BOLINAO–A portion of the municipal waters of this town has been declared as a sea-grass reserve area to allow marine life, specifically fish and shellfish, to spawn and thrive.

The declaration is contained in a municipal ordinance authored by Councilor Simon del Fierro.

The protected zone, located in Barangays Binabalian and Goyoden, more popularly known as Benew, has a total area of 60 hectares with 40 hectares designated as buffer zone.

Limited activities will be allowed in the buffer zone, including traditional and sustainable fishing methods.

The 20-hectare core area will be totally off-limits to the public to maintain the good quality sea-grass and reef habitat.

The management and monitoring of the sanctuary will be undertaken by the Bolinao Sea-Grass Management Board composed of the local community, barangay officials, members of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council and public organizations in coordination with the partner agencies like the municipal agriculturist for assistance.

Sea grass beds are highly diverse and productive ecosystems which serve as spawning grounds for marine life. #