To enhance the coral reef for an improved growth of the coastal flora and fauna in FRTI, the Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI) and the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) of DMMMSU North La Union Campus together with the Rotary Club of San Fernando, the Inner Wheel Club of San Fernando, the Ocean Deep Diving Training Center, and the Local Government of Balaoan installed seven artificial reefs in the coastal area in front of FRTI on December 4, 2021.
The AR installation is a coral reef enhancement strategy of FRTI in sustaining the good condition of the coral reefs and in rehabilitating and protecting the degraded coral reefs in the area from further abuse. This was based on the result of DENR-RO1’s Coral Reef Assessment and Mapping in Balaoan, La Union and the survey of professional divers from the Ocean Deep Diving Training Center.
The location for the set-up of ARs was identified by the Ocean Deep Diving Training Center along with snorkelers Mr. Wayne Sanders and Ms. Lyn Mae Quitola who inspected the FRTI coastal area on February 23, 2021.
Before the installation, a short program was conducted. Inspirational messages were delivered by Dr. Andie John Tadeo (Director of FRTI), Prof. Desiree Vilar (Director of IES), Dr. Violeta Collado (Head of Extension Unit – NLUC), Mr. Robert Brian Lim (President of Rotary Club of San Fernando), Ms. Julie Lim (President of Inner Wheel Club of San Fernando), Mr. Tim Aukshun (CEO of Ocean Deep Diving Training Center), Mr. Dante Noces (Chairperson of MFARMC, Balaoan, La Union), and Mr. George Melmida (Brgy. Captain of Paraoir, La Union).
The activity is under the project titled “Installation of Artificial Reef (AR) to Harness Potential of Balaoan, La Union Underwater Tourism and Improved Coral Reef Productivity”.
The project hopes to create habitat for variety of marine life, to increase awareness of the local community on the importance and protection of natural resources, to promote tourist spot for divers and snorkelers, and to serve as research area for fisheries and marine biologist. (Hannah Nora Solimen)
