Argao Rehab Aims Top Dive Spot

With its coral reefs in sorry state, Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos has launched campaign for restoration to make his locality a favorite destination for divers again.

“Years back we are number one dive spot in Cebu because of our green turtles and large corals,” Galeos said. By years back, Galeos was referring to the 80s and early 90s when Argao’s Casay Marine Sanctuary was always in the list of every visiting diver in Cebu.

Today, however the said reef, along with the town’s three others, have been devastated by cyanide and dynamite fishing which resulted to the death of about 80 percent of their coral cover, adult fishes and other marine lives. The green turtles are also gone.

Galeos said sea wardens are deployed in their coastal areas to monitor against illegal fishers. He also said that livelihood programs are being readied for local fishers. ‘to keep them “off our seas” while Argao is rehabilitating it.’ the mayor said.

The rehab started in July and Galeos said he hopes to see developments by next year.