Revered Reefs: Tubbataha, Philippines

South Atoll, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park South Atoll, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (drone photograph taken under permit with LAMAVE)

I contributed thoughts to an article on Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines by photographer Henley Spiers, published in Oceanographic magazine.

The piece describes the park as “the pride and joy of the Philippines, a remote haven saved from the brink of destruction. It is a story of conservation action, grass roots pride, and effective and long-lasting ocean governance.”

You can download the PDF of the article here.

Research at Tubbataha

Gonzo Araujo and friend Gonzo Araujo (left) and friend

I have visited Tubbataha multiple times conducting shark research with the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). I highlight it as a well-managed marine protected area and personal diving favorite.

Research has documented high densities of reef sharks, including juvenile grey reef sharks suggesting successful reproduction, and whale shark populations moving through the region.

I previously documented the shark science at the park in my Tubbataha article on Nature Tripper.

Field Trip Opportunity

I announced a co-hosted dive liveaboard trip to Tubbataha scheduled for March 2023 with the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Dr. Simon Pierce is the Executive Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where he leads the Global Whale Shark Program, and a specialist ocean wildlife photographer.