DENR: Dwindling catch for fisherfolk

CEBU, Philippines – The officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are expecting marginal fisherfolk to have lesser catch soon as corals are slowly dying due to the increasing warm temperature.

DENR-7 regional technical director Dioscoro Melana yesterday briefed the reporters on what is happening to corals because of climate change.

Melana said even DENR-7 Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca who personally dived at the Apo Island Protected Area in Dauin, Negros Oriental, also observed the dying corals in that area.

Apo Island is a small volcanic island, seven kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island in the Philippines. The Island is home to almost 800 people, mainly fishermen and since 2002 has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination among tourists.

According to Melana other divers also reported to them what they observed about corals in other areas of the region.

Aside from dragging and trawling gear, pollution and the intense heat as a result of climate change are probably among the reasons why these corals are dying.

These corals are the considered the home of some marine life and where the fish get their food.

Melana said the public can help the government protect more corals from dying by making our environment much cooler through the planting of more trees and to refrain from throwing pollution-causing chemicals into the sea.

Meanwhile, starting yesterday the DENR officials conducted a three-day summit to strengthen in capacitating local government units in the implementation of Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project.

The event was jointly conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aimed at increasing the level of awareness among the different stakeholders on the latest progress of the project.

The ICRMP has four project components, such as policy and institutional strengthening and development, ICRM and biodiversity conservation, enterprise development and income diversification and social and environment services and facilities. (FREEMAN)