Introduction The Tañon Strait is located in the Central Visayas, which is considered as the epicenter of global marine shorefish diversity with the “richest concentration of marine life on the entire planet” (Carpenter & Springer, 2005). Tañon Strait is an important migration corridor for whale sharks (Rhincodontypus), dolphins and other marine mammals. It serves as a breeding, nursery, feeding, and resting grounds to at least 14 species of cetaceans, the most interesting of which are the dwarf sperm whales (Kogiasimus) and melonheaded whales (Peponocepalaelectra). This site serves as their breeding, nursery, feeding, and resting grounds. The Strait is also a distinct habitat of the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius). Tañon Strait is one of this region’s seven distinct fisheries ecosystems (i.e. Visayan Sea, Camotes Sea, Danajon Bank, Bohol Sea, Cebu Strait, East Sulu Sea, and Tañon Strait). It has an estimated 18,830 ha of coral reefs and 650 ha of mangrove forest along the Negros and Cebu coastline (Green et al. 2004). It is a popular destination for whale-watchers, scuba divers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The Tañon Strait has long been regarded as an important migration corridor for whales, dolphins and other marine organisms. It is a favoured destination for whale-watchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The strait serves as an economic corridor in the Visayas Area for hosting vital industries such as shipbuilding, power generation and manufacturing and also serves as a vital link between Western Visayas and Central Visayas. It similarly serves as a transit point between Manila (Luzon) and the vital coastal cities in Southern Negros, Siquijor and Northern – Northeastern Mindanao. The Tañon Strait is one of the world's natural heritage and one of the country's rich fishing grounds. It was declared a “Protected Seascape by Presidential Proclamation 1234 by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1998 in due recognition of the extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins and whales and its known importance as feeding, breeding, and resting grounds for these marine mammals. It is mandated that all protected areas covered under the NIPAS Act of 1992 should have a General Management Plan (GMP). The Tañon Strait Protected Seascape - General Management Plan (TSPS-GMP) has been crafted to provide a sustainable framework in management and rational decision making for the TSPS today and in the future. It also endeavours to establish a consistent vision for the protection of the marine mammals, and the coastal resources such as mangrove areas, sea grass beds, and coral reefs in the area – including the fish and the invertebrates – in order to prevent unsustainable utilization of these resources and at the same time to come up with strategies to provide daily sustenance to the increasing human population in the area while also contributing to the economy of the area and the region. Description of Protected Area Tañon Strait is the body of water that separates the islands of Cebu and Negros in the Visayas Region of central Philippines. The strait is narrow but deep and connects the Visayan Sea to Bohol Sea/Sulu Sea. It is about 160 km long extending up to the Visayan Sea in the north to the Bohol Sea/Sulu Sea on the south. Its width varies from 5 to 27 km, with the narrowest point in the south between Liloan, Santander, Cebu and Sibulan, Negros Oriental. It has an approximate area of 518, 221 hectares and an approximate perimeter of 684 km. In the north-northwest, the strait is closed off by the Bantayan Group of Islands and in the north-northeast by the Visayan Sea (reckoned from the tip of DaanBantayan Cebu). It is relatively deep with its deepest point at 509 meters. The coastal areas are mostly characterized by rugged terrain and narrow coastal plains, some areas have flat to rolling terrain, undulating and sloping and low grooved mountain ranges which mostly lie close to the shoreline. The boundary of TSPS based on Proclamation No. 1234 begins in the north in Bantigue Point of the shoreline of Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan where the line crossed the Strait in northwesterly direction to Buntay Point in the shoreline of Madridejos, Bantayan Island. Then going south following the eastern shoreline of Bantayan Island to Sulangan Point in the shoreline of Sta. Fe. Crossing the Strait southwest to Tuong Point of the eastern shoreline of Barangay Tuong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental and then going south following the eastern shoreline of Negros Island up to Colang-colang Point of the shoreline of Barangay Cangmating, Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Then crossing the Strait in a north-easterly direction to Tañon Point in the shoreline of Barangay Liloan, Santander, Cebu. Finally closing the traverse, the line goes up north following the western shoreline of the Province of Cebu back to Bantique Point (see Table 1). Table 1 Technical description of the boundaries of the TSPS Point Latitude Longitude Direction & Distance Point 1 11° 17' 37? 123° 43' 48? S 84° 15' 50? E, 31,067 meters to Point 2 Point 2 11° 15' 53? 124° 00' 47? Following Cebu west shoreline on a southwest direction, 239,430 meters to Point 3 Point 3 9° 25' 06? 123° 20' 04? S 38° 08' 00? W, 9,386 meters to Point 4 Point 4 9° 21' 06? 123° 16' 53? Following Negros east shoreline on a northeast direction, 139,035 meters to Point 5 Point 5 10° 55' 22? 123° 31' 41? N 43° 10' 54? E, 30,753 meters to Point 6 123° 43' 16? Following Bantayan east shoreline on a northeast-west direction, 29,187 meters to Point 1 Point 6 11° 07' 31? Climate Cebu and Negros Islands (between which the TSPS is situated) have a tropical climate. The climatic patterns in the Tañon Strait are determined primarily by the two monsoons of the Asiatic mainland. The southwest monsoon from April or May through September or October is characterized by southwest winds that are due to low pressure systems that develop over the Asian continental land mass through summer heating of the land surface. The northeast monsoon from October or November through January produces northeast winds caused by air movement from the polar anticyclone centered near Lake Baikal. During the months of February, March, and April neither monsoon has much effect, and the climate is dominated by the monsoon and trade winds. The climate may, however, be strongly modified locally by the interaction of the monsoon winds with local geographic and orographic features. The monsoon winds produce the general annual climatic pattern of Negros, but the monsoon is only superficially a very orderly phenomenon and minor or major changes in the timing of events, along with the occurrence of severe cyclonic storms, make the actual climatic pattern of any given year unpredictable. Shifts in the position of high and low pressure systems may cause great changes in weather over large areas (Heideman& Erickson, 1987). Average rainfall for Cebu and southern Negros Oriental is between 451-900mm during the period from April to September. For northern Negros Oriental during the same period it is between 901-1800mm. During the period from October to March, average rainfall for most of Cebu and Negros Oriental is between 451-900mm, while it is between 901-1800mm at the northern tip of the two provinces (Hilario et al, 2009). Prevailing Winds Prevailing winds from June to September is the southwest monsoon (“Habagat”), while the northeast monsoon or “Amihan” occur in the months of November to February. Variable wind is observed from March to May. The waves are wind-driven based on the prevailing monsoon wind. The surface of TSPS is relatively calm during the southwest monsoon and becomes choppy to rough during the northeast monsoon. Typhoon Frequencies Generally, Tañon Strait basks outside the typhoon belt. The surrounding islands’ (Cebu, Negros) backbone of high mountain ranges breaks the full effects of the southwest monsoon and keeps weather generally fair all year round. However, there are events during the year where typhoons hit Tañon Strait during the months of December and January. These typhoons are those that are coming from the Bicol region or Central Luzon in a north-easterly and those coming from the Surigao-Samar area. Biological diversity The Strait is a distinct habitat of the chambered Nautilus (Nautiluspompilius, local name taklong) and a migration route of 14 species of marine mammals. Hence, the strait was designated as a priority area for conservation of marine mammals (cetaceans) and was proclaimed as a Protected Seascape under Proclamation No. 1234 signed by President Fidel Ramos on May 27, 1998. (Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines) The Tañon Strait is relatively small (15-27km wide and 220 km long), yet it belongs to the ecoregion with the highest marine biological diversity in the world. It is home to a diversity of fish, molluscs and crustaceans. Its narrow shelf is fringed with intermittent strands of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass. It has a thriving squid fishery and an abundant Nautilus population (Hayasaka et. al 1983). Marine mammals The archipelagic nature of the Philippines provides diversity in marine habitat. Many of the islands in the country are surrounded by deep oceanic waters, and cetacean species which are thought to be typically oceanic can be found near shore (Jefferson 1995 – citation/paper cannot be found). The characteristics of the Strait - narrow, semi-enclosed area with terraced slopes coupled with deep oceanic waters close to shore, and shallow flat areas contiguous to the deep waters of the Sulu Sea - make cetaceans move freely between them (Dolar et al 2006). Although small cetaceans have been extensively studied in the tropical marine habitat, very little is known about these animals in the tropical Southeast Asian region, as most of the literature on cetaceans in this region deals with occurrence and distribution based on strandings, sightings, fishery catches. Cetaceans are often incidentally caught during various fishing operations (Dolar 1994; Dolar 1999a). The effect of this, coupled with habitat degradation, on cetacean populations is unknown (Perrin et. al. 25 – paper cannot be found). In studies by Dolar (1996b) and Perrin (1995) fourteen species of cetaceans were observed in the Sulu Sea and Tañon Strait in a survey using the line transect method developed to estimate abundance of small cetaceans in the eastern tropical Pacific (Holt, 1987; Wade and Gerodette, 1993). This number constitutes 54% of the total number of cetaceans known from the Philippine waters and 47% of the total number of cetacean species recorded in Southeast Asia (Dolar 1999b; Perrin 1995). It is thought that species travel both sites in order to feed, rest and breed. Table 2 gives a list of species of marine mammals that have been positively sighted within the waters of the TSPS. Many other cetaceans have been spotted in areas near the TSPS (Bohol Sea, Sulu Sea, Visayan Sea, etc.) and so it is probable that these species may also enter the TSPS but have not yet been spotted by reliable/expert witnesses. Table 2 List of species of cetaceans that have been sighted within the TSPS (extracted from Alava et al, 2012) Species Feresaattenuate Globicephalascammoni Grampus griseus Lagenodelphishosei Peponocephalaelectra Stenellagraffmani Stenellalongirostrislongirost ris Stenellalongirostrisroseivent ris English pygmy killer whale short-finned pilot whale Risso's dolphin Fraser's dolphin Common Name Tagalog balyena Visayan lumba-lumba ambuhutan, bugansiso tiw lumba-lumba -tiw melon-headed whale Pantropical spotted dolphin Gray's spinner dolphin lumba-lumba lumba-lumba lumba-lumba lumba-lumba, mayahon, lumod Pakatang lumba-lumba, lumod, balakiki Lumod dwarf spinner dolphin lumba-lumba Lumod Species Tursiopsaduncus Tursiopstruncates Kogiasima Ziphiuscavirostris English Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin common bottlenose dolphin dwarf sperm whale Cuvier's beaked whale Common Name Tagalog lumba-lumba Lumod lumba-lumba lumba-lumba, lumod Visayan Nautilus Nautiluses are the last living genera of externally shelled cephalopods (Ward 1983 and 1987, CephBase 2002). Nautiluses have been on the planet for 500 million years – these slow moving Cephalopods are considered primitive compared to their faster moving relatives (octopus and squid), and the external shell of these animals provides both protection and rigid open spaces that can be filled with gas for buoyancy. Nautiluses usually inhabit depths of several hundred metres. It has long been believed that the Nautilus rises at night to feed, mate and lay eggs (Carlson et al, 1984). The greatest depth at which a Nautilus has been sighted is 703 m the N. pompilius (Dunstan et al, 2011). Tañon Strait has a thriving and abundant population of Nautilus (Hayasaka et. al 1983). Unfortunately they are harvested for their shell – it is a well-known fact that Nautilus have been exported by the thousands (Talavera and Faustino, 1931). Fishermen trap Nautilus at about 200m, but at times reach a maximum depth at about 525 m (Hayasaka et. al. 2009). Fishing is done usually during the night and several traps are used. One reason Nautiluses are not protected by CITES is that there is not much scientific information on them. Other important organisms in the Tañon Strait No comprehensive study for the Tañon Strait as a whole has been conducted for the resources to be enumerated below . All of the information below has either been gathered from separate studies conducted in various areas within the TSPS, or estimated from the information gathered from these studies. Coral Reefs Tañon Strait has about 188.3 km2 (18,830 ha) of coral reefs, mostly fringing reefs along the Negros and Cebu coastline (Green et al. 2004). Based on the CRM Plans of the respective LGUs in the TSPS, coral cover of municipalities along Tañon Strait averages from 25% (poor condition) to 85% (excellent condition)1. Reef Fish Basing from different surveys conducted for the CRM plans of the LGUs, reef fish abundance within the Tañon Strait ranges from 4,000 to 10,000 individuals per hectare belonging to over 24 fish families. The main targets of these surveys were commercially valuable fish such as triggerfish, sweetlips, emperors, snappers, soldier fish, and goatfish, although a few pelagic species were also accounted for such as 1 Hard coral cover category standard (Gomez, et al, 1994) anchovies, billfish, mackerels and tuna, which also play an important role in livelihood of some fishers in Tañon Strait. Mangroves In Tañon Strait the area of mangrove forests is 650 ha (Green et. al. 2004). The Philippines’ mangrove species biodiversity is very high. Of the world’s more than 70 mangrove species, around 46 are known to occur in the country (DENR website), and 26 are known to occur in the Tañon Strait. Seagrasses Based on the CRM Plans surveyed, Tañon Strait has a total of seven species of seagrasses and Thallasiasp, Enhalussp and Cymodoceasp being the three most dominant species. Seagrass cover ranges from 30% to 50%. Cultural and Socioeconomic background Population As of 2010 data, Tañon Strait has a population of 1,165,821 with Cebu contributing the most to the numbers with 684,795, followed by Negros Oriental with 253,510 and Negros Occidental with 227,516 individuals. The most densely populated areas are in Toledo-Balamban and Badian-Moalboal in Cebu Province, BaisTanjay -Amlan and San Jose-Sibulan in Negros Oriental and San Carlos City and Escalante City in Negros Occidental. Sources of Livelihood Tañon Strait is one of the major fishing grounds of Central Visayas. Based on the survey of the BFAR and CRMP, there are about 26,850 fishers operating in the area with more than 12,000 motorized and nonmotorized boats. Studies show that fisherfolk plying Tañon Strait have a high number of active fishing gears such as gillnets (kurantay/drift gillnets, palabay/bottom gillnets, patuloy/surface-set gillnets), and passive gears such as hook-and-lines (pamasol) and squid jigs. Beach seining (sahid/baling) is also practiced in Tañon Strait, which is tolerated despite being officially illegal. Religion Christianity is the predominant religion in Tañon Strait Protected Strait with Roman Catholicism as the biggest single denomination. Other denominations include mainline and evangelical Protestant groups, the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Aglipayan Church, also known as the Philippine Independent Church. Adherents of Islam and Buddhism constitute a minority of the population. Education and Literacy Cebu is the main educational institute in the central region of the country. Dumaguete City, the provincial capital of Negros Oriental, is known as a university town due to the existence of several universities and colleges in the city. Literacy is classified into simple or basic and functional literacy. Simple literacy rate, which comprises basic reading and writing skills, was computed at 93.9 per cent while functional literacy rate, that includes basic reading, writing skills and computational ability, was computed at 83.3 per cent. Health The three provinces of Cebu and Negros Oriental and Occidental all have existing preventive health programs. The local government units (LGUs) continually strive to improve the quality and accessibility of health services and tap locally available resources to strengthen LGU capacity and knowledge. Hospitals normally conduct preventive and promote activities as they go about their daily routine. Local Infrastructure, Development Services and Government Service Political Subdivision The TSPS covers a total of 3 provinces, Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental; 7 congressional districts; 35 municipalities; 7 cities and 298 coastal barangays. In Cebu province, the coastal community is comprised of 3 congressional districts, 23 municipalities, 1 City and 167 barangays. In Negros Oriental, it covers 2 congressional districts, 10 municipalities, 3 cities and 99 barangays, while in Negros Occidental, the TSPS covers 2 congressional districts, 2 municipalities, 3 cities and 32 barangays. The component cities and municipalities belonging to the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape from the 3 provinces are shown in Table 3, Table 4 and Table 5 below. Table 3 Cities and Municipalities of Cebu province that are within the TSPS No. of Coastal Barangays per City/Municipality Municipalities and Cities of Cebu Province Santander Samboan Ginatilan Malabuyoc Alegria Badian Moalboal Alcantara Ronda Dumanjug Barili Aloguinsan Pinamungahan Toledo City Balamban Asturias Tuburan Tabuelan 2 7 5 6 4 12 7 3 4 8 10 4 7 11 9 7 10 5 No. of MPAs 2 1 2 4 5 6 6 3 1 4 4 4 1 3 1 3 4 3 No. of Coastal Barangays per City/Municipality Municipalities and Cities of Cebu Province San Remegio Medellin Sta. Fe Bantayan Island Madridejos DaanBantayan TOTAL 14 14 7 6 4 5 167 No. of MPAs 9 2 5 18 5 96 Table 4Cities and Municipalities of Negros Oriental province that are within the TSPS No. of Coastal Barangays per City/Municipality Cities/Municipalities of Negros Oriental Sibulan San Jose Amlan Tanjay City Bais City Manjuyod Bindoy Ayungon Jimalalud La Libertad Guihulngan Vallehermoso Tayasan TOTAL 6 6 5 9 13 10 6 8 6 6 10 7 7 99 No. of MPAs 3 2 3 1 3 3 5 8 1 2 1 32 Table 5Cities and Municipalities of Negros Occidental province that are within the TSPS Cities/Municipalities of Negros Occidental Calatrava Escalante City Sagay City San Carlos City Toboso TOTAL No. of Coastal Barangays per City/ Municipality 14 6 4 6 2 32 No. of MPAs 1 1 2 2 (proposed) 3 Transportation The TSPS is accessible from all major cities in Central and Western Visayas regions. From Cebu City, the protected area can be reached by any vehicles via major routes or highways that link the city to the western side of Cebu Island. In same manner, it is accessible in the Negros side through any route from Bacolod or Dumaguete City. Small ferries ply the strait on an hourly basis from different points located along coastal municipalities of Tañon Strait linking directly Negros and Cebu islands. Daily flights connect Manila to Dumaguete, Bacolod and Cebu City. Airports As Cebu is the international gateway to Visayas and Mindanao, daily flights to and from the island have been increasing both for cargoes and passengers. The international airport is being run by the MactanCebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), which is set to implement an expansion program to accommodate more flights. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are taking care of most domestic flights, while Silk Air, Qatar Airlines and Korean Air, among others, provide the comfort of travel to destinations in other parts of the world. The Dumaguete City Airport is the only major airport in Negros Oriental serving daily domestic flights to and from Manila and Cebu with two airline companies, namely Philippine Air Lines/Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific. With facilities for all weather conditions, the Dumaguete Airport is actually located in the town of Sibulan, just a few kilometers outside the city (about 5 minutes away). Seaports History has always seen Cebu as a natural port even before Spanish colonization. At present, several shipping companies service inter-island and international destinations: Sulpicio Lines, Gothong Southern Shipping, Cebu Ferries Corporation, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, George & Peter Lines, Inc., Lite Shipping Corporation, Negros Navigation Co., Inc. Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. WG&A Super Ferry and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. As the city of Cebu is centrally located in the country, the port of Cebu serves as an important transshipmentcenter. It functions as the base for more the 80% of inter-island vessels of Philippines. The Dumaguete seaport is a major link to Central Visayas making it part of the Tourism Highway and Mindanao traffic, where it plays an important role in the “Strong Republic Nautical Highway” route. Another seaport in Guihulngan caters mainly to small vessels ferrying passengers between the Guihulngan Port and Tangil, Dumanjug, Cebu. There is another pair of ports connecting Toledo City, Cebu and San Carlos City, Negros Oriental. Power Generation The Leyte Geothermal Power Plant is the main source of power for the city of Cebu which is supplied through an interconnection grid. The Visayas Electric Company (VECO) provides electricity to Cebu. A coal-fired power plant exists in Toledo City supplying additional power to the province of Cebu. Negros Oriental's’ primary source of power is the geothermal energy harnessed from the geothermal fields in Palinpinon, Valencia. There are two power plants generating electricity with a combined capacity of 192.5 megawatts. Ecotourism The TSPS is surrounded by beautiful beaches, freshwater springs, and other natural attractions. As such, the municipalities and cities around the TSPS each have their own ecotourism programs and destinations within their respective jurisdictions. The ecotourism activity that cuts across political boundaries in the TSPS is dolphin- and whale-watching. Bais City in Negros Oriental is the main springboard for this activity for most of Tañon Strait. This greatly contributed to the income generation for the residents in the area. The establishment of the necessary infrastructures and man power support has become a priority for the respective LGUs in order to maximize the eco-tourism potentials, also so that the TSPS will become a major ecotourism destination. Legal and institutional framework As mentioned above, the Tañon Strait was created as a Protected Seascape through Proclamation 1234 (1998), pursuant to RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992. The NIPAS Act defines a protected landscape/seascape as “areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas.” The TSPS was declared a protected seascape mainly due to the abundance and diverse assemblage of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and the uniqueness of associated habitats. As a NIPAS area, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has jurisdiction over the TSPS with management authority by the DENR Secretary, the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the created Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). The PAMB is composed of representatives from the component local government units and stakeholders within the TSPS and given the size of the area, the PAMB for TSPS has close to 300 members. Programs and activities within the PA are coordinated by the Protected Area Office under the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and 5 Assistant PASus. The current organizational set-up is shown in Figure 1 below. Financing for the TSPS is guided by RA 7586 Section 16 of the DAO No 25 series of 1992, which respectively provides for the establishment of the IPAF (Integrated Protected Areas Fund) for the purpose of promoting the sustained financing system. TSPS generated PhP 11,707,000 for 2013 from fees and collections from facilities user fees, resource user fees and concession fees. This revenue goes to the national fund of which 25% or 3M will go back to TSPS. Organizational set up within the legal framework Aside from the NIPAS Act, management of the TSPS is also governed by several other laws and regulations. These are given in Figure 1, which also shows the inter-relationship between the management units (LGU, TSPS and DENR) and the laws and regulations governing them. Fisheries Code Local Gov’t. Code Local Fishery, Environment, Ecotourism and Taxation Ordinances WORKING COMMITTEES DENR – REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/Chairperson PAMB PAMB - EXECOM PAMB - SMUs LGU ENRO/CRMO PASu PARTNERS Cebu ASSISTANT PASu Deputized LGU COASTAL LAW ENFORCERS Wildlife Act Other environmental laws, rules and regulations PA GMP, Policies PAMB - ENBANC LGU CHIEF EXECUTIVES Forestry Code NIPAS Act Negros Oriental Negros Occidental Protected Area Staff Figure 1The organizational setup of the TSPS and the inter-relationship between the units co-managing the TSPS (PAMB, LGUs, DENR) and the laws and regulations governing the management of the TSPS. Co-management scheme Although the over-all management of the TSPS is done by the TSPS-PAMB, the everyday detailed decision-making and nitty-gritty is done via a co-management scheme between the PAMB and the respective LGUs within the TSPS.Each of the LGUs share management of the TSPS within the respective management areasapportioned to them – the Municipal Coastal Waters. Figure 2 shows which aspects of the management are handled by the PAMB and which are handled by the individual LGUs. DENR - PAMB Tenure Permitting Provincial-City-Municipal-Barangay LGUs SAPA PACBRMA Permit to Operate Fees System User’s Fees (SAPA, etc) Law Enforcement PA Rangers Building Permit Fishing/Gear Permit Business Permit Mariculture Permit Business Tax User’s Fees (individual specific areas) Income Tax e.g. entrance fees to ecotourism areas Fish Wardens LGU officials Other law enforcement agencies (PNP, CoastGuard Development Programs and Projects Conservation Conservation Protection Protection Livelihood Livelihood Other National Govt Agencies (BFAR,DSWD) Figure 2 Delineation of the scope of the duties and responsibilities and the sharing of revenues from the TSPS by the PAMB, LGUs and the government agencies concerned with the management and protection of the resources in the TSPS Situational Analysis (including key management issues and concerns) A workshop was conducted on June 19, 2013 and attended by members of the TSPS-PAMB and invited experts and resource personsto analyse the current situation within the TSPS, identify problems and help out draw out suggestions for courses of action to take to help alleviate those problems. Table 6 summarizes the problems and perceived causes in management of the TSPS as were discussed during the workshop. Table 6 Problems and perceived causes in the management of the TSPS Problem Perceived Cause Baseline information No baseline resource information on coastal habitat, fishery stock and diversity, and fisherfolk, boats and gear No resource assessment, lack of funds and not prioritized Problem Lack of Fish/MPA connectivity research Livelihood No access to funds from the IPAF for livelihood opportunities Lack of other livelihood opportunity (CRM base) Low Income Illegal structures Existence of illegal structures along the coastline Perceived Cause Not a priority of the LGU No guidelines to fund access Not a priority and not identified Limited access to livelihood opportunities Non-compliance to CNC, ECC and Building permits Tourism No proper data on tourist arrival Negative impacts of tourism Local tourism not developed despite the presence of healthy coral reefs and beaches Habitat degradation Low fish catch Intrusion of commercial fishing operations and illegal fishing practices TSPS Non-functional MPAs/paper parks Habitat degradation, specifically mangrove ecosystem s and coral reefs Unregulated deployment of Fish Coral, Fish Cage, Fish Pen, Fish Attracting Device and Seaweeds Most of the tourism officers are not qualified No proper orientation, education Lack of development and promotion of potential tourist sites Increase in number of fishers, intrusion of commercial vessels into municipal fishing zones (boundaries of Cebu and Negros Occidental) Unclear policies and lack of Coastal Law Enforcement; non-functional designs Increasing populations in coastal area, COT infestation No implementation of zoning Farm Pollution Reported incidents pollution from industrial waste Improper waste disposal No segregation of waste at source Liquid waste from household and establishments Unregulated use of plastic Dumping of waste along the shores Finance mechanisms No sharing mechanism of the Users Fee Laws and law enforcement Laws and policies by and between the PAMB and LGUs not properly harmonized Resource use conflict Lack of coordination and lack of harmonious relationships between and among institutions and LGUs No monitoring team for industries in terms of compliance on waste disposal Lack of enforcement Inefficiency of garbage collection No monitoring of compliance in ECC No regulation Lax enforcement and poor awareness of RA 9003 Generated funds not properly reported Misconception/misunderstanding of its roles and functions No policy on zoning Conflicting directives of NIPAS, RA 8550, RA 7160 Problem Lack of political will Lack of institutional arrangements and partnerships with different stake holders Inadequate knowledge on coastal law enforcement and some LGUs have no assigned Fishery Officer Inadequate prosecution of cases Lack/Weak Enforcement Lack of knowledge in environment laws, and enforcement strategies Perceived Cause Politicians not aware of environmental governance Lack of initiatives Lack of trainings on coastal law enforcement and lack of funds slow and long litigation process inefficient enforcement Lack of knowledge sharing The Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Key Marine Biodiversity Areas Project (2013) did SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and stakeholder analyses on the TSPS. The following sections on the situational and stakeholder analyses are taken from their report. SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) The SWOT assessment focuses on three components: Policy and Institutional Arrangements, MPA Financing, Strengthening of MPAs and MPA Networks and Capacity-Building. In terms of the Policy and Institutional Arrangements, the major strength is TSPS supported by a national law and the support mechanisms and provisions that ideally go with it. Another strength identified was the strength of existing local initiatives in coastal and marine management as well as the openness of both levels of authority to co-manage the area together. Major weaknesses are mainly the unclear and/or misinterpretation of policies, protocols, and lack of information which stems mainly from lack of venues for communication and clarification. At the MPA Financing level, there were more strengths identified given that the TSPS has ample sources of revenue and influx of external support is seen in the offing. The major weakness identified was the lack of support policies for revenue-generation and sharing. For the MPAs and an MPA networking, there is a lack of policy on establishing and operating networks and alliances, coupled with a lack of scientific basis to support policy. However, networks may be built on the already established LGU alliances, MPA management bodies, and organized community stakeholder groups found in all and between the 42 cities and municipalities in the TSPS. In terms of capacity development the cities and municipalities have already developed and established skills and capacities on coastal and marine management, such as in law enforcement, community organizing, CEPA (communication, education and public awareness), and planning and resource monitoring. Building on and enhancing these capacities as well as improving other capacities (e.g. monitoring and evaluation, sustainable financing), coupled with a data-management/data-banking system were identified as needs. Opportunities and threats to the TSPS as well as recommendations were also identified. Details of the SWOT analysis are given in Table 7. Table 7 SWOT analysis for the TSPS, result of a workshop conducted on May 22-23, 2013 by the Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Key Marine Biodiversity Areas Project. Taken from the Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Key Marine Biodiversity Areas Project Areas for Assessment 1. Policy and Institutional Arrangements Strength - Presidential Proclamation of TS as Protected Seascape - Initial TSPS Management Plan - LGU adoption of coastal and fisheryrelated ordinances and plans by some municipalities - Coastal management units in place in LGUs - Capable PASu for TSPS - PAMB and Execom is existing - Existing resolution for the comanagement of the TSPS - No representation in EIS process for development projects and activities in TSPS 2. MPA Financing - Implementing the IPAF financing scheme Opportunities - No clear stand of TSPS on some policies, e.g. commercial fishing in TSPS, FLAs, abandoned fishponds, research, tourism practices - New players in TS that may support policy-formulation (ADB-RETA, UNDP) - Policies allowing exploration of mineral and other resources - Champions for TSPS (LGU officials, congressmen, etc.) - - No clear protocol on TSPS membership to the PAMB Recommendations - Tap into research institutions for studies that could enhance/strengthen TSPS programs and policies - Explore policies for mechanisms to guarantee that research institutions and researches are shared with the TSPS, LGUs (e.g. guarantee fund for research) - Lack of clear protocol on access/release/utiliz ation of funds - Set-up database management mechanism at the PMO - PASu position is only a designation - Finalize TSPS GMP - Creating a committee for monitoring within the PAMB by SMUs - PAMB is too large which makes it difficult to pass resolutions, approve plans, etc. - No legal policies for revenue generation (endowment, etc.) - Funds available to establish new MPAs - Income from TSPS (P33M) - Bottom -up budgeting - Wide array of revenue sources for TSPS - Strong business sector that may be tapped - LGUs implementing their own financing scheme for MPAs to generate funds - Revenue generation from research activities - Presence of funding donors Threats Weakness - Engage the tourism sector for partnership/collaborat ion in TSPS programs/activities - TSPS comes up with a marketing strategy to promote TSPS as a tourism destination which provides the LGUs with opportunities for income generation from tourism - Capacity-building on sustainable financing, business planning, cost-effectiveness, Areas for Assessment Strength Weakness Recommendations Threats Opportunities M&E 3. Strengthening of MPAs and MPANs - Local networks: ABATMAN, South Cebu cluster, others - MPA management bodies at the LGU level - Community-based management of MPAs in some LGUs 4. Capacity development - Some LGUs are capacitated on coastal and marine management, enforcement, organizing, planning, IEC - Local capacities for resource monitoring - Lack of researches that could support policies and management of TSPS (e.g. biophysical studies) - No comprehensive data sets for TSPS describing resources, etc.; unconsolidated data - Available guidelines and protocols on fishery/coastalrelated use (e.g. marine mammal monitoring, aquaculture practices, etc.) -Over-population in the coastal areas -unmanaged waste (SW, poultry, hograising) - Consolidate all available information on TSPS - Come up with a comprehensive profile of TSPS, including biophysical, socioeconomic profiles - Institutions with data (e.g. CCEF. Physalus) for MPAs in parts of TSPS) - No data management mechanism and lack of capacity to manage data Capacity-building on sustainable financing, business planning, cost-effectiveness, M &E - No regular surveys, monitoring systems (biophysical) Capacitate the PA Office - Lack of capacity on project/program evaluation Stakeholder analysis A total of 86 groups were identified as stakeholders in the TSPS. This includes provincial LGUs (3), city and municipal LGUs (42), government agencies (14), non-government organizations (8), donor and special government projects (7), peoples' organizations and fishery councils (3), special interest groups (4), and academic institutions (5). Table 8 shows which stakeholders are positively or negatively affected, what their current roles in MPA management are and how or where these groups may be engaged. Table 8Stakeholder analysis for the TSPS, result of a workshop conducted on May 22-23, 2013 by the Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Key Marine Biodiversity Areas Project. Taken from the Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Key Marine Biodiversity Areas Project Name of Stakeholder groups Positively affected Negatively Affected Current Role in MPA management Proposed Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement Name of Stakeholder groups Negatively Affected Positively affected Current Role in MPA management Proposed Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement LGUs 1. Cebu PLGU 2. Negros Oriental PLGU ü Increased number of managers; strengthened collaboration between partners ü National policies sometimes override provincial plans Provincial Governor is the Presiding Officer of the SMU ü ü Ex-officio representative does not provide feedback to PLGU Mediator/arbiter between TSPS and LGUs Providing funding to the LGU Planning is not coordinated with the LGUs-strengthen coordination with the TSPS and LGUs Strengthen capacity of PENRO for TSPS implementation Meaningful representation to the PAMB (permanent representative) Provides technical assistance to LGUs Needs: VA capacity-development, marine mammal stranding response and protocol (Physalus as potential active partner, also see available guidelines available) Capacitating LGUs/TA (e.g. biomonitoring) Recommend an alternate for representative to the PAMB CO, trainer, facilitator, IEC programs (for local communities in place/ institutionalized) To continue the institutionalization of the mechanism for IEC Helps manage 27 MPAs (TA, establishment) ü 3. Negros Occidental PLGU Problems: language barrier, regionalistic tradition, distance of Neg.Occ from PAMB meeting venues Reconnect/reorient province re TSPS Reestablish SMU in Neg. Occ. Roles: attend Execom, collaboration programs (had a permanent member but now needs to be oriented) 4. M/CLGUs in TSPS ü One common framework/ policy in managing resources ü jurisdictional issues between MLGUs and TSPS Law Enforcers (based on 8550) MPA managers LGUs provide a check and balance to policies and protocols Implementers of conservation and protection programs For LGUs to communicate to TSPS managers re. focal persons for TSPS concerns and for PASu to write to LGUs asking for names of representatives to TSPS and for PASu to identify specific focal person in letters/invitations Changes to LGU representatives to the PAMB: (Mayors’ for appointments); For PAMB to review guidelines and protocols for discussion Government Agencies 1. DENR ü Manager of TSPS 2. BFAR ü Partner in fisheries and aquaculture, enforcement capacity-building Name of Stakeholder groups Positively affected Negatively Affected Current Role in MPA management 3. MARINA ü Permitting and boat registration 4. Coast Guard ü CLE, pollution regulation/enforcement 5. PNP ü Enforcement 6. DILG ü Policy-making 7. DOT ü Tourism development, promotion, regulation 8. PPA ü Ports development, monitoring, regulation 9. DPWH ü Infra development (dikes, seawalls, etc) 10. DOJ ü Prosecution, CLE, judicial support 11. DepED ü Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) 12. DOH ü Population management 13. DSWD ü Livelihood, mainstreaming of environmentaleducation/CEPA 14. DOE ü Energy exploration, submarine cable regulation Proposed Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement Non-Government Organizations 1. CCEF ü SPR monitoring (every 4 years), fisheries-related research, MPA monitoring and training 2. Physalus ü Monitoring of large marine invertebrates, training for stranding response 3. World Vision ü Community organizing, capacitybuilding (Moalboal, Badian, Alcantara) 4. Tambuyog ü Community organizing, capacitybuilding (Negros) 5. SUAKCREM ü Research (Negros and Cebu) For PASu to write letters to research institutions/organizations to share information/data/studies and to get clearances/permits and inform them of protocols Name of Stakeholder groups Positively affected Negatively Affected Current Role in MPA management 6. RAFI ü Mangrove reforestation, cooperative development 7. St. Catherine Family Helpers ü Capacity-building, planning 8. RARE ü Social marketing, IEC, MPA TA (ABATMAN area) Donor and Government Special Projects ü 1. UNDP ü MPA Networking, capacitybuilding, sustainable financing 2. ADB CTI-RETA ü Capacity-building, management planning, livelihood assistance 3. GIZ-PAME ü Terrestrial PA management, Capacity-building 4. SCREMP ü IEC, Livelihood 5. US Peace Corps ü 6. ICRMP ü 7. Japan Development Volunteer ü Peoples’ Organizations/Fish ery Councils ü 1. ICRMP POs ü Mangrove rehab 2. FARMCs ü Fishery policy recommending body 3. CBFMA holders (San Remigio, Badian) ü CB Mangrove forest management Special Interest Groups ü Proposed Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement Conduct meetings with partners and explore partnership and complementation of programs Include in planning and consultation activities, also enforcement activities Name of Stakeholder groups 1. Commercial Fishers (Barili, Toledo, Alegria, Ginatilan) 2. Fishpond Operators 3. Tourism Operators (resorts, dive shop operators, tour operators, etc) Positively affected Negatively Affected Current Role in MPA management ü ü Clarify stand/policy of TSPS re. commercial fishing (to be settled within the next 4 years) Concern: activities destructive to coastal area Assist in the protection ü Proposed Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement Use of areas for tourism IEC and capacity-development on responsible tourism (Green Fins) Commercial fishing issue to be addressed in PAMB/planning session To meet with fishpond operators re. concerns o destructive practices To review and recommend policies re. FLAs Move to formalize partnerships and consider their representation in PAMB. At the immediate, invite them Tap for IEC, data -collection for marine mammal monitoring and sightings, as well as illegal activities 4. Shipping sector ü Academic Institutions ü 1. Cebu Technological University ü Research, CO 2. UPMSI ü Research, TA 3. Silliman University-IEMS ü Research, CO 4. University of San Carlos ü Research (mangrove research in Toledo) 5. NORSU ü CO, mangrove rehab Tap these institutions for research and data-sharing The General Management Plan of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape Vision, Mission, Goals & Objectives Vision A Tañon Strait Protected Seascape with natural biological diversity and integrity2, which is enjoyed by the population, and whose coastal and marine resourcesand habitats are managed harmoniously and utilized sustainably. Mission Conserve and sustainably manage the coastal and marine resources and habitats of the TSPS using science- and evidence-based and participative decision making so that all stakeholders get to enjoy the benefits of the seascape and also making the seascape more resilient to climate change and use a system of management that is based on partnership, collaboration, transparency and a harmonized policy between the different stakeholders. Goals The management goals for the TSPS for the next three years will be to: 1. Establish the current state of the protected area 2. Enhance the resource and habitat management systems of the TSPS as a whole and of the specific core zones within the TSPS 3. Strengthen the Protected Area Office to enhance the mechanisms of co-management, delineation and harmonization of the roles of the stakeholders in management 4. Continue and improve on the strategies being implemented for the conservation and management of the coastal and marine resources of the TSPS *GOAL to manage resources and manage the people Objectives 2 Biological integrity refers to a system's wholeness, including presence of all appropriate elements and occurrence of all processes at appropriate rates (Angermeier& Karr, 1994). 1. Collate all CRM Plans of 42 LGUs and integrate to support the preparation of a GMP What does the TSPS management need to do in order to attain the goals stated above? Listed below are the specific objectives leading to the attainment of the each of the goals of the TSPS management for the next three years. Goal 1. Establish the current state of the protected area 1. To obtain information on and establish with reasonable certainty the areas that are frequented by the different species of cetaceans within the Tañon Strait. 2. To obtain information on the status of the Nautilus population and endangered species (turtles, sharks)within the TSPS. 3. To obtain information on the status of the coastal resources of the Tañon Strait. a. Coral reefs b. Seagrass beds c. Mangrove stands d. Other habitats 4. To obtain information of the vulnerability of the TSPS to climate change and its associated risks. 5. To obtain information on the extent of resource use and the extent of illegal activities, if any, associated with the use of the resources. 6. Obtain information on the socio-economic situation of the area 7. To establish a databank where all the information will be deposited Goal 2. Enhance the resource and habitat management systems of the TSPS as a whole and of the specific core zones within the TSPS 1. Fisheries Management 2. Resource Management 3. Foreshore Management 4. Large scale biodiversity monitoring - Consolidation of data/ gray literature 5. Law enforcement - inter-agency trainings/ refresher - Create adjudication board – will be composed of PAMB EXECOM members 4. Cap dev for PASu/ APASu/ Protected Area Staff/ Partners and Stakeholders 8. Alternative/ Supplemental Livelihood 9. Climate change adapatation Goal 3. Implement the established mechanisms of co-management, delineation and harmonization of the roles of the stakeholders in management 1. To enhance the Protected Area Office, improve capacity of staff to implement plan and programs - Establish Protected Area Office - Create PAO Organizational Structure - Institutionalize implementation mechanisms 2. To increase awareness of the TSPS, its mechanisms of management and the roles of its stakeholders among the public and the stakeholders and management of the TSPS 3. To strengthen or establish/formalize institutional arrangements and partnerships with the different stake holders/management sectors of the TSPS 4. To Expand networks, build partnerships Goal 4. Continue and improve on the strategies being implemented for the management of the coastal and marine resources of the TSPS 1. To build up the capacity of the different sectors in the TSPS to improve the management of the area 2. Revenue generation (generation of the IPAF) and Fund Management 3. Establish Guidelines/ Protocol Systems for Ecotourism, SAPA Applications, etc. 4. 1. IEC/ CEPA (Communication, Education and Public Awareness) - Harmonization and consultation of different laws and policies between adjacent LGUs Formulate blanket prescriptions Management Strategies/Interventions In all sections where the conduct of research is an activity/intervention, unless explicitly stated that a team is to be created to conduct the particular study, it is the intent of the TSPS-PAMB that if and whenever possible these research activities be channelled /conducted through or by means of the dissertations/theses of graduate students of recognized universities and colleges of the country and the region. This is done to 1. Ensure quality of the work by tapping the additional expertise of the dissertation/thesis advisers and panel members of the respective graduate students 2. Have a higher assurance that the work gets completed as the graduate student will have a higher stake in regards to the study’s completion and 3. Build the capacity of the incoming/existing workforce in the country with the recognition that a significant percentage of the graduate students will continue working within the area after they finish their studies. As such, and unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the PAMB will strive to support the conduct of such studies through: 1. Help secure funding for the study, and (expand statement and identify different modalities) 2. Provide logistical support during the conduct of the study. (Representatives from TSPS will participate in every study) Results of all research conducted in TSPS will be provided/ submitted to TSPS PAMB before 6 months after the end of the study. Establishing the state of the protected area Objective 1.To obtain information on and establish with reasonable certainty the areas that are frequented by the different species of cetaceans within the Tañon Strait. The TSPS management will sponsor and/or support research directed towards determining with reasonable certainty the abundance and distribution by the different species of cetaceans within the Tañon Strait. This is to facilitate the protection and zoning of these areas in the future, if deemed necessary in the study to protect the well-being and safeguard the future of these species within the Strait. Objective 2.To obtain information on the status of the Nautilus population and other endangered fishery species within the TSPS. The presence of the Nautilus fishery is one of the reasons why the TSPS was protected. Since protection, however, the status of this fishery has not been studied. As such, the TSPS management will sponsor and/or support a study on the Nautilus, placing heavier priority and more importance on the determination of the current status of this important fishery. *dolphins and sharks are used as bait to catch the nautilus. Nautilus are carnivores and are attracted to flesh and blood. Conserving the dolphins and sharks will conserve the Nautilus. Research was done in Bohol – there is a paper on this – Dr. Al *references from sir Raul Objective 3.To obtain information on the status of the coastal resources of the Tañon Strait. The lack of baseline information is a problem that all the sectors acknowledge and find important. This lack of information hampers management and decision-making. The TSPS management therefore will support and/or sponsor the following studies: Study on the ecosystems What is the status of the marine ecosystems within the TSPS (reword into a statement)?The proposed activities to address this question are as follows: 1. Somebody (reword)is to collect all the studies, unpublished reports, data sets on the Tañon Strait and publish them. 2. Create team s to conduct baseline resource assessment/inventory a. Submit proposals for funding to the Protected Area Office. TSPS can support small studies that feed into data needs of the TSPS. b. Give special attention to gaps/areas that were unstudied as determined by the collection of secondary data mentioned in the previous item c. Conduct study Study on fishery stock and diversity What is the status of the fishery stock within the TSPS and how diverse is it? The proposed activities to address this question are as follows: 1. Create team to conduct baseline resource assessment/inventory/profiling a. Submit proposals for funding b. Conduct study Objective 4.To obtain information of the vulnerability of the TSPS to climate change and its associated risks. Conduct a vulnerability assessment (expand statement) – vulnerability to tourism, carrying capacity studies?, identify most hazard prone areas, focus on storm surges, sea level rise Objective 5. To obtain information on the extent of resource use and the extent of illegal activities, if any, associated with the use of the resources. An inventory of resource users has also been seen as an essential set of information lacking in the present set up. The TSPS management will sponsor and/or support studies answering the following questions (numbered items) and will also conduct/support specific activities aimed at answering these questions (lettered items). (reword statements – no questions) 1. Is there encroachment and other illegal activities? a. Inventory all existing coastal structures within the TSPS. b. Create monitoring team to check compliance on waste disposal rules and regulations, prioritizing industrial waste 2. How many fisherfolk operate within the TSPS, and how many and what type of boats and gear do they use? a. Conduct inventory in collaboration with the LGUs b. Conduct fishery resource assessment/profiling (including CPUE and related parameters). This item is linked with the fishery resource/stock assessment study mentioned under Goal 1, Objective 3. 3. How many tourists arrive at the TSPS? a. Properly note the arrival of tourists in the different tourism sites within the TSPS (mainly a function of tourism officers) b. Train tourism officers on their function 4. How much does tourism impact the natural resources within the TSPS? a. Conduct research on the impacts of tourism gather info on socio-economics Enhance the resource and habitat management systems of the TSPS as a whole and of the specific core zones within the TSPS To fulfil this objective, the TSPS management will see to it that the activities listed below are conducted. These activities will be conducted by tapping resource persons or qualified organizations to provide the expertise, if necessary. 1. Establish guidelines for sustainable tourism 2. Certify eco-tourism guides/operators (incorporate Green Fins) 3. Assess and evaluate status of all core zones (both LGU and PAMB managed) and redesign if found deficient (directly if PAMB managed, through LGU if LGU managed) Addressing habitat degradation To check the degradation of the ecosystems within the TSPS, the management support the following activities: 1. Implementation of protection, rehabilitation and recovery strategies 2. Development of community-based coral reef resiliency and recovery protocols 3. Mangrove Rehabilitation Programs 6. Fisheries Management 7. Resource Management 8. Foreshore Management 9. Large scale biodiversity monitoring - Consolidation of data/ gray literature 10. Law enforcement - inter-agency trainings/ refresher - Create adjudication board – will be composed of PAMB EXECOM members 4. Cap dev for PASu / APASu/ Protected Area Staff/ Partners and Stakeholders 10. Alternative/ Supplemental Livelihood 11. Climate change adapatation Implement the established mechanisms of co-management, delineation and harmonization of the roles of the stakeholders in management Objective 1. To increase awareness of the TSPS, its mechanisms of management and the roles of its stakeholders among the public and the stakeholders and management of the TSPS The TSPS management will support and/or sponsor the following activities to fulfil this objective: 1. Conduct a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) program 2. Conduct environmental governance workshops, targeting (directly or indirectly) the key decision makers within the TSPS (i.e. the members of the PAMB and other implementors) - Hire legal experts on environmental policies to facilitate harmonization of laws and policies in TSPS Objective 2.To strengthen or establish/formalize institutional arrangements and partnerships with the different stake holders/management sectors of the TSPS To achieve this objective, the TSPS management will aim to establish Memoranda -of-Agreement (MOAs) with the different management sectors of the TSPS. And replicate on-going good practices in institutional partnership. Continue and improve on the strategies being implemented for the management of the coastal and marine resources of the TSPS Objective 1.To build up the capacity of the different sectors in the TSPS to improve the management of the area The TSPS management will support the following activities for the following sectors: The Protected Area Rangers 1. Deputation of the LGU Wardens 2. Definition of their roles and responsibilities 3. If possible, assist in providing incentives for the enforcers 4. Increase the number of members. 5. Create Large Marine Vertebrates Rescue Teams and Network Law enforcement and area management units 1. The conduct of “Knowledge-sharing” seminars on the best practices in enforcement strategies and to provide deeper understanding of the environmental laws of the country and its mechanisms 2. The offering of eco-governance courses targeted (directly or indirectly) at the key decision makers within the TSPS (i.e. the members of the PAMB) (this is linked to the activities in Goal 3) Coastal tourism The TSPS will take the lead in the formulation of a TSPS-wide coastal tourism development plan/ general ecotourism guidelines. PROGRAMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT HABITAT MANAGEMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OF PEOPLE STRATEGY ON HOW TO GENERATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS -MAKE A STUDY ON REVENUE GENERATION – PES, WTP, VALUATION STUDY Objective 2 .Revenue generation To continue operations of the TSPS, revenues need to be generated to fund working expenses and other costs. Table 9 gives a breakdown of the fees to be collected by the TSPS management. TSPS to formulate policy on resource utilization (with consideration on social equity). Table 9Fees to be collected by the PAMB through the office of the PASu FEES/CHARGES SAPA Industrial/Commercial Annual Users Fee AMOUNT (Php) 10.00/square meter -come up with guidelines in the next => Area x P10/sqm = payment three years on how to compute the annual user’s fee ie average value of lot be used in the computation instead of fixing fee at P10/sqm => Area x LGU Assessed value of adjacent area = payment =>Or whichever is higher Development Fee Miscellaneous Fee (for areas beyond 1% of the total project cost paid only once for the 25-year tenure In the case of additional developments, FEES/CHARGES AMOUNT (Php) foreshore) SAPA/ Fish Pond 5,000/hectare/yr OTHER USERS FEE SAPA / MOA Application Processing Fee 500.00/application Permit to Operate (Annual) (passenger 1,000.00/year ships/pump boats (3 tons above) operating within Tañon Strait) Residential (for Tenured migrants ONLY) – other use Annual Users Fee 2.00/square meter Management Zones within the TSPS Municipal Coastal Waters Municipal Coastal Waters are areas within the TSPS that are managed by the respective LGUs within the framework given in Figure 2. These waters are defined by the PAMB as areas/zones which follow the delineations of municipal waters as defined by the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550). All areas outside of these LGU -managed areas are managed directly by the TSPS-PAMB. The zones There are two types of zones or categories of protection within the TSPS, following the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the NIPAS Act of 1992 (DENR Administrative Order 2008-26). These are: 1. Strict protection zones a. Core zones i. Marine (coral reefs, seagrass beds, cetacean migration routes, etc.) ii. Estuarine (mangroves) b. Buffer zones 2. Multiple use zones Strict Protection Zones The Core Zones These are areas which have been identified as such for reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, and which are managed to enhance biological diversity and protect against destructive human exploitation. In these areas there are no or limited human activities and are considered as “notake” zones. Marine protected areas that have been established by the LGUs and mangrove forests falls under this category. I.STRICT PROTECTION ZONE MARINE PROTECTED AREA ALLOWED ACTIVITES · tourism activities like PROHIBITED ACTIVITES · all fishing activities and I.STRICT PROTECTION ZONE ALLOWED ACTIVITES swimming, diving with or without breathing apparatus with fees · gleaning and diving for research purposes as allowed by the proper supervising and monitoring agencies · assessment, monitoring and evaluation · artificial reefs · · · · MANGROVE · · gleaning, hook and line fishing passive gear fishing research fry and fingerlings gathering mangrove reforestation ecotourism i.e. river tour, mangrove walk, boardwalk, canopy walk, bird watching PROHIBITED ACTIVITES methods (except those expressly allowed by the management) · pollutant inducing activities, use of poisonous and noxious substances · passage of pumpboats, jet skis, and boats, anchoring inside the sanctuary · removal of corals and other marine organism not intended for research and similar studies · · · · · · cutting of mangroves mangrove reclamation destruction and removal of corals and seagrass use of push nets, gill nets and beach seine quarrying of sand and gravel any use of poisonous substances Buffer Zones These are areaswhich were delineated to provide a social fence to prevent encroachment into the core zonesof the MPAs established by the LGUs (within the TSPS). Buffer zones are treated as an integral part of the protected area where some traditional fishing and tourism activities are allowed. The individual MPAs established by the LGUs may or may not have buffer zones depending on the management strategy chosen by the respective LGUs. II. BUFFER ZONE ALLOWED ACTIVITES · hook and line fishing within the buffer zone, · reef gleaning that do not break and crush corals, stir-up sediments while walking, · activities that are PROHIBITED ACTIVITES · use of poisonous noxious substances ALLOWED ACTIVITES allowed within the core zone PROHIBITED ACTIVITES Multiple Use Zone This is the area where settlements, traditional and/or sustainable resource use, including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction, and other means of generating income or livelihood are allowed, such as fish corrals, fish cage, fish pen, sea culture (seaweed, fish, sea ranching). However, in establishing Fish Corrals, Fish Cages/Fish Pens, Sea Culture structures the following requirements must be met: - the applicant must be a registered fisherfolk/organization, applicants must secure a municipal permit, the allowable fish net has ‘eyes’ ofat least 3 cm in diameter, and the structure must not obstruct the navigational zone. Specific requirements must also be met for the different establishments:(a) the maximum allowable area for Fish corral is 50 x 50 meters, (b) for Fish Cage/ Pen the maximum allowable area is 20 x 20 meters, with no expansion of any existing fish cages and pens and with the operator submitting an annual sediments report, and (c) as for Sea Culture the maximum area allowable is 10 square meters per applicant and this should not obstruct fishing activities or ways. III. MULTIPLE USE ZONE ALLOWED ACTIVITES · establishment of fish corrals, fish cage, fish pen, sea culture (seaweed, fish, sea ranching) · swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, hook and line fishing · designated areas for docking of boats, anchoring, dry docking of boats/ ships for repair, passage for boats · establishment of beach resorts, etc. 5-Year Work & Financial Plan for implementing PAMP PROHIBITED ACTIVITES · obstruction of the navigational zone · all forms of illegal fishing · all forms of marine sand and gravel extraction · establishment without tenure, and/or other lawful permit · reclamation activities Monitoring & Evaluation Literature cited Alava, MNR, MLL Dolar, ER Sabater, MTR Aquino, & MD Santos (eds). 2012. Red List Status of Marine Mammals in the Philippines. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.194 pages. Angermeier PL & JR Karr. 1994. Biological integrity versus biological diversity as policy directives. BioScience 44(10):690-697 Carlson BA, JN McKibben& MV deGruy. 1984. Telemetric investigation of vertical migration of Nautilusbelauensis in Palau. Pacfific Science 38(3):183-188 Dolar MLL, WL Perrin, BL Taylor, GL Kooyman& MNR Alava. 2006. Abundance and distributional ecology of cetaceans in the central Philippines. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 8(1):93-111 Dunstan AJ, PD Ward PD & NJ Marshall. 2011. Nautiluspompilius - Life History and Demographics at the Osprey Reef Seamount, Coral Sea, Australia. PLoS ONE 6(2): e16312. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0016312 Eisma-Osorio RL, RC Amolo, AP Maypa, AT White & P Christie. 2009. Scaling Up Local Government Initiatives Toward Ecosystem -Based Fisheries Management in Southeast Cebu Island, Philippines. 37(3-4):291-307 Green SJ, JO Flores, JQ Dizon-Corrales, RT Martinez, DRM Nuñal, NB Armada & AT White. 2004. The fisheries of Central Visayas, Philippines: Status and trends. Coastal Resource Management Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, Cebu City, Philippines, 159 p. Hayasaka S, K Oki, K Tanabe, T Saisho, &AShinomoya. 2010. On the habitat of Nautiluspompilius in Tañon Strait (Philippines) and the Fiji Islands. pp. 179-200. In: W.B. Saunders and N.H. Landman (eds.) Nautilus. The Biology and Paleobiology of a Living Fossil, Reprint with additions (2nd ed). Topics in Geobiology, Vol 6. Hayasaka S, K Oki, AShinomiya& T Saisho. 1983. Environmental background of theehabitat of Nautilus in the southern part of Tañon Strait, the Philippines. Kagoshima Univ. Res. Center S. Pac. Occasional Papers, 1:2-8 Heideman PD & KR Erickson. 1987. The climate and hydrology of the Lake Balinsasayao watershed, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Silliman Journal 34(1-4):82-107 Hilario F, R de Guzman, D Ortega, P Hayman & B Alexander. 2009. El Niño Southern Oscillation in the Philippines: impacts, forecasts, and risk mangement. Philippine Journal of Development #66 36(1):9-34 Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. finalize plan - one month from now submit to Regional TWG - one month from now send letters for formation of Negros Occidental SMU update PAMB member appointments present to SMUs - January 2014 c/o DENR funds present to EXECOM - January 2014 c/o DENR funds Endorse to DENR Secretary for approval -January 2014 Activities to be funded by ADB RETA 1. Large Marine Vertebrate Rescue Training o 3 trainings and 1 meeting; o north and south of Negros; north of Cebu o 3-7 participants/ LGU = approx. 60 pax per training o 3-4 days per training o North Negros –Sagay City o South Negros –DumagueteCity o North Cebu – Daanbantayan o 1st training after March; April, May June 2. Law Enforcement Training o 1 per province (3 trainings) o 3-4 days per training o 30 pax per training o Existing resource persons o Start 1stquarter o Training sites: Dumaguete City, Bacolod City, Cebu City 3. UAV Training o Create core group – June o Trainor’s training – September
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