LET DENR ALONE HANDLE THE PROPAGATION AND PROTECTION OF CORALS
LET DENR ALONE HANDLE THE PROPAGATION AND PROTECTION OF CORALS
When we talk about coral reefs — those breathtaking underwater gardens that shelter marine life, protect shorelines, and sustain fisheries — who should really be in charge of their propagation and protection? Ideally, there should not be confusion. But in the Philippines, responsibility is shared between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Department of Agriculture (DA). In practice, that shared jurisdiction breeds overlap — and confusion. I believe it is time to draw a clear line: let DENR (through its Biodiversity Management Bureau, BMB) handle coral propagation and protection exclusively.
Why DENR — and not DA-BFAR — should lead
Coral reefs are not crops, nor are corals equivalent to farmed aquatic species. Coral is an animal — a marine invertebrate, a colony of tiny polyps that build reef structures over decades. They don’t yield “harvestable” produce, and they grow very slowly. Their primary value lies in biodiversity, coastal protection, habitat stability — not in direct agricultural or aquacultural yield.
DENR’s mandate is to conserve and steward the environment and natural resources: terrestrial, marine, biological. Under its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), DENR already oversees marine biodiversity, coastal and marine ecosystems, protected areas, and reef rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, DA-BFAR’s mandate centers on fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic resources that produce food, income, and livelihoods — not on restoring biodiversity or conserving non-harvestable species.
Yes — healthy reefs indirectly benefit fisheries. But that link does not convert coral into a “fishery product.” Expecting fisherfolk or farmers to propagate corals because “it helps fish stocks” treats conservation as a burden rather than shared public good. It also risks shifting the responsibility to communities least equipped for it.
The danger of institutional “confusion by design”
History shows us that shared jurisdiction often leads to loopholes rather than synergy. There is already a joint framework: reef rehabilitation and coastal management guidelines call for coordinated action between DENR, DA-BFAR, local governments, science bodies, and NGOs.
But in practice, such collaboration often means diluted responsibility — and delayed action. While coral reefs in the Philippines are under heavy threat (from climate change, coastal pollution, destructive fishing, rubbish), bureaucratic bottlenecks and turf issues slow down conservation. Recent reports categorize many reef areas as “low to moderate” in coral and fish diversity.
We cannot afford hesitation. Time does not wait. Coral bleaching, reef degradation, coastal erosion — these are happening now.
What a DENR-only governance for corals could look like
Clear mandate. Coral propagation, reef rehabilitation, and marine biodiversity protection – managed solely by DENR-BMB/Coastal & Marine Management.
Partnership framework. DENR collaborates with LGUs, science institutions (universities, marine research centers), NGOs, and communities for monitoring, restoration, and stewardship — but not as a “fishing livelihood program.”
Conservation-first philosophy. Coral reefs managed as public natural heritage, not as economic aquaculture commodities.
Support mechanisms for communities. While corals themselves are not farmed for sale, communities can benefit indirectly — through ecotourism, coastal protection (less storm damage), improved fish stocks from a healthy reef base, and potential payments for ecosystem services.
This is not to say DA-BFAR has no role — their expertise in fisheries management, aquaculture, and livelihoods remains vital. But their role should be limited to managing fish stocks, regulating sustainable fishing, and improving aquaculture. Coral propagation, reef protection, marine biodiversity — that belongs to DENR.
Why this matters
Coral reefs are among the most precious — and most vulnerable — ecosystems on Earth. The Philippines, lying at the heart of the Coral Triangle, is globally recognized for its rich marine biodiversity.
Conserving reefs is not optional. It is essential for food security, coastal protection, climate resilience, tourism, and heritage. When coral conservation is diluted across agencies, we lose focus and accountability.
As we face rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and increasing coastal development, we need bold governance: clear mandates, accountable institutions, empowered communities. Let’s not treat coral reefs as mere extensions of fisheries. They are living ecosystems — our natural legacy.
Let DENR alone handle the propagation and protection of corals. Let us give corals the guardian agency they deserve.
Let’s negotiate not over turf — but over survival.
BY RAMON IKE V. SENERES
www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com senseneres.blogspot.com 09088877282/10-21-2026