Guest Post: Marine Sanctuaries

Rhonda Elliott

Posted On: 10/05/2012

SIKAT Inc. and the Municipality of Romblon have also assisted in organizing local fisherfolk into 14 People's Organizations (POs), known collectively in Romblon as Kapamilya. These POs are now responsible for managing each of their respective 14 marine and fish sanctuaries located throughout the municipal waters of Romblon. Although most of the sanctuaries were only created in 2004, there have been remarkable improvements in live hard coral cover and fish abundance.

There are dive charters that will take you into the sanctuaries. Please be aware that in addition to your dive fees, each of the POs will require you pay 100 pesos/person for entrance into the sanctuary. These fees go towards maintenance of the sanctuaries and enforcement of the fishery laws so that they can continue to function effectively and protect the biodiversity within them.

Click to view the Marine Santuaries image gallery