A TOP marine biologist called on local government units (LGUs) to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in their coastal communities to help preserve marine resources in their area.
Speaking in a seminar “Writing for Survival: Media for Marine Conservation” in Coron, Palawan last week, marine biologist Angel Alcala said MPAs should be set up five to 10 kilometers away from each other.
“The fishery potential of a square kilometer MPA produces 15 tons of fish annually. It is also important that the public accept and understand the concept of establishing a marine protected area,” Alcala said.
Alcala, who was proclaimed a National Scientist of the Philippines last year, said MPAs must be set up in sites that won’t be hit by typhoons.
Now is the best time for LGUs to establish them to improve the livelihood of fishing communities and to protect their environment from illegal and commercial fishers.
Alcala likewise called on LGUs to intensify their campaign against destructive fishing methods, collection of corals for building materials, pollution and unregulated development for tourism.
He also spoke out against reclamation projects, saying it can destroy coral reefs.
“Siltation in the country is tremendous. Reclamation projects can cause siltation that can be found as far as 25 kilometers from the mainland and destroy coral reefs,” Alcala said.