Various data on Apo Reef Natural Park situated in the Municipality of Sablayan, Province of Occidental Mindoro.

1. APO REEF NATURAL PARK
“the precious gift of God to the people of
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines”
Presented by:
EMS I ROBERT P. DUQUIL
Assistant PASu, Apo Reef Natural Park
DENR-CENRO, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
APO REEF NATURAL
PARK
 Location
– It lies under the clear
blue waters of the West
Philippine Sea.
– 15 nautical miles west of
Sablayan, Occidental
Mindoro
– 20 nautical miles
northeast of the
Calamian Groups of
Islands, Northern
Palawan.
2

3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF APO REEF NATURAL PARK
3

4. Area: 15,792 hectares
 Marine: 15,763 has
 Land Area: 29 has
Buffer Zone Area: 11,677 hectares
(All Marine)
Total Area:
27,469 hectares
(PA + Buffer Zone)
4

5. Apo Island
Apo Menor
Cayos del Bajo
5

6. • 1980 - Apo Reef was designated as
Marine Reserve (Presidential
Proclamation No. 1801).
• 1992 - Apo Reef was included in the
initial listing of IPAS sites all over
the country pursuant to RA7586,
also known as the National
Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992.
6

7. • 1994 - Apo Reef became part
of the Conservation of Priority
Protected Areas Project
(CPPAP). The CPPAP
officially ended on June 30,
2002.
• 1996 - Apo Reef was declared
as a Protected Area under the
category of Natural Park
(Presidential Proclamation
868) and its surrounding
waters as Buffer Zone
pursuant to RA7586 or NIPAS
Act of 1992.
7

8.  Habitat and Ecosystem
•
Mangrove Habitat
• Mangroves serve as a vital nursery area for
juvenile fishes and nutrient production that
contribute to the aquatic food chain.
• The mangrove forest and the lagoon are
home to several species of fish, stingrays,
jellyfishes, marine plants and other marine
organisms.
• The mangrove forest also serves as habitat
8
for several species of shorebirds.

9.  Habitat and Ecosystem
• Beach Habitat (Sandy Beaches, Beach Forest, Karstic Rock)
9

10.  Habitat and Ecosystem
•
Marine Habitat (Coral Reefs, Lagoons, Seagrass & Algal Flat)
10

11.  Present Status and Conditions
• Flora and Fauna
– 47 species of migratory
and resident breeders birds
– 46 species of plants
(terrestrial)
– 7 species of seagrasses
– 26 species of algae
– 385 species of fishes (85
families)
– 78 genera of marine
invertebrates
– 190 species of hard and 7
species of soft corals
(species of hard corals
represent 38% of 488
known species of hard
corals in the Philippines)
11

12. • Coral Cover
– 16.09% - CY 2009 Survey
“The condition of the reef
transects for the whole study
was poor. In spite of the
generally poor hard coral cover
in ARNP, the coral communities
in several monitoring stations of
the park remained diverse.”
• Coral Species
– 190 species of hard and 7
species of soft corals
(species of hard corals
represent 38% of 488 known
species of hard corals in the
Philippines)
12

13. Coral Cover of Apo Reef from 1994 to 2009
Year Surveyed
Coral Cover
1994
33%
DENR-CEP thru UPMSI
1999
33%
DENR-CPPAP thru PCU and PIU
Staff
2003
37.13%
DENR & WWF/KKP thru Mr. E.
Applied Environmental Sciences
2006
51.03%
DENR & WWF/KKP thru Mr. E.
Applied Environmental Sciences
2009
16.09%
DENR & WWF/KKP thru
Consultants
13

14. • Reef Fish (based on CY 2009 Survey)
– Species Richness – 281
species from 37 families
– Total Abundance – 22,176
individuals
– Biomass – 1,411 kg (from
the 15 stations surveyed)
– Average Biomass Estimate
– 188.14 tons/km²
– Standing Stock of Reef
Fish – 6,396.76 tons (based
on the average biomass
estimate and the total coral
cover/reef area of 34 km²)
• Fish Species
– 385 species of fishes (85
14
families)

15. Comparison of 1994, 2003, 2006 and 2009 survey data of reef
fishes at Apo Reef Natural Park are summarized as follows:
Parameter
1994
2003
2006
2009
148 species
225 species
226 species
281 species
24 families
30 families
30 families
37
12,075
individuals
10,121
individuals
9,246
individuals
22,176
individuals
Estimated Fish Biomass
512 kg
231 kg
1,238 kg
1,411 kg
Mean Estimated Fish
Biomass Estimates (fish
counts converted into
weights per unit area)
107.39
tons/km²
66.13
tons/km²
330.14
tons/km²
188.14 tons/
km²
Standing Stocks of Reef
Fish (based on the
average biomass
estimate and the total
coral cover/reef area of
34 km²)
3,651.26 tons
2,248.42 tons
11,302.96
tons
6,396.76 tons
Species Richness
Abundance
15

16. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
Near Threatened Species
(IUCN 3.1)
Vulnerable Species
(Under DAO 2004-15,
pursuant to RA 9147)
Species listed under
CITES (Appendix I)
28 June 1979
Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)
16

17. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Species listed under
CITES (Appendix I)
1 July 1975
Endangered Species (IUCN 3.1; DAO
2004-15, pursuant to RA 9147)
17

18. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
Hawksbill Turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata)
Critically Endangered Species
(IUCN 3.1; DAO 2004-15, pursuant to
RA 9147)
Species listed under CITES
(Appendix I), 4 February 1977
18

19. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
Smooth Top Shell (Trochus niloticus)
Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)
Threatened Species (FAO No. 208, Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550)
Giant Clams (Tridacna spp)
Endangered Species (FAO No. 208,
Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550)
Listed in CITES Appendix I,
29 July 1983 and 1 August 1985
19

20. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife

Hard/Stony Corals (Scleractinia spp.)
Listed in CITES Appendix II,
18 January 1990

Blue Corals (Helioporidae spp.)

Organ-pipe Corals (Tubiporidae spp.)

Fire Corals (Milleporidae)
Listed in CITES Appendix II,
01 August 1985
20

21. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
 Long-snouted Bottlenose
Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
 Spinner Dolphin (Stenella
longirostris)
Endangered Species (FAO No. 208,
Series of 2001, pursuant to RA 8550)
Listed in CITES Appendix II,
28 June 1979
21

22. Threatened/Near-Threatened Species of Wildlife
 Humphead/Napoleon
Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
Species listed in CITES
Appendix II (Prohibited under
Section 97 of RA 8550)
Manta Ray (Manta sp.) 
Prohibited Species (FAO No.
193, Series of 1998, effective
April 12, 1998)
22

23.  Potential Capabilities in terms of Ecotourism
 Apo Reef is one of the bestknown diving destinations in the
Philippines.
 All of the breathtaking marine
resources in Apo Reef give
divers an unforgettable and
rewarding experience.
 The Park has the unique
underwater wealth of wonders
which is teeming with marine
flora, fauna and luxuriant coral
growth acclaimed as one of the
world’s best.
 The park considered as the
precious gift of God to the people
of Sablayan and show window of
Occidental Mindoro.
23

24. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE
• Bird Species
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Egret, Cattle Egret
Egret, Eastern/Pacific Reef
Fantail, Pied / Malaysian
Kingfisher, White Collared
Oriole, Black-naped
Owl, Philippine Scops
Pigeon, Nicobar
Pigeon, Nutmeg/Pied Imperial
Rail, Barred
Scrubfowl, Tabon
Sunbird, Olive-Backed
Sunbird, Purple-Throated
Tern, Black-naped
Tern, Common
Tern, Great Crested
Tern, Roseate
24

25. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE
• Marine Species
•
Dolphins, Bottlenose
•
Dolphins, Risso's
•
Dolphins, Spinner
•
Giant Clams
•
Lobster, Painted Spiny
•
Manta Ray
•
Smooth Top Shell
•
Turtle, Green
•
Turtle, Hawksbill
25

26. LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES & RESOURCE USE
• Fish Species
•
Butterflyfishes
•
Damselfishes
•
Emperor Fish
•
Fusiliers
•
Goatfishes
•
Groupers
•
Jacks
•
Parrotfish, Bumphead
•
Parrotfishes
•
Siganids
•
Snappers
•
Surgeonfishes
•
Wrasse, Humphead/Napoleon
26

27. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT
ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTS
30 footer w/ 115 HP Yamaha
Outboard Engine
Repair of PAO Building
Acquisition of two (2) High
Speed Watercrafts
26 footer w/ 50 HP Yamaha
Outboard Engine
27

28. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT
REVENUES
YEAR
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
TOTAL
Total Collections
(IN PESO)
67,355.00
223,150.00
260,450.00
397,645.00
451,490.00
569,750.00
838,260.00
889,870.00
1,073,830.00
1,079,100.00
1,377,100.00
1,627,100.00
1,641,777.00
Monthly Average
(IN PESO)
5,612.92
18,595.83
21,704.17
33,137.08
37,624.17
47,479.17
69,855.00
74,155.83
89,485.83
89,925.00
114,758.33
135,592.00
136,815.00
2,459,508.00
12,956,385.00
204,959.00

29. STATUS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT
VISITORS RECORDED
YEAR
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
TOTAL
871
1,831
1,166
1,514
1,717
2,485
2,381
1,471
1,825
2,221
2,283
2,859
2,404
2,945
Number of Visitors
FOREIGN
486
1,421
892
1,038
1,274
2,159
1,923
1,031
1,255
1,619
1,779
2,098
1,660
1,855
LOCAL
385
410
274
476
443
326
458
440
570
602
504
761
744
1,090

30.  Potential Capabilities in terms of Ecotourism
 Connectivity with other
major destinations such as
Northern Palawan, Puerto
Galera, Batangas and
Boracay, Subic, Cebu
 Potential growth of
domestic cruising
 Continuous growth of
SCUBA diving industry
 Proximity of Apo Reef from
Metro Manila
30

31. Significant issues and management concerns gathered
from monitoring work
• Main Issues & Concerns
– Collection of endangered and
prohibited species such as Top
Shell (Samong), Giant
Clams/Tridacna spp. (Manglot)
and lobster. Octopian fishers
are responsible in the
collection.
– Cyanide Fishing. Fishers using
spearfishing, set longline and
live fish food trade (buhaybuhay) were also using sodium
cyanide to catch their target
species.
• Management Interventions
– Enactment of PAMB policies
regulating octopian & spearfishing.
Resolution No. 2004-022 and 2005003 enacted by PAMB.
– PAMB Resolution prohibiting the
use of spearfishing and active
fishing gears. Resolution No. 2004018 and 2006-002 enacted by PAMB.
– PAMB Resolution prohibiting the
Buhay-Buhay Fishing at Apo Reef
Natural Park. Resolution No. 2004017 enacted by PAMB prohibiting
the "buhay=buhay" fishery.
– Crown of Thorns Infestation
31

32. Significant issues and management concerns gathered
from monitoring work
• Main Issues & Concerns
– Collection of endangered and
prohibited species such as Top
Shell (Samong), Giant
Clams/Tridacna spp. (Manglot)
and lobster. Octopian fishers
are responsivle in the
collection.
– Cyanide Fishing. Fishers using
spearfishing, set longline and
live fish food trade (buhaybuhay) were also using sodium
cyanide to catch their target
species.
– Crown of Thorns Infestation
• Management Interventions
– PAMB Resolution prohibiting the
use of set longline (kitang) or hookand-line. Resolution No. 2006-003
enacted by PAMB prohibiting the set
longline methods.
– Recommendation: PAMB Resolution
prohibiting all fishing methods or
gears that requires diving or
swimming at Apo Reef Natural Park.
PAMB Action: Enactment of NoTake-Zone Policy at Apo Reef,
Resolution No. 2007-005 &
Ordinance No. 001, Series of 2007.
Partnership: The Municipal
Government provided alternative
livelihood for the affected fishermen
in support to the closure of fishing &
other fishery related activities.
32

33. Management interventions taken/proposed
to address the issues
• Issues
– Poaching by local fishermen.
Inadequate alternative
livelihood for the local
fishermen that forced them to
Poach in the protected area.
– Absence of Boundary Marker
Buoys
• Proposed Management
Interventions
– Assistance and education to the
displaced fishermen to look for
alternative livelihood. Lobbying to
concerned groups or individuals in
the government or private sectors
for any livelihood support for the
benefits displaced fishermen in the
declaration of “no-take-zone” policy
of Apo Reef.
–
Installation of Marker Buoys within
the Protected Area / Buffer Zone
Boundary, especially in its four (4)
major corners and within the
secondary corners to be identified
33

34. Maraming
salamat po!
34

36. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan
 Supports of LGU Sablayan
 Protection & Law Enforcements. The LGU
Sablayan provided manpower and logistics in support
to the operation of TF MARLEN at Apo Reef such as,
but not limited to food provision, boats, radios, fuel &
supplies.
 Ecotourism Program. The LGU Sablayan
undertakes the ecotourism development of Apo Reef
Natural Park in support to protection and conservation
program.

Billboards & Interpretive Signs
36

37. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan
 Supports of LGU Sablayan
 Ecotourism Program.

Trail/Boardwalk
Maintenance

Floating Raft
Maintenance
37

38. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Co-Management between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the LGU Sablayan
 Supports of LGU Sablayan
 Ecotourism Program.


Construction & Maintenance of Pavilion
Construction & Maintenance of Huts
38

39. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Support from the LGU in the Declaration of “No-Take-Zone” Policy of Apo Reef

The LGU Sablayan installed Fish Aggregating Devices,
locally known as “Payao”, in the Municipal Waters in
support to the alternative livelihood of displaced
fishermen of Apo Reef.
Sample of Payao’s installed
by LGU Sablayan
Fishing at Payao’s installed
39

40. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Support from the LGU in the Declaration of “No-Take-Zone” Policy of Apo Reef
Yellow fin tuna and skip jack
Caught by fisherman at
the payao
40

41. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
 Partnership between the DENR, thru the PAMB & PASu, & the WWF Philippines
 Supports from WWF Philippines

Technical Assistance/Research
(2003, 2006 & 2009)

Logistics for Protection &
Conservation Work
41

42. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTS
Construction of Administration Building implemented by PTA (Not yet functional)
42

43. ENGAGEMENT OF PARTNERS
ACCOMPLISHED AND ON-GOING PROJECTS
Construction and Installation of Desalination Facilities
implemented by PTA through the DPWH (Not yet Operational)

44. ECOTOURISM PLANS
Visitor Management
• Carrying Capacity – 104 person per day
ACTIVITIES
Allowed Activities
Controlled Activities
Restricted Activities
Recreational swimming
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Sightseeing
Sun bathing
Photography
Glass bottom boat
Kayaking
Birdwatching
Dolphin watching
Game fishing
Nesting Turtle watching
“No-Take-Zone Policy”
Implemented since 2007

45. ECOTOURISM PLANS
Ecotourism Needs
ACTIVITIES
MARKET
•
Diving, Snorkeling and sun bathing
International and local tourist
•
Bird watching and Lagoon Rafting
International / local tourist and students
•
Establishment of Research Center and
Tourist Briefing Center within the DENR
Building
International / local tourist and students
•
•
•
•
Manila based information center in the
DENR Regional Office
Monthly radio plug in the local radio
station
Information Education Campaign
materials about Apo Reef
•
•
•
Display Center of Souvenir items t-shirt,
caps and handy crafts bearing the Apo
Reef Logo
Construction of Tourist Boat
glass bottom boat
service boat for tourist
•
Dive Shop Establishment
For advertising, marketing activity
Community and environmental awareness of the
Sablayaños
International, Local and Fisher folks
International / local tourist and students
For hiring, international, local tourist and
students
For hiring, international, local tourist and
students

46. Welcome
Aboard!
Thank
You!