Review Paper

The ecological status and fisheries of Malampaya Sound, northwestern Palawan, Philippines

Author:
Jesusito A. Vicente^1,2
1DHI, Vision Exchange, 2 Venture Drive, Singapore
²PhD Student, College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

ABSTRACT

A review of the state of the marine ecosystem and fisheries of Malampaya Sound, Palawan was undertaken. A total of 30 papers relevant to the topic were selected and reviewed. The results showed that the rich and diverse coastal waters of Malampaya Sound harbor 8 species of seagrasses, 9 species of mangroves, 262 species of fish, and various species of corals and macroinvertebrates including the rare giant clams Tridacna spp. The Sound plays a vital role in the local economy because the local community uses it for subsistence fishing and as a source of livelihood. It is so productive that it was termed the “fishbowl of the country” because it provides a substantial contribution to the country’s fishery sector and economy. However, degradation continuously threatens it, most of which are interrelated anthropogenic issues. The declining environmental condition of the area prompted the government to close it for commercial fishing in the 1970s. Several conservation measures have been undertaken since then to preserve its remaining resources, including its declaration as a protected landscape and seascape in 2000. Despite this, if not for a slight improvement, the condition has worsened. So far, only the mangrove ecosystem has dramatically improved. Seagrass and coral reefs are still in poor to fair condition. A collective effort by the community and government agencies, with the support of the academe and non-government organizations, coupled with strict enforcement of existing laws, income diversification for the locals, monitoring of environmental parameters, and implementation of sustainable fishing practices, is necessary to achieve sustainable use of the area.

Keywords: conservation, ecoregion, fishing ground, last frontier

^{Available Online: 22 August 2024}

How to Cite:
Vicente JA. 2024. The ecological status and fisheries of Malampaya Sound, northwestern Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 16(2): 113-121. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2024.16.2.10

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License