Case Study:

Tubbataha Reefs

By:

Ruel Paolo DapitoJohn Benedict Monreal

Overview of the tourist destination Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea and falls under the political jurisdiction of Cagayancillo, an island municipality situated 130km to the north. The park is 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa City-capital of the province of Palawan- the usual jump-off point for visitors and dive boats going to Tubbataha. It is composed of North and South Atolls and the adjacent Jessie Beazley Reef. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. It is nominated at the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass diversity of marine life.

The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines’ first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind. Tubbataha supports an unparalleled variety of marine creatures.  Colourful reef fish crowd corals growing in the shallows while sharks and pelagic haunt the steep drop offs to the open sea. A team of rangers are stationed on the reef year-round and, from March until June, drivers visit Tubbataha to experience the wonders of this unique underwater world.

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, located in the Philippines, is truly an example of nature’s beautiful creation one shouldn’t miss in their lifetime. It is one of the rare atoll reefs that provide life for a variety of marine species as well as magnificent corals. The park is 33,200 hectares covering the North and South Reefs. The Northern part is also a nesting ground for marine turtles, as well as a variety of tropical birds.Tubbataha Reef, although a great wonder on its own, is a newcomer to the world of tourism. Actions have been taken to make local Filipinos and the world aware of this special gift of nature. Many people travel across the globe to catch sight of this reef. Without immediate measures of preservation, the rare marine life found in Tubbataha Reef might not last for long.

Tubbataha Reef is now a famous tourist destination. And the proceeds go to its preservation and development of the community. It is a perfect place for all you divers and nature lovers. It also makes for an idealistic sea adventure and a great way to get a close observation into the wonders of marine life.

There have been numerous attempts of illegal fishing in this area. The good news is there is an increase in awareness and protection. The area provides the main livelihood for many municipalities. But they now understand how important it is to preserve the marine life in this area. The reef is now a World Heritage site and is helping many local businesses develop new revenues from their livelihood. There is even a possibility of expanding the park. The management is continually making progress.

Although a great wonder on its own, is a newcomer to the world of tourism. Actions have been taken to make local Filipinos and the world aware of this special gift of nature. Many people travel across the globe to catch sight of this reef. Without immediate measures of preservation, the rare marine life found in Tubbataha Reef might not last for long.

Here are some photos of Tubbataha Reef National Park:

Weaknesses and Strength of Tourist Attraction

Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on our planet…

The Philippines is considered a ‘Biodiversity Hotspot’, one of the most biologically rich countries-but also among the most threatened. Until comparatively recently, Tubbataha’s remote location and susceptibility to harsh weather acted as a natural barrier against exploitation by humans.

But by 1980’s, the decline of fisheries in other parts of the Philippines forced fisherman to look to Tubbataha as a source of revenue.

This coincided with their increased used of motorised boats-rather than paddle or sailboats- which gave them easier access to the reefs.

Larger vessels from China and Taiwan also started to visit Tubbataha, hauling in large catches.

Many fishers resorted to using destructive fishing techniques to maximise catch during their trips to Tubbataha. This included the use of dynamite to blast reef areas-allowing the easy capture of all marine life- destroying entire ecosystems. Some fishers also used cyanide solution, a poison that dazes fish and kills corals.

In 1988 Tubbataha was declared National Marine Park- fishing within the park boundaries was made illegal and the reefs ceased to be under such a constant barrage of unimpeded destruction.

Even so, illegal fishing remained a problem and constant vigilance was required to ensure the park’s safety. 

In 1997 the present ranger station was built. Since the year-round presence of park rangers in Tubbataha has been of immense help in the battle against illegal fishing. Still, each year, there are number of apprehensions of local and foreign fishermen trying to escape their vigilance.

According to the tourist Tubbataha Reef is the “Best diving in the Philippines” Going to Tubbataha reef was like a diving buffet... They went on Explorer Fleet's Stella Maris Explorer and had around 5 dives a day for 4-5 days. The sites were absolutely amazing-- visibility was excellent, the topography was not too challenging, very few strong currents, and biodiversity was great. Plus they had an amazing crew that definitely delivered, making sure to show us the best places, looking for manta rays, even going Deep Ocean diving in search for hammerhead sharks.

Dive sites were beautiful, many wall dives with lots of nice healthy corals. Best time to go is between February and June. Huge school of fish, turtles, sharks, manta rays. The rangers are really friendly too, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by their station and be regaled by their stories of their pet turtle Buknoy.

Tubbataha Reef is now a famous tourist destination. And the proceeds go to its preservation and development of the community. It is a perfect place for all you divers and nature lovers. It also makes for an idealistic sea adventure and a great way to get a close observation into the wonders of marine life. The locals are warm and hospitable. If you want a place to breathe the fresh air and gaze at the beauty of the sea teeming with marine life, Tubbataha Reef is the place to be. You would also be helping the conservation of nature.

Challenges of Tourist Attractions to Local People Extensive surveys were carried out in 1982 to assess the suitability of the site as a marine reserve (NRMC, 1982). White studied five sites on Tubbataha in 1984; data from Palaganas & White (1989) indicated a reduction in coral cover (mean 24% decline) and chaetotondid diversity (mean 28% decline) in the same five sites. A general account was given in UNEP/IUCN (1984) and a bibliography is given in Palaganas and White (1989).

Later surveys to determine reef quality, substrate cover, fish diversity and abundance, the presence of large marine fauna, and recommending management activities, revealed that the reefs had benefited from two years of protective management though this had not prevented destructive fishing (White & Calumpong, 1992).  The Park’s unique mid-sea location, its reef formations, emergent islands, submerged structures and high biodiversity make it an ideal laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes, in particular larval dissemination, fish recruitment and the coral populations of the lagoons which are less studied. In 2006  a study of the benthos community structure concluded that the present management was very effective (Alinio & Licuanan), that cetacean species diversity was high (Dolar, 2006), and rich in aggregations of fish larvae (Campos et al.,2006)

Opportunities for Local People from Tourist Attraction Local people near the Tubbataha Reef can make their own businesses. Most of the businessman in that place builds hotels and restaurant. 

The tourism industry encompasses many different areas, so it also creates jobs in many different areas. With tourism come hotels, restaurant, tour companies, service stations, souvenir shops, sports equipment rentals, and much more. All of this creates many different level of employment for people in a given community. The reef is now a World Heritage site and is helping many local businesses develop new revenues from their livelihood.

Recommendation for tourist attraction development

Tourism plays an important role in Tubbataha because it provides the income needed to run the park as well as increase the awareness and support of the reef’s conservation. Visitors come from around the world to experience Tubbataha’s natural beauty and incredible dive opportunities.

Dive seasonThe dive season usually runs from March until June. This time of year typically gives outstanding diving conditions clear skies, flat seas and excellent visibility (30 to 45 meters).

RulesWhen diving in Tubbataha, everyone must follow the Park Rules and Regulations. In doing this they help to protect the reef from destruction and exploitation.

Dive OperatorsA range of dive companies offer liveaboard trips to Tubbataha. People who want to go to the park should contact these dive companies. The TMO does not operate commercial trips to Tubbataha but will assist guests in securing a booking, if necessary.

Getting ThereTo reach the Park, tourists generally take an hour's flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. Dive operators transport the guests from the airport to the wharf, some 5 minutes' drive away, to the Puerto Princesa Pier, where their dive boat await.

Tubbataha Reefs is accessible only by sea transport. It generally takes 10 hours to get to the park from Puerto Princesa, depending on the speed of the boat. Most of the vessels leave after dinner and arrive in Tubbataha at around 6 a.m. Some slower vessels, however, leave the wharf earlier in order to arrive in the Park at first light.

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