ALABEL, Sarangani / GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Efforts to protect and conserve the rich marine biodiversity of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) gained momentum this August with the simultaneous conduct of a coral reef data analysis workshop and the strengthened enforcement of environmental regulations in coastal areas.
From August 4–9, 2025, the Protected Area Management Office of SBPS (PAMO-SBPS), in partnership with the Conservation and Development Division–Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section (CDD-CRFMS), held a Data Analysis Workshop on Coral Reef Species Identification Using Colony Shots in Alabel, Sarangani. The training aimed to enhance participants’ technical capacity in processing and interpreting field data from coral monitoring activities, transforming visual observations into meaningful assessments that support the Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) and long-term reef conservation.
Led by Katrina S. Luzon, Ph.D., the workshop built on last year’s introduction of colony shot methods by Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan, Ph.D.. Participants analyzed images captured by the monitoring team and identified coral species with expert guidance. Dive sessions highlighted that while the globally endangered coral family Acroporidae thrives abundantly in various forms in Brgy. Kawas, Alabel, underscoring the ecological importance of SBPS reefs.
The activity resulted in the identification of 15 coral families and 85 species, providing a vital baseline for conservation planning. Future steps include re-surveying selected sites, mapping monitoring areas, and expanding species-level identification to deepen understanding of coral diversity and guide science-based policies for the bay’s protection.
Meanwhile, on August 8, 2025, PAMO-SBPS, together with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region XII and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of General Santos City, conducted coastal inspections of establishments within the protected seascape. Six establishments were issued Show Cause Orders for failing to present required documents for maintaining structures in the area.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stressed that these measures reflect the government’s strengthened resolve to address violations that threaten the bay’s ecological balance. Officials urged all businesses operating within SBPS to strictly comply with environmental requirements and actively support ongoing conservation initiatives.
Authorities emphasized that sustained inter-agency cooperation and active stakeholder participation are key to safeguarding Sarangani Bay’s rich marine life and ensuring the sustainable use of its natural resources for future generations.