Authors

Denmark B. Recamara

Author

De Guzman B. Asuncion

Co-author

Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is a management strategy to avert the downward trend of capture fisheries by protecting critical spawning stock biomass that, in turn, can populate fished areas via larval dispersal or adult spillover. This study evaluates the effectivity of MPAs in improving community structure of reef fish in three sites in Iligan Bay. Spatial and temporal variations in species richness, abundance and biomass of fish communities inside MPAs and open access areas are also investigated. Results reveal that fish diversity inside the three MPAs was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Puting Balas Fish Sanctuary (PBFS) than in Capayas Island Marine Sanctuary (CIMS) and Tubajon MPA (TMPA). No clear spatial pattern in fish abundance was observed across sites, however, overall density decreased from its 2006- 08 levels (P<0.05) especially in CIMS despite having been protected for five years. On the other hand, significantly higher (p<0.05) fish biomass occurred inside CIMS than in unprotected reefs. Overall biomass inside the MPAs did not differ significantly between periods, although a slight decrease in abundance was observed in PBSF while increasing slightly in the other sites. Across sites target food fish had significantly higher (p< 0.001) species richness, density and biomass than major demersal and indicator species group. Results of the study indicate generally positive, albeit inconclusive, responses of reef fish communities to protection from fishing. This study has shown that as a management tool MPA alone cannot ensure full recovery of fish stocks of a protected reef. Other factors such as climatic conditions, natural ecosystems dynamics, and human-associated impacts can shape reef fish community structure. Active involvement of all stakeholders in the MPA project is strongly recommended to ensure the sustainability of the ecological and economic benefits of reef protection.