MASINLOC, Zambales — Local divers made an underwater cleanup activity at the Masinloc Taklobo Farm here on May 12, while counterparts in Botolan town installed artificial reefs in a bid to conserve local maritime ecosystems and boost reef protection.

The activities were held in observance of the “Month of the Ocean,” which is celebrated in the Philippines annually throughout May.

In Masinloc, divers from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Zambales Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Masinloc Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the Masinloc Tourism Office cleared the four-hectare Taklobo Farm of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) that destroy reef-building corals.

CENRO-Masinloc said the dive team successfully removed from the area 17 COTS, a predatory starfish species that has a voracious appetite for corals. Immediate removal of COTS is necessary to prevent coral degradation and allow the recovery and resilience of reef ecosystems, it added.

Masinloc divers also retrieved from the protected area an abandoned long fishing line with hooks. CENRO-Masinloc explained that abandoned fishing gears also pose serious threat to marine biodiversity, as they may trap and injure marine organisms, damage coral colonies, and contribute to marine pollution.

In Botolan, meanwhile, divers from the LGU installed artificial reef structures in municipal waters to provide stable habitats for marine life and restore the balance of marine ecosystem.

A total of 29 artificial reefs were built on-site by divers from concrete bars lashed together to form pyramidal structures, according to MENRO-Botolan.

The concrete structures are said to be highly effective because of their durability, moldability, and calcium-rich composition, which naturally encourages coral larvae and marine organisms to settle and grow.

The ‘Month of the Ocean’ is celebrated by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 57 to promote awareness and sustainability of the ecological and economic benefits of healthy marine ecosystems.

The month of May was selected for the annual observance to highlight the vital link between marine conservation and coastal livelihoods, as May is the peak fishing season in the country. – Taktikom News & Features

COVER PHOTO: A diver hunts for crown-of-thorns starfish at the Masinloc Taklobo Farm during the ‘Month of the Ocean’ underwater cleanup event on May 12. (CENRO-Masinloc)