ROXAS City – An underwater assessment and data analysis conducted early this month revealed that the coral covers around Napti Island in Panay town and Tucad Reef in Pilar town in Capiz remain considerably good.
The four-day activity, part of the Environment Month celebration in the province, aimed to collect comprehensive data on the health, biodiversity, and overall condition of coral reefs in the area.
“Coral cover is at 63 percent within the assessed areas in Tucad Reef. Though coral rubble or loose broken dead coral skeleton covers a wide range of Tucad Reef, there are still areas within the reef that are in excellent condition,” said Sentro Para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya Inc. (SIKAT) Capiz program manager Avegil Villar.
SIKAT is a non-governmental organization that aims to enhance coastal community resiliency by implementing Community-based Coastal Resource Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Programs and promoting good governance practices in the country.
The underwater assessment, funded by SIKAT Inc., was conducted in partnership with the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), local government units (LGUs), barangay councils, and people’s organizations.
“This will serve as the basis for establishing a community-managed marine protected area that aims to increase healthy coral reef cover and fish biomass,” Villar added, noting that the data analysis and technical report, along with recommendations from the activity, will be presented to the LGUs and the community.
Based on the findings, the aim is to propose and implement effective conservation strategies to preserve and restore coral reef ecosystems in Napti Island and Tukad Reef, she stressed.
During the dive, the team was guided by master diver Excalibur Seterra from the Provincial Agriculturist Office of Iloilo, who served as a scientific dive instructor and dive safety officer.
The survey employed a combination of underwater visual assessments, data collection, and scientific techniques to gather accurate and reliable information.
Water samples were also collected and tested for parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen to determine the overall health of the marine environment.
A similar activity was also conducted in November 2023. (Philippine Information Agency – Capiz)
