The Isabela City Agriculture’s Office acknowledges that by studying the coral, fish, and seagrass communities, valuable insights into the city's marine ecosystem can be gained. This includes information about biodiversity, habitat value, ecosystem services, economic and social significance, threats, and conservation status. These findings are crucial for understanding the health and well-being of the marine environment and for implementing effective conservation strategies.
The collected data will serve as a critical baseline for future conservation and protection initiatives. This baseline will guide efforts to safeguard Isabela City's precious marine resources, ensuring their continued survival and prosperity. By having this comprehensive understanding of the marine ecosystem, the city can make informed decisions on how to best conserve and protect its valuable marine life.
The assessment involved visual inspections of coral reefs and fish species identification by DENR Region IX and CENRO ZC experts. Underwater transect lines were established to capture details such as coral cover, coral health, and fish species abundance.
