Hundred Islands eyed as reef sites

By Rudy Fernandez

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Three of Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands have been chosen as sites for a coral reef restoration project.

These are the Clave Island for the setting up of coral nursery units, Quezon Island as donor and collection site and Romulo Island as transplantation site.

The three were chosen for their suitability for restoration, availability of coral fragments for transplanting and their location, which is within the marine protected areas.

The sites have earlier been assessed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development and Hundred Islands-coral reef restoration program.

“The project aims to establish responsible and sustainable fisheries to improve productivity of coral reef resources,” a report from PCAARRD said.

Mayor Arthur Celeste of Alaminos City, where the Hundred Islands are located, expressed support for and committed to participate in the project.