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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DENR eyes protection for 160-hectare seagrass bed in Capiz

DENR eyes protection for 160-hectare seagrass bed in Capiz

Published Jun 25, 2025 12:02 pm
SEAGRASS bed found at Tucad Reef in Pilar town, Capiz province.  (DENR Capiz)
SEAGRASS bed found at Tucad Reef in Pilar town, Capiz province.  (DENR Capiz)
ILOILO CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is eyeing the protection of a 160-hectare seagrass bed found in Tucad Reef off the coast of Pilar town in Capiz province.
DENR-Capiz Provincial Director Dr. Ernest Federiso said it is essential for the declaration of a protected area status to minimize threats to one of the country’s largest seagrass beds.
Known locally as “lusay, seagrass that overlaps coastal areas of four different barangays of Pilar is essential to the local economy by supporting the fisheries sector while protecting coastlines.
But there has been rapid decline in the habitat of seagrass bed due to pollution, sedimentation, and unregulated coastal activities.
Last week, another dive was conducted as part of the detailed assessment of Tucad Reef for its inclusion in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
DENR-Capiz is working with the local government unit (LGU) of Pilar; the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO) of the Capiz provincial government; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); and other stakeholders to leverage resources in the proposed conservation efforts.
The seagrass bed was discovered in 2021.

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Capiz DENR Pilar Seagrass
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