.
Located in Barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City, the six-hectare marine protected area (MPA) was established on November 20, 2020, by the Tagbilaran City Government with the support of the FISH Visayas Project. The recent assessment aimed to determine the status and trends of the sanctuaryโs resources using standard scientific methodologies, providing a clearer picture of coral reef health and biodiversity within the protected area.
The 45-minute underwater survey revealed that the reef remains in generally good condition, with thriving coral growth and diverse marine species. However, the team observed marine debris and the presence of Crown-of-Thorns starfish, an invasive species known to damage corals. In response, the team underscored the need for continued monitoring, clean-up drives, public awareness, and targeted removal of the Crown-of-Thorns to maintain the reefโs ecological balance.
To further safeguard the area, the team recommended realigning sanctuary boundaries, installing informational signage, and enhancing community involvement in conservation initiatives. Visual documentation captured during the activity supports the call for immediate and coordinated actions to restore and sustain the outer reef zone.
As part of the maintenance component, the team also removed various forms of marine debris, including plastics, discarded fishing gear, glass bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials that pose threats to marine life. Boundary buoys were repaired and re-determined to ensure clear demarcation and visibility for both fishers and boat operators.
Alongside the biophysical survey, a ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ (๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐) was also conducted, strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders, government agencies, and community members in monitoring and managing coastal resources. Participants gained hands-on experience in conducting ecological assessments, identifying key environmental indicators, and documenting site conditions.
The teamโs follow-up ecosystem assessment covered mangrove, seagrass, and coral habitats. Results identified seven mangrove species, with Avicennia marina as the most dominant, followed by Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba. The presence of multiple species and natural saplings suggests healthy regeneration within the mangrove forest. The dominance of Avicennia marina also indicates that the site supports early-stage mangrove growth under saline and open conditions.
The findings reaffirm that mangroves are vital ecosystemsโprotecting coastlines from erosion, supporting marine life and local livelihoods, improving water quality, and acting as significant carbon sinks. Their diversity highlights the importance of continued conservation and restoration efforts to preserve these benefits for future generations.
This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of AFOS Foundation, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) โ MPA Provincial Technical Working Group, CENRO, BFAR Central Visayas, Tagbilaran City Government - the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO), and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the FISH Visayas Project.
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The Biophysical Assessment of the Kinubkuban Marine Sanctuary contributes to Result Area 4: Resource Protection of the FISH Visayas Project, furthering its mission to strengthen the sustainable management of marine ecosystems in Central Visayas.
Stay updated on the latest from the FISH Visayas Project: https://fishvisayas.afosfoundation.org/news/
Learn more about AFOS Foundation, the lead implementing organization: https://afos-stiftung.de
