Apo, as a protected marine sanctuary island,

 

means that there has not been any illegal fishing practices

( such as dynamite, cyanide poisoning) since the 1980’s.

 

The fishermen on Apo have complied to protect their reef and have noticed

 their fish stock increasing over the years.

 

 The new danger to the reef comes from:

 

· too many dive boats,

 

· dive groups and snorkellers, who are unable to practice safe diving methods.

·  Fins hitting the reef,

· divers poking marine life with their aluminium rods,

·  touching turtles

· or big anchor damage of corals from large dive boats

 

has become the recent problem to be dealt with.

 

Active protection methods by dive rangers are being considered.

 

Problem is:  raising funds for active protection.