tne Balog TP reion a of < been-strengthened -a patrol forees eee 2,074,108 ha, from 43 MPAs within the 12 ECOSYSTEMS PROTECTED Conulveef © "Mangroves ESTABLISHED SINCE 2007 ‘Through @ memorandum agreement among the Provincial government of Batangas and 13 member coastal municipalities, MANAGEMENT BODY 374 Bantay Dagat enforcers in 13 municipalities were institutionalized in 2008, Management Body is comprised of 8 official positions and 5 committees. FLORA AND FAUNA. + Major pelagic fishery production includes tuna, roundscad, sardines, Indian mackerel, bigeye scad and anchovy. ‘Over 600 nudibranches with 330 coral species. + Over a thousand fish species with 8 species of seagrasses, 3 species of ‘marine turtles and 6 species of marine mammals, + Hundreds of new marine invertebrate and fish species regularly discovered.ding Marine Protected Area Finalist KEY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. The management body conducts a joint regular meeting every two months, Members receive capacity building and technical assistance through the MPA Network Action Planning Workshops, and specialized training on seagrass ‘monitoring, rescue management of marine mammals ‘and marine turtle, paralegal aspects of management, sea patrolling (deputization of Bantay Dagat or fish wardens), ‘and water safety and rescue. Managers of individual MPAs within the network participated in Batangas Recognition Awards for Verde Passages Outstanding (BRAVO) MPAs. ‘Thenetworkisalso engaged in climate change initiatives from 2009-2013 with adaptation measures such as mangrove rehabilitation and conservation project. Management schemes include conservation fes (in some municipalities) {or sustainable financing, and regular operations by the Bantay Dagat and local PNP agains illegal fishers. IMPACTS AND BENEFITS: + Won “Best MPA Network in Luzon for Exemplary Performances” at the Para El MAR 2013 (MPA awards and recognition), Commendation given by Sangguniang, Panlalawigan in 2013. Recognition for their marine law enforcement given by the Batangas Police Provincial Office to the Bantay Dagat Network. ‘+ Harmonization of all MPA management activities done in coastal municipalities, + Consistent dissemination of information on current fssues and status of MPA plans, strategies and Bantay ‘Dagst operations + Paved way for strengthened coordination and partnership among the VIP stakeholders. Map-based. presentation of information and scientific tools are seen as network catalysts, ISSUES AND THREAI + Overfishing + Poverty and lack of alternative livelihood. + Encroachment of commercial fishers in municipal + Coastal pollution (eg., from solid and water waste disposal) siltation and Soil erosion + Resource use conflicts (eg., conversion of mangrove to fishponds, industrial development, and tourism vs fishermen). + ‘Threats related to climate change (eg, storm surge, and sea level rise) RECOMMENDATIONS: + Mangrove planting for climate change adaptation + Development of sustainable plans and programs. + Strict implementation of RA 9003 and RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654 and supported by municipal fishery ordinances + Water quality monitoring + Strengthening of Bantay Dagat capabilites. + Localize enforcement programs and strengthen IEC programs, Provision of alternative and supplemental livelihood, Implementation of closed and open seasons for fishing, Regular Reef Check monitoring Expansion of small MPAs and establishment of new Contact this MPA network through: Mr Luis A. Awitan Department Head, PG - ENRO Capitol Site, Kumintang Toabe, ‘Batangas City, 4200 Telefax: (+63) 043 723 2468 Email laawitan@yahoo.com Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto Governor Province of Batangas, 4200 Telephone: (463) 043 702 2509 / 702 2069