Location

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is located in the Middle of the Central Sulu Sea, southwest of the Philippines, 98 nautical miles and 181 kilometres southeast of Puerto Pincesa City, Palawan Province, in the Municipality of Cagayancillo.

The latitude and Longitude of Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is 8°45'N, 9°00'N', 119°04'E, 120°04'E.

Climate

Tubbataha is constantly exposed to the ferocious south-west and north-east monsoons. Ro1ugh, stormy seas

are experienced from July to October and December to March during the north-east monsoons.

Generally the warmest months are March, April and May with an average temperature of 28, 32 degrees. Generally the warmest months are March, April and May with an average temperature of 28, 32°C. The cooler months occur in November, December, January and February, accompanied by torrential rain. Water temperatures range from 25, 27°C. It is recommended that you take a wide-brimmed hat, short sleeved garments, sandals, sport shoes and raincoats.

How to Get There

The most efficient route to Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is via plane and boat. Your journey commences the second you board on our national airline, Philippines Airline, where you will be entertained by the leading service of air. Once in Manila, transmit on the many domestic flights to Puerto Princesa via Coron or El Nido, where you will embark on a live-aboard boat to reach Tubbataha Marine Park. The park is open all year but the seas are calmer between March and June. An entrance fee of $25 is applicable for locals and $50 for foreigners. It is compulsory to apply for a permit before entering the park.

Characteristics of the Site

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is classified as a natural site, a rich ecosystem comprising of a diverse range of rare and unique flora and fauna. The pristine fringing coral reefs, vast deep lagoons carved with underwater cave harbours almost five hundred species of fish and almost four hundred species of corals, most of them being endangered.

Tubbataha has it all;from the almighty Whale Sharks to the Phytoplankton abundant in Anemone Crabs, Turkey Fish, Butterfly Fish, Banded Sea Snakes and the extraordinarily rare Fox-faced Rabbit fish. The two islets, separated by an eight kilometer channel, are a vital convergence site for the many endangered bird species of South East Asia, such as Boobies and Crested Terns to just name a few, last breeding sanctuary, further justifying Tubbataha's natural importance. As a result of

the unprecedented naturalism, UNESCO has found it worthy to honour the park with a World Heritage status, in 1993.

Tubbataha is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. The biodiversity is equal or even greater than that of any reef of its size in the entire world. It is the Philippine's oldest ecosystem and is thought to be formed around 15 million years ago with the eruption of the chain volcanoes along the Cagayan Ridge.

Importance of World Heritage Listing

Tubbataha must be preserved for our future generations to save its spectacular reefs.

The World Heritage Site managers foster awareness of the value and importance of Tubbataha through education. Locals gain national pride, encouraging them to support the conservation and protection of the park's stunning reefs, lagoons and the rare wildlife that these areas are flourished with.

Moreover, Songco (2007) believes that “being part of the WH network…has lead to improved management” of the park. “Palawan Council for Sustainable Development” states about the importance for the sustenance of fisheries without over fishing. Tubbataha's World Heritage status also elevates their chance of seeking interested stakeholders to sponsor a mooring buoy project that seeks to eliminate normal anchors that harm the fragile coral.

The inclusion of Tubbataha Reefs as a World Heritage Site is a very positive aspect in marketing tourists, aided by the Government's funding and investment. Profits generated through tourism by entrance fees and other spending boosts the local economy.

Site Management

Tubbataha is a major tourist attraction, but humans also play a significant role in the destruction of the marine park. To manage and reduce these acts, rules are enforced

• Educational campaigns to encourage tourists not to dispose rubbish
• Hotel accommodations are positioned safely away from the national park
• Touching or taking of wildlife is strictly prohibited, “no-take policy” (signs)
• Limited numbers of people are allowed to visit the park
• Patrols prevent accidental introduction of exotic species that disrupt the ecosystem
• Catches of marine life are constantly measured and regulated daily
• Blast fishing, using explosives is outlawed
• Specific fishing locations are determined
• All water engineering projects are assessed for any potential threats

Tubbataha's rules are stipulated by “Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board” (TPAMB).

Rangers from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Tubbataha Management Office are permanently situated all year on the national park. These groups accomplish frequent patrols around the park boundaries to prevent illegal fishing and poaching.