OVER SEAS -- The Online Magazine for Sustainable Seas

Cebu

CRMP’s primary learning area in Cebu Province is located east of Mactan on the islands of Olango, Sulpa, Nalasuan, Hilutungan, Caohagan, Camungi and Pangan-an, an area covering 1,015 hectares and a coastline of 55 km with 11 barangays and an estimated population of 22,779 people (1995). Olango, in particular, is a developed tourism area largely known for its sandy beaches and as a bird sanctuary. Twice a year from September to November and from February to April, 48 species of migratory birds flock to this small island, enriching the area’s already rich fauna (49 resident avian species, including 7 of unconfirmed origin) and drawing tourists from around the world. But live reef fishing remains the major source of income and, like many small islands whose inhabitants are highly dependent on the sea for livelihood, Olango, as well as the smaller islands nearby, is suffering from declining fish catch resulting from over-fishing and habitat destruction. People are aware of the problem and what causes it: Up to 67% of respondents in a recent survey believed the decline in fish catch would continue in the face of unabated cyanide and blast fishing. CRMP is doing the spadework designed to turn such high level of awareness into concrete actions for sound and sustainable coastal resource management. §