Zambales Expands Marine Protection to Boost Biodiversity

The Zambales provincial government in the Philippines added two new marine protected areas, Calanga Reef and Rabaw-ti-Bato, to the Zambales Marine Protected Area Network (ZAMPAN). Governor Hermogenes Ebdane formalized the additions earlier this month through a resolution, recognizing the ecological importance of these reefs as breeding and feeding grounds for diverse sea species.

Calanga Reef spans 40 hectares and boasts nearly 49 percent live hard coral cover, while Rabaw-ti-Bato is a historically important fish spawning ground. The new protected areas will feature “no-take” core sanctuary zones prohibiting all extractive activities, alongside buffer zones allowing regulated fishing and recreational activities.

ZAMPAN, established in 2013, unites various government agencies and 11 coastal municipalities in collaborative marine conservation. With over 232 kilometers of coastline already partially protected by the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, this expansion aims to strengthen habitat connectivity and ecosystem resilience.