The expedition will determine the health of coral reefs within the Province of Bohol in comparison to monitoring data collected in 1985, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Expedition Location

Bohol is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region. It comprises Bohol Island and numerous smaller surrounding islands. Bohol is known for coral reefs and unusual geological formations, notably the Chocolate Hills. A popular tourist destination, the province is abundant of beaches and resorts. Its well‐known beaches are found in Panglao Island, which is situated south-west of the province and in Anda, located on the island’s east side. Bohol is composed of one city (Tagbilaran), and 47 municipalities.

Expedition Purpose

This reef monitoring expedition will determine the coral reef health within the marine sanctuaries in Bohol, specifically in the municipalities of Panglao, Dauis, and Baclayon. This data will be used in comparison to monitoring data collected in 1985, 1999, 2003 and 2007 using similar methods. The expedition results will reveal the current condition of the reefs in the Bohol area after a major storm and the Covid shutdown of tourism and will support the current management of the marine sanctuaries and indicate priorities for protection from fishing and improper tourism activities.

What data was collected?

The dive volunteers and staff will make surveys to document the status of the coral reefs in Tubbataha Reef Natural Park by collecting the following information:

Percent bottom cover of living coral
Percent bottom cover of non-living reef substrates (e.g. rock, rubble, sand, dead coral)
Percent bottom cover of other living substrates (e.g. seagrass, algae, sponges)
Fish species diversity per unit area
Total number of fish individuals per unit area
Total number of fish species on the reef
Number of indicator species per unit area (e.g. butterflyfish, giant clams, lobsters, Triton shells, Crown-of-thorns seastars and others)
Presence of large marine life (e.g. sharks, manta rays, Bumphead wrasses, sea turtles, whales and dolphins, and others)
Causes of coral damage
Presence of visitors of intruders in the area
Effectiveness of management protection in the area

All the data collected on this trip is currently being summarised.

Expedition Gallery

The Organisation

Coastal Conservation & Education Foundation

Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the management and sustainable use of Philippine coastal resources through active leadership and participation of coastal communities and stakeholders. Driven by its passion to create sustainable coasts and actively engage communities, CCEF develops and disseminate tools, techniques and research for better marine management, while promoting integrated coastal management approach that includes marine protected areas (MPAs) localized law enforcement and other participatory best practices.

Find out more info here: https://www.coast.ph/

2023 SPR Expedition – Bohol