5 protected areas identified in northern Iloilo towns
A total of 225 hectares of coastal areas found in the four northern municipalities of Iloilo have been declared as protected areas by virtue of ordinances and resolutions passed by their respective municipal councils.
The protected areas, found in the municipalities of Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo and Barotac Viejo, are all members of the Banate Baywide Resource Management Council Inc. (BBRMCI).
Based on data provided by the BBRMCI 210 hectares are sanctuaries to include the 25-hectare Hibotkan Rock Fish Sanctuary in Banate; 25-hectare Pasil Sea Grass Sanctuary in Sitio Lamintao, Brgy. Talisay and a 160-hectare Mangrove Reserve and Aquatic Wildlife Sanctuary in Brgy. Palaciauan, all in Barotac Nuevo.
Seven hectares on the other hand are for research and development of angel wings and eight hectares are reserved for sea grass and brown mussel.
Meanwhile, an additional 30-hectares in Barotac Viejo, playing host to sea grasses are also being proposed to be declared as reserved areas.
The declaration of protected areas allows the protection of the resources as well as regulation of fishing operations and other activities and consequently ensure the sustenance of food supply.
BBRMCI headed by Mary Lou Larroza has been instrumental in the identification and declaration of said span as protected areas.
It is a non-government organization that works for the protection and conservation of coastal marine resources in the four mentioned municipalities. (PNA)