Since 1998, Shedd Aquarium has been a key partner with Project Seahorse, a marine conservation organization dedicated to studying and protecting seahorses while helping people who depend upon them for their livelihoods. While Project Seahorse has programs all over the world, it has maintained an active presence in the Philippines since its inception. Recently Shedd’s conservation and research leadership team visited the Philippines to meet with our conservation partner to see how the program has grown since our last visit many years ago. In the next few weeks we’ll share some of the trip highlights, with the first stop being an Apo Island visit.
Some of you may remember that Shedd’s Wild Reef exhibit is modeled after Apo Island, and this trip was a great opportunity to see firsthand the outcome of their extraordinary community-based conservation efforts.
As long as 40 years ago, fish populations around Apo were declining because of overfishing. In an escalating cycle, subsistence fishermen used destructive methods, such as dynamite blasting and cyanide poisoning, to get enough fish for their families. These practices severely damaged Apo’s coral reefs, further depleting fish stocks. Eventually the waters surrounding the island were fished out.
With guidance from Silliman University staff in Dumagete, Philippines, several Apo Island families made the decision to create a “no-take” marine sanctuary in 1982 so that fish stocks would rebound. They saw results within a few years, and today Apo Island residents benefit from an amazing diversity of fishes and other marine life—a direct result of their efforts. As the marine life inside the sanctuary recovered, it spilled over into the village’s fishing waters adjacent to the reserve. The island serves as a model of sustainable resource management for other fishing communities throughout the Philippines.
Posted by Nicole Pierson, conservation
are seahorses at APO island going extinct?
Posted by: faith | March 03, 2010 at 01:05 PM
Seahorses near Apo Island are not going extinct but their populations are sensitive to overfishing and habitat destruction. Marine Protected Areas are one way to help depleted populations rebound but proactive education initiatives targeting fishers and consumers are also needed to prevent declines.
Posted by: Caroline Monestero, web editor | March 04, 2010 at 09:42 AM
I'm glad to hear that there are marine sancutaries there. So many creatures thrive there that they move out into ok to catch areas. Its a win win situation. I wish there were more of them. Good job Shedd.
Posted by: Alyssa | March 07, 2010 at 09:09 PM