AFOS Foundation - Philippines

Congratulations to the 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 supported by the 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁!

Thank you, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), our partner companies and academic institutions for your dedication to uplifting our local workforce.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗲𝗳𝘀: 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝗸𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗕𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 — 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 sanctuary’s 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 reef’s 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 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗖𝗥𝗔) 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 team’s 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 ecosystems—protecting 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) – 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