1. CATCHES
DOWN
82%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
88%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
74%
since
1950s
The Big 3 and the 5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas studied by the Darwin Initiative Project 19-020
The Big 3
The Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 combines the knowledge of fishers since the 1950s with underwater
surveys conducted in five marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the country. These are priority areas of
conservation identified by Conservation International, Haribon Foundation, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which indicate that it houses one or more globally threatened species in
need of conservation action. Across the five areas, fishers identified about 59 fish that have disappeared
from catches since the 1950s. Many of these were not found at all during the extensive underwater
surveys conducted by the Darwin Initiative project. Declines in catches of particular vulnerable
species were as much as 80%, making it more and more difficult for fishers to make a living.
The most widespread and largest decreases in catch happen to be among some of the
largest fishes dependent on coral reefs. They are also some of the longest living fish in
coral reefs and all risk local extinctions within the five Darwin Initiative sites.
Taungan or Bumphead Parrotfish
(Bolbometopon muricatum)
The weight of taungan caught per day has declined by 88% since
the 1950s. This is a Vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red
List Authority. It can grow up to 1.3 meters long and weigh over
50 kilogrammes, making it the largest parrotfish in the world. It used
to be common and swimming in schools in coral reefs, but now rare
and found in isolation. It eats and scrapes algae and bacteria, helping
to control algal overgrowth and thus allow healthy growth of corals.
Taungan can remove five tonnes of coral rock every year and this washes
ashore and becomes the beautiful white sand we enjoy in beaches.
Lapu-Lapu, Kugtong or Giant Grouper
(Epinephelus lanceolatus)
The weight of kugtong caught per day has fallen by 74% since the 1950s. It is considered a
Vulnerable species by IUCN Red List Authority. It is the largest grouper in the world and has
disappeared from catches around two small islands in Bohol. As one of the largest coral reef
predators, it is considered to help sustain healthy fish and other invertebrate populations by eating
sick and/or old individuals. It also ensures a balance among algae eaters or herbivores, carnivores
and other functional groups in coral reefs.
Mameng or Humphead Wrasse
(Cheilinus undulatus)
The number of kilograms of mameng caught per day had gone down by 82%
since the 1950s. It is considered an Endangered species by the IUCN Red List
Authority. It can live for more than two decades and can change from female
to male when it reaches 15 years old. It feeds on and helps to regulate the
population size of some of the poisonous animals found on the reef, an
important one being the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci),
which feeds directly on living hard coral. Despite legal protection under
national law, the majority of fishers were unaware of any regulations
on this species and continue to catch it.
Polillo Islands, Quezon Province
Facing the Pacific Ocean, the island group is composed of the municipalities of Burdeos, Polillo,
Patnanungan, Jomalig and Panukulan. The Polillo Islands is the only Key Biodiversity Area where the
threatened coral Hydnophora bonsai has been observed. It is also one of the remaining areas where the
dugong (Dugon dugong) and Philipppine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) can be found.
Danajon Bank, Bohol
Danajon Bank is the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and one of only
three double barrier reefs in Southeast Asia; very few barrier reefs exist side by
side in the world like this. It is located off Northern Bohol.
Honda Bay, Palawan
Just north of Puerto Princesa City, it is one of the major fishing grounds within the
West Sulu Sea. It is composed of 13 islands that are home to coral reefs, mangroves, and
seagrasses, crucial ecosystems that the Honda Bay fisheries are dependent on.
Verde Island Passage
The Passage is a narrow corridor of water connecting Luzon to the Visayan
Islands. This area is considered to be the “center of the center” of marine
shorefish biodiversity in the world.
Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Lanuza Bay covers seven
municipalities and has a total of 16 marine protected
areas ranging from 19 to 76 hectares around it.
5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas
These marine Key Biodiversity Areas or marine KBAs are rich in marine biodiversity; their protection is critical to
ensure not only food fish supply in the country but also other ecosystem services such as biological control
and climate regulation. There are over 1,785 marine protected areas (MPAs), 33 MPAs are protected under the
Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 (DENR, 2015). The rest are
managed by the local government units, community-based organizations and non-government organizations.
REFERENCE: Lavides MN, Molina EVP, de la Rosa GE Jr, Mill AC, Rushton SP, Stead SM, Polunin NVC (2016) Patterns of coral-reef finfish species disappearances inferred from fishers’ knowledge in global
epicenter of marine shorefish diversity. PLOS ONE 11(5): e0155752.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155752
CENTERFOLD PHOTOGRAPHY: Coral reef photography by Erina Molina. Humphead Wrasse photo by Patryk Krzyzak via Wikipedia. Bumphead Parrotfish photo by Flickr user Klaus Stiefel / fishesofaustralia.
net.au, license CC by Attribution-Non-Commercial. Giant Grouper photo by Flickr user Modernrelics Jessica Paterson. Polillo Group of Islands photo by Jdcgumpal, license CC BY-SA 3.0. Verde Island Passage
photo by Wiki user Magalhães. Danajon Bank photo by NASA. Surigao del Sur photo by Wiki user Surigaotourist, license by CC BY-SA 3.0. Honda Bay, Palawan photo by Lsjtest CC BY-SA 3.0.
CATCHES
DOWN
88%
since
1950s
Key Biodiversity Areas studied by the Darwin Initiative Project 19-020
ers since the 1950s with underwater
y. These are priority areas of
dation, the Department of Environment
Department of Agriculture - Bureau of
r more globally threatened species in
about 59 fish that have disappeared
uring the extensive underwater
es of particular vulnerable
fishers to make a living.
ong some of the
gest living fish in
tive sites.
Giant Grouper
ht per day has fallen by 74% since the 1950s. It is considered a
Red List Authority. It is the largest grouper in the world and has
round two small islands in Bohol. As one of the largest coral reef
o help sustain healthy fish and other invertebrate populations by eating
t also ensures a balance among algae eaters or herbivores, carnivores
in coral reefs.
per day had gone down by 82%
red species by the IUCN Red List
des and can change from female
on and helps to regulate the
mals found on the reef, an
rfish (Acanthaster planci),
pite legal protection under
aware of any regulations
Polillo Islands, Quezon Province
Facing the Pacific Ocean, the island group is composed of the municipalities of Burdeos, Polillo,
Patnanungan, Jomalig and Panukulan. The Polillo Islands is the only Key Biodiversity Area where the
threatened coral Hydnophora bonsai has been observed. It is also one of the remaining areas where the
dugong (Dugon dugong) and Philipppine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) can be found.
Danajon Bank, Bohol
Danajon Bank is the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and one of only
three double barrier reefs in Southeast Asia; very few barrier reefs exist side by
side in the world like this. It is located off Northern Bohol.
Honda Bay, Palawan
Just north of Puerto Princesa City, it is one of the major fishing grounds within the
West Sulu Sea. It is composed of 13 islands that are home to coral reefs, mangroves, and
seagrasses, crucial ecosystems that the Honda Bay fisheries are dependent on.
Verde Island Passage
The Passage is a narrow corridor of water connecting Luzon to the Visayan
Islands. This area is considered to be the “center of the center” of marine
shorefish biodiversity in the world.
Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Lanuza Bay covers seven
municipalities and has a total of 16 marine protected
areas ranging from 19 to 76 hectares around it.
5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas
These marine Key Biodiversity Areas or marine KBAs are rich in marine biodiversity; their protection is critical to
ensure not only food fish supply in the country but also other ecosystem services such as biological control
and climate regulation. There are over 1,785 marine protected areas (MPAs), 33 MPAs are protected under the
Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 (DENR, 2015). The rest are
managed by the local government units, community-based organizations and non-government organizations.
REFERENCE: Lavides MN, Molina EVP, de la Rosa GE Jr, Mill AC, Rushton SP, Stead SM, Polunin NVC (2016) Patterns of coral-reef finfish species disappearances inferred from fishers’ knowledge in global
epicenter of marine shorefish diversity. PLOS ONE 11(5): e0155752.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155752
CENTERFOLD PHOTOGRAPHY: Coral reef photography by Erina Molina. Humphead Wrasse photo by Patryk Krzyzak via Wikipedia. Bumphead Parrotfish photo by Flickr user Klaus Stiefel / fishesofaustralia.
net.au, license CC by Attribution-Non-Commercial. Giant Grouper photo by Flickr user Modernrelics Jessica Paterson. Polillo Group of Islands photo by Jdcgumpal, license CC BY-SA 3.0. Verde Island Passage
photo by Wiki user Magalhães. Danajon Bank photo by NASA. Surigao del Sur photo by Wiki user Surigaotourist, license by CC BY-SA 3.0. Honda Bay, Palawan photo by Lsjtest CC BY-SA 3.0.
CATCHES
DOWN
82%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
88%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
74%
since
1950s
The Big 3 and the 5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas studied
The Big 3
The Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 combines the knowledge of fishers since the 1950s with underwater
surveys conducted in five marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the country. These are priority areas of
conservation identified by Conservation International, Haribon Foundation, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which indicate that it houses one or more globally threatened species in
need of conservation action. Across the five areas, fishers identified about 59 fish that have disappeared
from catches since the 1950s. Many of these were not found at all during the extensive underwater
surveys conducted by the Darwin Initiative project. Declines in catches of particular vulnerable
species were as much as 80%, making it more and more difficult for fishers to make a living.
The most widespread and largest decreases in catch happen to be among some of the
largest fishes dependent on coral reefs. They are also some of the longest living fish in
coral reefs and all risk local extinctions within the five Darwin Initiative sites.
Taungan or Bumphead Parrotfish
(Bolbometopon muricatum)
The weight of taungan caught per day has declined by 88% since
the 1950s. This is a Vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red
List Authority. It can grow up to 1.3 meters long and weigh over
50 kilogrammes, making it the largest parrotfish in the world. It used
to be common and swimming in schools in coral reefs, but now rare
and found in isolation. It eats and scrapes algae and bacteria, helping
to control algal overgrowth and thus allow healthy growth of corals.
Taungan can remove five tonnes of coral rock every year and this washes
ashore and becomes the beautiful white sand we enjoy in beaches.
Lapu-Lapu, Kugtong or Giant Grouper
(Epinephelus lanceolatus)
The weight of kugtong caught per day has fallen by 74% since the 1950s. It is considered a
Vulnerable species by IUCN Red List Authority. It is the largest grouper in the world and has
disappeared from catches around two small islands in Bohol. As one of the largest coral reef
predators, it is considered to help sustain healthy fish and other invertebrate populations by eating
sick and/or old individuals. It also ensures a balance among algae eaters or herbivores, carnivores
and other functional groups in coral reefs.
Mameng or Humphead Wrasse
(Cheilinus undulatus)
The number of kilograms of mameng caught per day had gone down by 82%
since the 1950s. It is considered an Endangered species by the IUCN Red List
Authority. It can live for more than two decades and can change from female
to male when it reaches 15 years old. It feeds on and helps to regulate the
population size of some of the poisonous animals found on the reef, an
important one being the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci),
which feeds directly on living hard coral. Despite legal protection under
national law, the majority of fishers were unaware of any regulations
on this species and continue to catch it.
Fac
Patnanu
threatened
These marine Key Biod
ensure not only foo
and climate regulati
Republic Act No. 75
managed by the loc
Do we now have fewer fish species in the sea?
Darwin Initiative Project 19-020
Humphead Herald
his must be reflected in our laws and habits.
tourists will seek snorkeling and diving sites
affect our communities.
shift the fisheries from high trophic level species
slow growing and late maturing species and
the rabbitfish locally known as danggit that are
r Kaampaka to install a social enterprise that focuses on premium
servation, empower its members and provide them with sustainable
Premium Fish Products whereby Haribon provides capacity building
accounting, and auditing. This includes leadership training and
bers among successful similar operations in exchange for them
gement and compliance with fishery management regulations,
ish traps and fish cages by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
of raw materials for the dried danggit social enterprise. BFAR was
e Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) trained them in packaging,
uality and product safety.
s dried danggit social enterprise, so
and initial allowances for Kaampaka
productive work in the fishing
It has been fully operational for over
arby municipality, through the help of
Sur’s major product for pasalubong or
municipal LGUs.
Dr. Nicholas Polunin
(Project Leader)
Dr. Margarita Lavides
(Co-Coordinator)
Mr. Gregorio de la Rosa Jr.
Ms. Erina Pauline Molina
Ms. Amelita Talotalo
Mr. Charly Mejorada
Dr. Aileen Mill
Dr. Selina Stead
Ms. Christina Skinner
Ms. Kaylee Prince
Dr. Steve Rushton
Ms. Angela Petines
Mr. Miguel Panopio
globally is 1,000 times the historical rate indicated by the fossil
e change, pollution, overexploitation and proliferation of invasive
man overpopulation and overconsumption.
ion of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse and Giant Grouper
tion Act (RA 9147) and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation (DA-FAO
d other vulnerable and threatened fish species in the country;
ation of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper
d other threatened fish species in the country;
sh, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish
ments and advocacy on protection and conservation of Bumphead
cies in the country; and
g communities in protecting and conserving Bumphead Parrotfish,
on.org.ph/lavides@yahoo.com OR call The Haribon Foundation at +632-911-6088
Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 Team
This is a question that the Darwin Initiative Project
19-020 “Responding to Fish Extirpations in the Global
Marine Biodiversity Epicenter” has addressed in the
Philippines.
Between 2012 and 2014, the Haribon Foundation and
Newcastle University (United Kingdom) in face-to-face
interviews asked Filipino fishers about their fishing
practices and which fish species they
no longer catch today, but were
abundant in past decades.
Underwater surveys were
also conducted and data
obtained from both surveys
are being used with the
end in view to strengthen
conservation efforts in five
(5) marine Key Biodiversity Areas
(KBAs) in the Philippines: Lanuza Bay in Surigao del
Sur; Verde Island Passage; Danajon Bank in Northern
Bohol; Honda Bay in Palawan, and the Polillo Islands
in Quezon.
Alarmingly, a number of fish species are now included
in a list of disappearing fish. Three of them listed here
are not only some of the largest fish on coral reefs,
but are also among the most globally threatened with
extinction.
The study’s findings indicate that many reef fish
populations in the country have substantially declined,
and may have already had ecological impacts on the
overall health of the coral reef ecosystem. For example,
parrotfishes are known to be algal and bacterial
grazers, and so their decline is expected to result in
algal overgrowth, coral cover decline, and reduced reef
habitat quality for a lot of marine organisms.
Conservation efforts inspired by this study could
not only help the livelihood of thousands of fishing
communities, but potentially increase tourism income
dependent on our unique and beautiful coral reefs of
which many of these fish are an important part.
We hope with this newsletter, more and more Filipinos
will not only learn how drastic fish declines are in the
country, but that there are solutions that can help
ensure we have enough food to eat, and that more and
more people can enjoy both the fish and coral reefs for
years to come.
u must do now.
Special Edition / June 2016
“Ang jackpot
ngayon na huli ay malas
na sa amin noon. Marami
narin nawawalang isda.”
The jackpot catch nowadays is just poor
catch for us before. Also, many kinds of fish
have been disappearing from catch.
83 year old fisher, Brgy. Catmon,
San Juan, Batangas
PhotobyGregorio“Ditto”dela
Ro
sa
Photo by Erina Molina and Gregorio “Ditto” de la Rosa
PhotobyErinaMolina
Photo by Erina Molina and Gregorio “Ditto” de la Rosa
Danggitby
FlickruserAndrewAbogado,license
CC
BY2.0
Do we now ha
Darwin Init
Hump
We must work together to promote and practice sustainable fishing. This must be reflected in our laws and habits.
If we do not act now, it will become more difficult to feed our families, tourists will seek snorkeling and diving sites
elsewhere, and the frustration and hardship of fishers will continue to affect our communities.
In terms of fishing methods, the project showed that there is a need to shift the fisheries from high trophic level species
such as the groupers (lapu-lapu) and snappers (maya-maya), which are slow growing and late maturing species and
thus more vulnerable to depletion, to low trophic level species such as the rabbitfish locally known as danggit that are
still abundant and among the most resilient reef fishes in Lanuza Bay.
The Haribon Foundation assisted Kadagatan Ampingan Pagmata Katawhan or Kaampaka to install a social enterprise that focuses on premium
danggit with a conservation-livelihood agreement to reconcile marine conservation, empower its members and provide them with sustainable
livelihood. Haribon launched a fish processing project called Kaampaka Premium Fish Products whereby Haribon provides capacity building
activities such as basic social enterprise operations in marketing, basic accounting, and auditing. This includes leadership training and
empowering the fisher organization by facilitating cross-visits by members among successful similar operations in exchange for them
continuing their voluntary efforts in marine protected area (MPA) management and compliance with fishery management regulations,
especially a fishing ban during the rabbitfish spawning season.
Kaampaka was also granted materials for the construction and repair of fish traps and fish cages by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR)-CARAGA Region. It is now and will be the primary source of raw materials for the dried danggit social enterprise. BFAR was
also tapped to help the members in providing the skills in fish drying while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) trained them in packaging,
labeling and marketing their products. The DTI also helped them ensure product quality and product safety.
Kaampaka has also just been granted by the Foundation for Sustainable Society (FSSI) funding for its dried danggit social enterprise, so
that it can purchase equipment essential for fish drying including initial capital to buy raw materials and initial allowances for Kaampaka
member-staff of the enterprise.Kaampaka also benefits the women who have long been unrecognized as a significant contributor to productive work in the fishing
industry. They earn a daily income of P250.00 each as members which helps augment family income. It has been fully operational for over
seven (7) months and is gaining profit. In fact, marketing of dried fish products reached Butuan, a nearby municipality, through the help of
the DTI. The target of this project is for the Kaampaka dried danggit products to become Surigao del Sur’s major product for pasalubong or
homecoming gifts for tourists, with the marketing and promotions supported by the provincial and municipal LGUs.
Dr. Nicholas Polunin(Project Leader)Dr. Margarita Lavides(Co-Coordinator)Mr. Gregorio de la Rosa Jr.
Ms. Erina Pauline MolinaMs. Amelita TalotaloMr. Charly MejoradaDr. Aileen MillDr. Selina Stead
Ms. Christina SkinnerMs. Kaylee PrinceDr. Steve RushtonMs. Angela PetinesMr. Miguel Panopio
While extinction is a natural process, the current species extinction rate globally is 1,000 times the historical rate indicated by the fossil
record. This species extinction crisis is due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation and proliferation of invasive
and alien species. The fundamental drivers of species extinction are human overpopulation and overconsumption.
In view of the extreme declines in catch and vulnerability to local extinction of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse and Giant Grouper
across many of fishing grounds in the Philippines, WE APPEAL:
To DENR-BMB and DA-BFAR, to strictly implement Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation (DA-FAO
233 ), in protecting and conserving Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other vulnerable and threatened fish species in the country;
To Local Government Units, to enact resolutions and ordinances for the protection and conservation of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper
and other vulnerable and threatened fish species in the country;
To Fishers, to seek ways to protect Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish species in the country;
To Fish Traders and Consumers, to avoid buying and selling and consuming Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish
species in the country;
To Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to further efforts on research on fish population assessments and advocacy on protection and conservation of Bumphead
Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other near extirpated and threatened fish species in the country; and
To Donor Community and Private Sector, to partner and support governments, CSOs and fishing communities in protecting and conserving Bumphead Parrotfish,
Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish species in the country.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Nick Polunin at nick.polunin@ncl.ac.uk OR Dr. Marge Lavides at marine@haribon.org.ph/lavides@yahoo.com OR call The Haribon Foundation at +632-911-6088
Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 Team
This is a question that th19-020 “Responding to FMarine Biodiversity EpicPhilippines.
Between 2012 and 2014Newcastle University (Uninterviews asked Filipino
practic
no
a
co
(5) m(KBAs) in the PhilippinesSur; Verde Island PassagBohol; Honda Bay in Palain Quezon.
Alarmingly, a number ofin a list of disappearing fare not only some of the
The Best Solutions
CALL TO ACTION: What you must do now.
Special Edition / June 2
An Example: The KAAMPAKA Experience.
PhotobyGregorio“Ditto”del
aRosa
PhotobyCharlyMejora
da
Photo by Erina Molina and Gregorio “Ditto” de la Rosa
Danggit
byFlickruserAndrewAbogado,lice
nseCCBY2.0
PhotobyErinaMolina&Gregorio“
Ditto” de la Rosa
14” inches
7” inches
9.5”
inches

2. Do we now have fewer fish species in the sea?
Darwin Initiative Project 19-020
Humphead HeraldWe must work together to promote and practice sustainable fishing. This must be reflected in our laws and habits.
If we do not act now, it will become more difficult to feed our families, tourists will seek snorkeling and diving sites
elsewhere, and the frustration and hardship of fishers will continue to affect our communities.
In terms of fishing methods, the project showed that there is a need to shift the fisheries from high trophic level species
such as the groupers (lapu-lapu) and snappers (maya-maya), which are slow growing and late maturing species and
thus more vulnerable to depletion, to low trophic level species such as the rabbitfish locally known as danggit that are
still abundant and among the most resilient reef fishes in Lanuza Bay.
The Haribon Foundation assisted Kadagatan Ampingan Pagmata Katawhan or Kaampaka to install a social enterprise that focuses on premium
danggit with a conservation-livelihood agreement to reconcile marine conservation, empower its members and provide them with sustainable
livelihood. Haribon launched a fish processing project called Kaampaka Premium Fish Products whereby Haribon provides capacity building
activities such as basic social enterprise operations in marketing, basic accounting, and auditing. This includes leadership training and
empowering the fisher organization by facilitating cross-visits by members among successful similar operations in exchange for them
continuing their voluntary efforts in marine protected area (MPA) management and compliance with fishery management regulations,
especially a fishing ban during the rabbitfish spawning season.
Kaampaka was also granted materials for the construction and repair of fish traps and fish cages by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR)-CARAGA Region. It is now and will be the primary source of raw materials for the dried danggit social enterprise. BFAR was
also tapped to help the members in providing the skills in fish drying while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) trained them in packaging,
labeling and marketing their products. The DTI also helped them ensure product quality and product safety.
Kaampaka has also just been granted by the Foundation for Sustainable Society (FSSI) funding for its dried danggit social enterprise, so
that it can purchase equipment essential for fish drying including initial capital to buy raw materials and initial allowances for Kaampaka
member-staff of the enterprise.
Kaampaka also benefits the women who have long been unrecognized as a significant contributor to productive work in the fishing
industry. They earn a daily income of P250.00 each as members which helps augment family income. It has been fully operational for over
seven (7) months and is gaining profit. In fact, marketing of dried fish products reached Butuan, a nearby municipality, through the help of
the DTI. The target of this project is for the Kaampaka dried danggit products to become Surigao del Sur’s major product for pasalubong or
homecoming gifts for tourists, with the marketing and promotions supported by the provincial and municipal LGUs.
Dr. Nicholas Polunin
(Project Leader)
Dr. Margarita Lavides
(Co-Coordinator)
Mr. Gregorio de la Rosa Jr.
Ms. Erina Pauline Molina
Ms. Amelita Talotalo
Mr. Charly Mejorada
Dr. Aileen Mill
Dr. Selina Stead
Ms. Christina Skinner
Ms. Kaylee Prince
Dr. Steve Rushton
Ms. Angela Petines
Mr. Miguel Panopio
While extinction is a natural process, the current species extinction rate globally is 1,000 times the historical rate indicated by the fossil
record. This species extinction crisis is due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation and proliferation of invasive
and alien species. The fundamental drivers of species extinction are human overpopulation and overconsumption.
In view of the extreme declines in catch and vulnerability to local extinction of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse and Giant Grouper
across many of fishing grounds in the Philippines, WE APPEAL:
To DENR-BMB and DA-BFAR, to strictly implement Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) and Aquatic Wildlife Conservation (DA-FAO
233 ), in protecting and conserving Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other vulnerable and threatened fish species in the country;
To Local Government Units, to enact resolutions and ordinances for the protection and conservation of Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper
and other vulnerable and threatened fish species in the country;
To Fishers, to seek ways to protect Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish species in the country;
To Fish Traders and Consumers, to avoid buying and selling and consuming Bumphead Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish
species in the country;
To Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to further efforts on research on fish population assessments and advocacy on protection and conservation of Bumphead
Parrotfish, Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other near extirpated and threatened fish species in the country; and
To Donor Community and Private Sector, to partner and support governments, CSOs and fishing communities in protecting and conserving Bumphead Parrotfish,
Humphead Wrasse, Giant Grouper and other threatened fish species in the country.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Nick Polunin at nick.polunin@ncl.ac.uk OR Dr. Marge Lavides at marine@haribon.org.ph/lavides@yahoo.com OR call The Haribon Foundation at +632-911-6088
Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 Team
This is a question that the Darwin Initiative Project
19-020 “Responding to Fish Extirpations in the Global
Marine Biodiversity Epicenter” has addressed in the
Philippines.
Between 2012 and 2014, the Haribon Foundation and
Newcastle University (United Kingdom) in face-to-face
interviews asked Filipino fishers about their fishing
practices and which fish species they
no longer catch today, but were
abundant in past decades.
Underwater surveys were
also conducted and data
obtained from both surveys
are being used with the
end in view to strengthen
conservation efforts in five
(5) marine Key Biodiversity Areas
(KBAs) in the Philippines: Lanuza Bay in Surigao del
Sur; Verde Island Passage; Danajon Bank in Northern
Bohol; Honda Bay in Palawan, and the Polillo Islands
in Quezon.
Alarmingly, a number of fish species are now included
in a list of disappearing fish. Three of them listed here
are not only some of the largest fish on coral reefs,
but are also among the most globally threatened with
extinction.
The study’s findings indicate that many reef fish
populations in the country have substantially declined,
and may have already had ecological impacts on the
overall health of the coral reef ecosystem. For example,
parrotfishes are known to be algal and bacterial
grazers, and so their decline is expected to result in
algal overgrowth, coral cover decline, and reduced reef
habitat quality for a lot of marine organisms.
Conservation efforts inspired by this study could
not only help the livelihood of thousands of fishing
communities, but potentially increase tourism income
dependent on our unique and beautiful coral reefs of
which many of these fish are an important part.
We hope with this newsletter, more and more Filipinos
will not only learn how drastic fish declines are in the
country, but that there are solutions that can help
ensure we have enough food to eat, and that more and
more people can enjoy both the fish and coral reefs for
years to come.
The Best Solutions
CALL TO ACTION: What you must do now.
Special Edition / June 2016
“Ang jackpot
ngayon na huli ay malas
na sa amin noon. Marami
narin nawawalang isda.”
The jackpot catch nowadays is just poor
catch for us before. Also, many kinds of fish
have been disappearing from catch.
83 year old fisher, Brgy. Catmon,
San Juan, Batangas
An Example: The KAAMPAKA Experience.
PhotobyGregorio“Ditto”dela
Rosa Jr.
Photo by Erina Molina and Gregorio “Ditto” de la Rosa Jr.
PhotobyErinaMolina
PhotobyCharlyMejorad
a
Photo by Erina Molina and Gregorio “Ditto” de la Rosa
Danggit b
yFlickruserAndrewAbogado,licen
seCCBY2.0
PhotobyErinaMolina&Gregorio“D
itto” de la Rosa

3. CATCHES
DOWN
82%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
88%
since
1950s
CATCHES
DOWN
74%
since
1950s
The Big 3 and the 5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas studied by the Darwin Initiative Project 19-020
The Big 3
The Darwin Initiative Project 19-020 combines the knowledge of fishers since the 1950s with underwater
surveys conducted in five marine Key Biodiversity Areas in the country. These are priority areas of
conservation identified by Conservation International, Haribon Foundation, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which indicate that it houses one or more globally threatened species in
need of conservation action. Across the five areas, fishers identified about 59 fish that have disappeared
from catches since the 1950s. Many of these were not found at all during the extensive underwater
surveys conducted by the Darwin Initiative project. Declines in catches of particular vulnerable
species were as much as 80%, making it more and more difficult for fishers to make a living.
The most widespread and largest decreases in catch happen to be among some of the
largest fishes dependent on coral reefs. They are also some of the longest living fish in
coral reefs and all risk local extinctions within the five Darwin Initiative sites.
Taungan or Bumphead Parrotfish
(Bolbometopon muricatum)
The weight of taungan caught per day has declined by 88% since
the 1950s. This is a Vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red
List Authority. It can grow up to 1.3 meters long and weigh over
50 kilogrammes, making it the largest parrotfish in the world. It used
to be common and swimming in schools in coral reefs, but now rare
and found in isolation. It eats and scrapes algae and bacteria, helping
to control algal overgrowth and thus allow healthy growth of corals.
Taungan can remove five tonnes of coral rock every year and this washes
ashore and becomes the beautiful white sand we enjoy in beaches.
Lapu-Lapu, Kugtong or Giant Grouper
(Epinephelus lanceolatus)
The weight of kugtong caught per day has fallen by 74% since the 1950s. It is considered a
Vulnerable species by IUCN Red List Authority. It is the largest grouper in the world and has
disappeared from catches around two small islands in Bohol. As one of the largest coral reef
predators, it is considered to help sustain healthy fish and other invertebrate populations by eating
sick and/or old individuals. It also ensures a balance among algae eaters or herbivores, carnivores
and other functional groups in coral reefs.
Mameng or Humphead Wrasse
(Cheilinus undulatus)
The number of kilograms of mameng caught per day had gone down by 82%
since the 1950s. It is considered an Endangered species by the IUCN Red List
Authority. It can live for more than two decades and can change from female
to male when it reaches 15 years old. It feeds on and helps to regulate the
population size of some of the poisonous animals found on the reef, an
important one being the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci),
which feeds directly on living hard coral. Despite legal protection under
national law, the majority of fishers were unaware of any regulations
on this species and continue to catch it.
Polillo Islands, Quezon Province
Facing the Pacific Ocean, the island group is composed of the municipalities of Burdeos, Polillo,
Patnanungan, Jomalig and Panukulan. The Polillo Islands is the only Key Biodiversity Area where the
threatened coral Hydnophora bonsai has been observed. It is also one of the remaining areas where the
dugong (Dugon dugong) and Philipppine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) can be found.
Danajon Bank, Bohol
Danajon Bank is the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and one of only
three double barrier reefs in Southeast Asia; very few barrier reefs exist side by
side in the world like this. It is located off Northern Bohol.
Honda Bay, Palawan
Just north of Puerto Princesa City, it is one of the major fishing grounds within the
West Sulu Sea. It is composed of 13 islands that are home to coral reefs, mangroves, and
seagrasses, crucial ecosystems that the Honda Bay fisheries are dependent on.
Verde Island Passage
The Passage is a narrow corridor of water connecting Luzon to the Visayan
Islands. This area is considered to be the “center of the center” of marine
shorefish biodiversity in the world.
Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Lanuza Bay covers seven
municipalities and has a total of 16 marine protected
areas ranging from 19 to 76 hectares around it.
5 marine Key Biodiversity Areas
These marine Key Biodiversity Areas or marine KBAs are rich in marine biodiversity; their protection is critical to
ensure not only food fish supply in the country but also other ecosystem services such as biological control
and climate regulation. There are over 1,785 marine protected areas (MPAs), 33 MPAs are protected under the
Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 (DENR, 2015). The rest are
managed by the local government units, community-based organizations and non-government organizations.
REFERENCE: Lavides MN, Molina EVP, de la Rosa GE Jr, Mill AC, Rushton SP, Stead SM, Polunin NVC (2016) Patterns of coral-reef finfish species disappearances inferred from fishers’ knowledge in global
epicenter of marine shorefish diversity. PLOS ONE 11(5): e0155752.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155752
CENTERFOLD PHOTOGRAPHY: Coral reef photography by Erina Molina. Humphead Wrasse photo by Patryk Krzyzak via Wikipedia. Bumphead Parrotfish photo by Flickr user Klaus Stiefel / fishesofaustralia.
net.au, license CC by Attribution-Non-Commercial. Giant Grouper photo by Flickr user Modernrelics Jessica Paterson. Polillo Group of Islands photo by Jdcgumpal, license CC BY-SA 3.0. Verde Island Passage
photo by Wiki user Magalhães. Danajon Bank photo by NASA. Surigao del Sur photo by Wiki user Surigaotourist, license by CC BY-SA 3.0. Honda Bay, Palawan photo by Lsjtest CC BY-SA 3.0.