Conducted by VSU
, Started on 2015 -
Completed on 2025
Completed
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Artificial reefs have been used as a fisheries management tool in the Philippines since the 1970’s. The 5th
Congressional District of Leyte and the Coastal Resources and Fisheries Management Office (CRFMO) of the LGU
Baybay City, deployed over 1,000 artificial reef modules into the near-shore waters of Baybay City, Inopacan, Hindang,
Hilongos, and Bato. Some ARs were deployed within marine sanctuaries, while others were placed in unprotected
areas, devoid of coral communities, but subject to fishing restrictions to hook and line fishing only. The goal of this
project is to provide additional habitat for local marine flora and fauna since natural reef habitats have been disturbed or degraded or totally absent in coastal environments. By investigating the diversity of marine flora and fauna in artificial reefs, insights of the impacts on commercially and biologically important target species can be determined. Additionally, since the artificial reefs are located in both protected and unprotected locations, we have the opportunity to evaluate how protection may impact the abundance and biodiversity of the marine flora and fauna on artificial reefs.
This research is part of the Coastal Resource Management Program of VSU in collaboration with the 5th
District of Leyte. Results of this research will provide information on the effect of artificial reefs on the diversity of
marine flora and fauna that can be used to support the extension component of CRM and decision-making of LGUs
for coastal resource conservation and protection.