Artificial reefs: a fisheries management tool for Lingayen Gulf

Abstract

One of the ways by which man responds to the various factors that impair the productivity of the coastal ecosystems is the establishment of artificial reefs. These man-made structures, regardless of the material used and when submerged in the marine environment, provide shelter, food and breeding ground to marine life. This paper gives an overview of the concept of artificial reefs, their use and potential benefits, and issues arising from their wide acceptance (in the Philip- pines, in general, and in Lingayen Gulf, in particular). The popularization of artificial reefs in the gulf, coupled with the absence of a government policy on these projects, raises several issues on the: (1) siting, proper use, ownership and man- agement of artificial reefs; (2) adoption of appropriate technology in constructing, monitoring and planning; and (3) de- velopment of intersectoral coordination and linkages to avoid conflicts of interests. Major recommendations to resolve these issues are also outlined.