SPATIOTEMPORAL ASSESSMENT OF FECAL COLIFORM CONTAMINATIONS IN THE COASTAL AND INLAND WETLANDS OF BORACAY ISLAND: IMPLICATIONS TO FISHERIES RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of the Boracay closure and rehabilitation efforts in the water quality, particularly the fecal coliform concentrations of the island’s coastal and inland wetlands, and the implications to fisheries resources and management. In 2018, Boracay island was closed to tourists due to environmental issues, including pollution, deforestation, and overdevelopment. Between 2018 and 2023, cleanup initiatives, improved sewage systems, and monitoring by the DENR helped reduce fecal coliform levels in Boracay's wetlands. Trends over the six-year monitoring period indicate that the island’s closure and rehabilitation positively impacted water quality. Although fecal coliform concentrations fluctuated, contamination levels showed some improvement in coastal and inland wetlands. Elevated fecal coliform contamination in Boracay's inland wetlands poses a risk to coastal waters and the fisheries industry, as it can affect fish stocks and shellfish safety. The study concluded that the continuous efforts to rehabilitate the wetlands in the island have positive impacts to water quality and fisheries resources. To maintain Boracay's improved environment, the study recommends that local government and Boracay task force should focus on enforcing better waste management regulations, connect all to sewage, upgrade infrastructure, and use natural-based solutions; strictly monitor and enforce standards, penalize illegal discharge from establishments, control tourist numbers, promote sustainable businesses, and expand marine protected areas. The  implementation of Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) provides a platform to manage these issues holistically by linking land-based activities to coastal ecosystem health. Addressing fecal coliform contamination requires cross-sector collaboration among agencies handling sanitation, agriculture, fisheries, and local governance.