Coral reefs are widely recognized to be important ecologically and biologically. They are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems and about 25 percent of all known marine species depend on them for food, shelter and breeding.
But coral reefs around the world are threatened by natural and man-made disturbances.
The same is true with the coral reefs in Lambason island in Surigao del Norte which have been under stress because of destructive fishing methods. To remedy the situation, the local government of Cagdianao, Surigao del Norte, through the support of PGMC, declared portions of the island’s reef area as a marine sanctuary for protection and enhancement.
As part of the rehabilitation efforts, PGMC’s technical team with the help of local fisherfolks, conducted coral transplantation through asexual method wherein fragments were taken from an already-detached colony called coral of opportunity.
Apart from facilitating the speedy recovery of the stressed corals, the activity also raised awareness among the local community about the vital role of coral reefs.