Gumaca strengthens marine protection with fish sanctuary markers

By Rowena T. Cruz Fishermen and local responders carry warning markers into the waters of Barangay Calumanguin during the installation of bo...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Fishermen and local responders carry warning markers into the waters of Barangay Calumanguin during the installation of boundary signs for Gumaca’s 10-hectare fish sanctuary. (We Love Gumaca)

GUMACA, Quezon — Warning markers now stand across a 10-hectare fish sanctuary off the coast of Barangay Calumanguin as the local government intensified efforts to protect marine resources. The markers were installed to deter illegal fishing and protect fish breeding grounds inside the protected waters.

The protected area covers part of the municipal waters regularly used by small-scale fishermen in the coastal village. Preserving the sanctuary is expected to help sustain fish supply and strengthen food security in fishing communities.



Municipal personnel said the sanctuary aims to protect coral formations and allow fish populations to recover and reproduce. They added that protecting breeding grounds could improve fish catch for small-scale fishermen dependent on municipal waters.

Fishing remains a major source of livelihood in several coastal barangays in Gumaca. MENRO personnel said illegal fishing continues to threaten coral reefs and fish breeding areas in municipal waters.

Mayor Webster D. Letargo said marine protection programs remain tied to the municipality’s food and livelihood efforts. He said protecting municipal waters also means protecting the income of fishing families in coastal barangays.

“Kapag napoprotektahan natin ang ating karagatan, napapangalagaan din natin ang kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda at ang pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilya,” Letargo said. “Responsibilidad nating lahat na panatilihing ligtas at buhay ang ating yamang-dagat para sa susunod na henerasyon.”

Letargo said coastal protection projects require cooperation between government agencies and fishing communities. He said stronger enforcement inside marine sanctuaries would help preserve fish stocks and discourage destructive fishing practices.

“Hindi magiging matagumpay ang pangangalaga sa dagat kung walang disiplina at pakikiisa mula sa komunidad,” Letargo said. “Sa pamamagitan ng mga hakbang na ito, mas mapapalakas natin ang seguridad sa pagkain at kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda.”

The installation formed part of the marine protection program of Mayor Letargo and Mayora Justine E. Letargo. The activity was carried out with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 4A, Maritime Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Monitoring and enforcement activities inside the sanctuary will continue in coordination with environmental agencies and maritime authorities. Information drives on marine protection rules and fish sanctuary regulations are also expected in coastal barangays.