Status of coralline resources in lingayen gulf

Abstract

Nine sites were surveyed along the western coast of Lingayen Gulf to assess the status of coral reefs in the area. The study showed the reefs to be in relatively poor to fair condition, having 18% -47% living coral cover. Reefs are degraded by both naturally occurring factors and man-induced stresses (such as poor land management, which brings about silta- tion, and destructive fishing techniques). Blast fishing and the use of sodium cyanide for catching aquarium fish are rampant in the area. The destruction of the reefs could cause a breakdown of their community structure, as well as those of associated coral-dominated communities. Various management schemes designed to forestall the destruction of the reefs and ease the fishing pressure on the resources are presented. Critical information gaps are identified.