Thought for the day Number 3 – Only 3% no-take zones inside marine protected areas (MPA).
There is praise for the Tubbataha Reef and its hard-working staff, its is emerging as a model for conservation in the face of grave threats to the region’s coral reefs.
But we must not overlook that the Philippines has only three per cent of coral reefs in the designated areas as no-take zones inside marine protected areas (MPA). In comparison, 29 per cent of reefs in Indonesia and 11 per cent in Malaysia are inside MPAs.
Considering that this is the corner-stone of success for MPA areas, it is an area that should be carefully reviewed, the local fisherfolk need as much hep as possible to come to terms with this situation.
Plus there are only a few Marine Protected Areas, that are properly marked and patrolled by a trained and knowledgable group of people like the Bantay Dagat.
