In response to the request of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur for a resource assessment, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 Reef Monitoring Team, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Region 1โs Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section under the Conservation and Development Division (CDD), and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) โ Ilocos Sur, conducted a Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment in the coastal waters of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.
Technical divers assessed the current condition of coral reefs, seagrass, and reef-associated fish in the area. This assessment aligns with the ongoing efforts of the LGU-Sto. Domingo to enhance the management, protection, and conservation of their marine resources.
BFAR-1 Reef Monitoring Team surveyed reef-associated fish abundance and biodiversity using the Fish Visual Census (FVC), while DENR-1 assessed coral and seagrass areas in the municipality.
This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of various agencies to ensuring the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources, ultimately benefiting both the environment and local communities.
The data collected will be crucial for gaining deeper insights into the marine resources of coastal communities. It will support future planning and development efforts, especially in the integration of coastal management strategies into the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan (CLWUP) of local government units, as well as in the proposal or amendment of existing policies.
