A six-year fishing ban has done wonders for the 129-hectare Colorada Point Marine Protected Area in Aroroy town in the province of Masbate, Philippines, as corals are thriving and the fish are back with sea turtles, lobsters, giant clams and other creatures.

With an abundant ecosystem, a variety of about 2000 species of fish, and 7,107 islands, liveaboard diving in the Philippines remains at the top of any diver’s bucket list. If it’s not added yet, perhaps it’s time to consider adding it as another liveaboard adventure destination to visit! Apart from the year-round warm climate, pristine beaches, and crystal blue waters, it offers a variety of dive sites that span from exploring historic wrecks to marveling at corals and marine life!

Based on the information gathered by the agency, the oil spill has affected several Marine Protected Areas in the Municipality of Pola in Oriental Mindoro, such as the KingFisher Reserve, St. John the Baptist Marine Sanctuary, Song of the Sea Fish Sanctuary, Stella Mariz Fish Sanctuary, Bacawan Fish Sanctuary, St. Peter the Rock Fish Sanctuary, and the San Isidro Labrador Fish Sanctuary.

Two months ago, I had a Zoom meeting with fisherfolk from Zambales who complained that their fish catch had been dwindling because huge Chinese trawlers have been scooping the fish in their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, leaving them with smaller fish. Filipino fishermen use only wooden boats with outriggers that are dwarfed by the huge steel-hulled Chinese trawlers

In the town of Pilar in the central Philippines, a community of 11,308 residents looks after one of the most successful marine protected areas in the country: the Pilar Municipal Marine Park (PMMP). Established in 2005, the 179-hectare (443-acre) park stands out among the thousands of MPAs in the Philippines, which experts say are only protected on paper.

A looming fish shortage in the country is inevitable if the presence of Chinese militia remains in the traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Sunday. Pangilinan said the government should not allow a fish shortage to happen as this will surely raise fish prices in the end.