BFAR to work with LGUs for Danajon reef protection

CEBU, Philippines - To strengthen the management of the Danajon Bank or the Dawahon Double Barrier Reef, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council in regions 7 and 8, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatuc Resources-7, will work jointly with 19 local government units that have jurisdiction over the reef.

Andres Bojos, BFAR-7 regional director and the chairman of the Danahon project, said the project will reduce and reverse degradation of Danajon Bank.

Bojos, in a statement, said that a Technical Working Group will be coordinating and managing their socio-economic development initiatives.

Initiatives of the project include blue swimming crab production and management, seaweed production and other programs and activities.

Danajon Bank is one of six in the world and the only documented Double Barrier Reef in the Philippines and South East Asia.

Danajon has been serving as a breeding and nursery area for various marine organisms and fishing grounds for centuries and has helped ensure food security for the Central and Eastern Visayas communities, while exhibiting considerable ecotourism potential.

Over 271 square kilometers and 381.5 kilometers in length and comprises over one percent of the Philippines’ total coral reef, this Double Barrier Reef is bounded by two provinces in Region-7.  The MFARMC recently elected representatives to the Regional Development Council.

Samson Elibeto from Pres. Carlos P. Garcia town in Bohol was elected as chairman while Panchito Damicog from Baybay City, Leyte was elected as co-chairman of the Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.

Meanwhile, BFAR-7 recently conducted a Joint Mobile Registration and Licensing of Commercial Fishing Vessels in Tagbilaran City.

The training was participated by commercial fishing vessels operators, marine diesel mechanics, boat captains and as well as motormen.  (FREEMAN)