The 400-hectare island of San Salvador is naturally rich in marine resources. However, years of illegal fishing activities have left its resources in danger of depletion. Residents of this island and other coastal communities rampantly used destructive fishing methods like cyanide, explosives, and fine mesh nets and traps called “kunay”.

      The local officials and the community then united their efforts to protect and preserve the coral reefs. External organizations such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the University of the Philippines and concerned environmental groups like the Haribon Foundation and Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, also provided assistance to the local government and the island community.

      As a result, several activities were concurrently initiated. The municipal government of Masinloc declared the 127-hectare portion of the municipal waters adjacent to the island as a fish sanctuary and additional coastal areas as marine reserve. An environment management committee called the Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Kalikasan (LTK) was also formed. This committee was composed of island residents and barangay leaders. Another group called the Bantay Dagat was organized and its members trained on how to safeguard, monitor and conserve the marine sanctuary and other reserved areas. Moreover, tree seedlings and mangroves were planted in deforested areas. Environmental education and training programs were likewise conducted.

      After only a year, marine resources became abundant and diversified. The number of fishermen using illegal fishing methods decreased by 81% and eventually by 100%. Additionally, the number of fish per 500 square meter increased to 402 fishes, a 29% increase from the previous year. Indeed, the protection of the fish sanctuary benefited not only the residents of the island but also the entire fishing sector of Masinloc and other nearby provinces because of the abundant fish supply.