Tañon Strait Protected Landscape and Seascape

To create a Protected Seascape with natural biodiversity and integrity, which is effectively managed by all stakeholders to ensure ecological integrity and resilience, sustainable socio-economic development and communities living in harmony with nature. Taon Strait features a rich biodiversity of marine life, including endangered species of dolphins and whales.

Species of Concern: dolphins, whales, whale shark, manta rays, diamond back squid, spinner dolphin, dwarf sperm whale, dugong, pygmy killer whale, spotted dolphin, surgeonfish, fairy basslet, cardinalfish, triggerfish, needlefish, blennie, fusilier, jack, butterflyfish, hawkfish, grouper, cornetfish, goby, sweetlip, squirrelfish, wrasse, emperor, snapper, goatfish, angelfish, damselfish

Restrictions

According to a resolution by the Taon Strait Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), all commercial fishing vessels that transit, anchor, berth and dock in the strait must possess a functional and approved Vessel Monitoring Mechanism (VMM).

In addition, the following activities are prohibited throughout the Multiple Use Zone:
1. Obstruction of the navigational zone.
2. Commercial fishing and all forms of illegal fishing defined under Republic Act 8550 as amended by Republic Act 10654 and other relevant laws, rules and regulations.
3. All forms of marine sand and gravel extraction.
4. Development activities without tenurial instruments, and/or other lawful permits.
5. Reclamation activities without express approval from the Protected Area Management Board, clearances, permits and undergo the EIA systems.
5. Mineral, natural gas and oil exploration unless consistent with Rule 6 of DAO 2008-26.

Note that other restrictions, including fishing prohibitions, apply in areas designated as core zones and buffer zones.

According to the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, except as may be allowed by the nature of this area's designation and pursuant to rules and regulations governing the same, the following acts are prohibited:
1. Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife including in private lands within the protected area;
2. Hunting, taking, collecting, or possessing of any wildlife, or by-products derived therefrom, including in private lands within the protected area without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption: Provided, that the PASU (Protected Area Superintendent) as authorized by the management boardshall issue a permit, authorization or exemption only for culling, scientific research;
3. Using any fishing or harvesting gear and practices or any of their variations that destroys coral reefs, seagrass beds or other marine life and their associated habitats or terrestrial habitat as may be determined by the DA (Department of Agriculture) or the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources);
4. Dumping, throwing, using, or causing to be dumped into or placed in the protected area of any toxic chemical, noxious or poisonous substance or nonbiodegradable material, untreated sewage or animal waste products or products whether in liquid, solid or gas state, including pesticides and other hazardous substances;
5. Operating any motorized conveyance within the protected area without permit from the management board;
6. Mutilating, defacing, destroying, excavating, vandalizing or, in any manner, damaging any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical sitcs, artifacts and other objects of natural beauty, scenic value or objects of interest;
7. Littering or depositing refuse or debris on the ground or in bodies of water
8. Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the protected area;
9. Occupying or dwelling in any public land within the protected area without clearance from the management board;
10. Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within the protected area;
11. Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within the protected area;
12. Establishing or introducing exotic species, including GMOs or invasive alien species within the protected area;
13. Conducting bioprospecting within the protected area without prior management board;
14. Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasures within the protected area;
15. Any activity that in any manner will mutilate, deface, destroy, excavate, fill-in, vandalize, or damage any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts and beauty, scenic value or objects of interest to IPs/ ICCs will not be allowed except those that are consistent with the management plan and approved by the management board.

Allowed

The following activities are allowed in the designated Multiple Use Zones:
1. Establishment of fish corrals, fish cages, fish pens, and sea culture (seaweed, fish, sea ranching).
2. Tourism activities such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching.
3. Fishing in accordance with the municipal fishery ordinances.
4. Use of designated areas for docking of boats, anchoring, dry docking of boats/ships for repair, and passage for boats.
5. Establishment of beach resorts, and port/pier facilities.
6. Other economic activities covered by the Coastal Resource Management Plan and municipal fishery ordinance.