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The need for conservation and management of Philippine coral reefs

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Synopsis

The biological diversity and productivity of Philippine coral reefs are threatened by siltation, destructive fishing methods, coral and shell collecting and overfishing. Destructive fishing includes: the widespread, illegal use of explosives; poisons such as sodium cyanide; muro-ami and kayakas fishing; and trawling. The recent decline in catch rates threatens the livelihood of 700 000 near-shore subsistence fishermen who catch 55% of the total landings. The new government under Corazon Aquino wishes to protect the marine environment through the creation of a viable marine conservation management plan, enforcement of existing laws and through cooperation between government, non-government and international agencies to provide education and research. The Department of Agriculture, which has the authority for fisheries, has designated the International Marinelife Alliance as the lead non-government agency involved with fund raising, net-training and finding alternatives to destructive fishing methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Marinelife Alliance Canada, 355 Route de la Mer, B.P. 4, Sainte-Flavie, Quebec, GOJ 2LO, Canada

    Peter J. Rubec

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  1. Peter J. Rubec
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This essay addresses the societal relationships of village fishery to government, aid organizations, and science. Vadim Vladykov always maintained close relationship with fishermen and devoted over a year of his life to helping develop fisheries in Iran.

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Rubec, P.J. The need for conservation and management of Philippine coral reefs. Environ Biol Fish 23, 141–154 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000745

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00000745

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