MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE – As part of the ministry’s initiatives to address the issue of coral reef degradation, the Fisheries Services began implementing wind-vane-type coral nursery units in Sitio Tulugon and Sitio Linao, Brgy. Linao, Datu Blah Sinsuat from December 2-9, 2024.
These coral nursery units were designed to support the growth and transplantation of coral fragments, also known as corals of opportunity (COP).
The targeted sites were assessed prior to the implementation and identified as areas with rich coastal resources that have experienced coral degradation caused by both natural calamities and human activities.
Recognizing the urgent need to restore these vital ecosystems, the ministry, in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and coastal communities, initiated the deployment of coral nursery units as a solution to rehabilitate damaged reefs.
The project was successfully carried out through the combined efforts of certified SCUBA divers from the ministry, with the participation of the Maguindanao MAFAR Office and the active support of the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs).
In addition, regular monitoring and transplantation will be conducted every three months following the project’s implementation.
