Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) sustains its quality standards of water classification for protected waters and remains safe for recreation activities.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) disclosed that the 7,558-hectare marine protected area (MPA) located in the towns of Masinloc and Palauig in Zambales has passed the water quality parameters of containing an acceptable level of ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids.
“The average fecal coliform level of the MOBPLS was 1.8 Most Probable Number (MPN)/100 ml, which was close to the minimum standard level of 1.1 MPN/100 ml,” DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno Jr. said.
“To improve the fecal coliform level in this MPA, DENR regularly conducts coastal cleanup activities and strictly monitors the compliance of fish cage operators to standard stocking density,” he furthered.
Information, education, and communication activities were also intensified to increase public awareness on the importance of marine resources and at the same time solicit community support for the protection of coastal ecosystems.
This Month of the Ocean, DENR continues to urge the public to protect the major water bodies in Central Luzon including MOBPLS.
MOBPLS is the first and only MPA in Central Luzon under Republic Act 11038 otherwise known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018.
This marine ecosystem is home to rich and unique biodiversity including the hybrid mangrove Rhizophora x lamarckii, giant clam, mesophotic corals, large fishes, and the threatened blue-spotted rabbitfish.
It is also the source of food and livelihood to coastal communities in Zambales.