BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IN THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES OF TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE

Authors: Gee B. Arcenas, Iris Kay L. Cortez, Michelle D. Malanguis, Mitz J. Escalante, Roque D. Malanguisiii & Dr. Joel S. Pardillo

ABSTRACT

This study recognized the development, conservation, and management of the fisheries and coastal-marine resources in the City of Tagum, Province of Davao Del Norte in reference to the City Ordinance No. 249, and the series of 2007 “Comprehensive Fisheries Code of Tagum City”. The study’s data gathering and the interview were conducted specifically at the three coastal barangays, Brgy. Madaum, Liboganon and Busaon, in Tagum City. The three coastal barangays have a total population of 20,421 (according to the 2020 census) and a total land area of 4,333 hectares. In order to generate data, an interview with the fishermen was conducted and gathered data on the fish caught by the 82 fishermen at the barangays for the year 2020-2022, data were from the City Agriculture Office (National Fisheries Program). The fishery and aquaculture sectors are a source of income for hundreds of millions of people, especially low-income families, and contribute directly to their food security. Tagum City is no exception to the coastal communities that faced the challenge of advancing the management of its marine resources. The initiative of the city in the implementation of a sustainable approach improved the marine biodiversity condition of coral reefs, and livelihood, and increased mangrove vegetation, however the fish catch analysis from the year 2020 to the present shows a declining result. The challenges of coastal-marine management will always be an issue if not taken into consideration and attention by the local officials. The government plays a vital role in the conservation of our coastal-marine resources. Effective and strategic institutional and domestic management is required for the sustainable development of marine resources, to ensure that the needs of future generations are met while satisfying the requirement of the present.

Keywords: Marine Conservation, Sustainable Approach, Fisherfolk Empowerment, Coastal Resources, Habitat Restoration

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