The Protected Area Management Board of Apo Island in Negros Oriental held a stakeholders' meeting recently on ways to reduce the impact of the increase in the number of motor boats and similar vessels on the marine resources of the island.

Barangay captain Liberty Pascobello Rhodes of Apo Island said that, in recent years, the number of motorboats, dive boats and other commercial sea crafts coming to the island has doubled or tripled.

While this is an indication of the rise in the number of tourists, snorkelers and divers visiting the island, the risk to sea turtles, corals and other marine resources from irresponsible activities also becomes greater, she said, adding that the beauty of the island must be protected for future generations.

Rhodes said sea turtles, which have become numerous in the island in recent years, are at risk of being hit by the boats as they tend to swim to the surface.

Apart from snorkeling and diving as a come-on to tourists, swimming with the turtles is becoming increasingly popular in Apo Island, with the creatures easily spotted close to shore while feeding off sea grass.

She said one of the measures eyed by stakeholders is a “coding system” for boats coming to the island to regulate sea traffic.

The meeting also discussed about the island rules and regulations with the entry of new resorts, dive masters and boat captains.

While she could not give an estimate of the number of boats that visit the island each day, Rhodes said that there must be a balance between income generated from the visitors, and environmental protection efforts.

Present at the meeting were officials from the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Coast Guard, resort owners, dive shop operators, dive masters, boat operators and barangay officials.*JFP

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