ALAMINOS, Pangasinan--A joint survey was conducted recently by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and staff of the Coral Reef Restoration Program at Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan.
The survey was aimed at assessing the identified sites for the project on the application of coral transplantation technology in the area.
The identified sites were Quezon Island as donor/collection site, Clave Island for setting-up of coral nursery units (CNUs), and the Romulo Island as transplantation site.
The said islands were identified as project sites based on their suitability for restoration; availability of sufficient amount of coral fragments and their geographical location, they being within the marine protected area.
With the project, implementers aim to instill responsible and sustainable fisheries towards improving productivity of coral reef resources and consequently harness the potentials of Alaminos City for underwater tourism.
The project is lodged under the program “Roll-out of Coral Transplantation Technology Using Asexually Reproduced Corals to Improve productivity of Coral Resources for Sustainable Fisheries and Enhance Competitiveness of Underwater Tourism.”
To be implemented for one year, the project seeks to transplant 30,000 corals, set-up and deploy 12 coral nursery units as well as establish a stream of dive sites among other expected gains.
An inception meeting shortly after the survey which was attended by project’s prime movers provided a venue for the discussion of expectations, commitment and responsibilities, strategies, as well as initial accomplishments.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Pangasinan State University (PSU), Local Government Unit of Alaminos, Pangasinan, the Citizens' Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGU) of the Philippine Army Auxillary Force, and the RVS 4 Star Mariculture Coral Farm (RVS4Star).
Speaking about the concern on project sustainability, Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Technology Transfer and Promotion Division Chief, considered the same as an important technology transfer element and at the same time expressed optimism about its replication in other areas where the technology is applicable. He added that tourists can also be involved in the project through actual coral planting using the PCAARRD-DOST technology.
Alaminos City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste expressed his support for the project as well as the city’s commitment to the protection of the environment.