Lake Buhi (Fig. 1) is found in Buhi, Camarines Sur. It is situated at the north-eastern part of Iriga City. The lake has an area of 18 km2 and has an average depth of 8 m. The lake lies in the valley formed by two ancient volcanoes, Mt. Asog and Mt. Malinao. It was formed in 1641 when an earthquake caused a side of Mt. Asog to collapse. The resulting landslide created a natural dam that blocked the flow of nearby streams. Another theory suggests that it was formed by the eruption of Mt. Asog, which is now dormant. The lake is the home of the world s smallest fish, sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis). Aside from sinarapan, it also home for other native freshwater fishes such as 'irin-irin' (Redigobius dispar), 'dalag' (Channa striata), 'puyo' (Anabas studines), 'kotnag' (Hemiramphus sp.), 'burirawan' (Strophidon sathete), and native catfish (Clarias sp.). Today, the lake is one of the major aquaculture areas in the Bicol Region where commercial production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is done. The lake supplies the fish demand in the province. But the cyclical occurrence of fish kills threaten the aquaculture industry in the lake. On October 31, 2010, a massive fish kill was again experienced that resulted to almost 75% loss of the lake s fish stocks. The incident calls for inter-agency planning and consultations to address the cause of fish kill and save Lake Buhi from further deterioration. One of the major solutions that arised was the implementation of the ten percent area utilization for aquaculture activity as prescribed in R.A 8550, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. Thus, on March 24, 2011, navigational lanes, buffer zones, fish sanctuaries and reserves, and fishcage belts in Buhi Lake were delineatedupon the request of Mayor Rey P. Lacoste of Buhi.

Monitoring of important water quality parameters were conducted in the Rinconada Lake System in Camarines Sur composed of Lake Bato (3,800 ha), Lake Buhi (1,800 ha), and Lake Baao-Bula (400 ha). Monthly samplings were conducted in 14 stations in Lakes Bato and Buhi and in ten stations in Lake Baao-Bula. For Lake Bato, dissolved oxygen at the surface is within the optimum range of 6.3 mg/L-10.47 mg/L for the wet seasons and 5.7 mg/L - 9 mg/L for the dry seasons but drops drastically at the bottom during the dry season. Critically low mean average of 0.71 mg/L prevailed in the diurnal oxygen trend. High levels of ammonia were recorded in particularly in Station 1 (0.81 mg/l), Station 2 (0.8125 mg/l), and Station 10 (0.8825 mg/l). The mean values of the water quality parameters of Lake Buhi from the surface to a depth of 4 m are within the optimum level. However, critically low dissolved oxygen and high levels of ammonia were recorded at the bottom, indicating the build up of anoxic layer. The Lake is stratified in most months of the year with a gradient difference of 1.74°C during the wet season and 2.15°C in the dry season. Dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH of Lake Baao-Bula is generally within the optimum levels with slight fluctuation in alkalinity. Nitrite (0.7 mg/l) and ammonia (1.5 mg/l) were critically high during the wet season. Results of the water quality monitoring provided management recommendations in establishing aquaculture zones, redesigning of cages and the use of the lakes for aquaculture and fisheries.

Some landscapes that have significant value to people are protected through statute. Protected landscapes that serve as popular recreational resources and destinations hold significant use values for the people that visit them. Recognition of these recreational benefits of protected landscapes provides a sound economic rationale for their management. This paper provides estimates of the potential magnitude of recreational value via benefit transfers of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape in the Philippines - a major tourist attraction and designated as one of the key priority biodiversity areas for protection. Taal Volcano Protected Landscape is a popular area for recreation activities such as hiking, day-camping, picnicking, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, boating, wind surfing, sailing, rowing, and kayaking. Benefit transfer is the use of information from research conducted on other sites (i.e., the study sites) to pose questions at a site (i.e., Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, the policy site) that lacks primary research. Benefit transfer approaches include: 1) transferring of values or functions from a single site or set of similar sites, and 2) estimating a meta-regression transfer function that can be used to predict values for the policy site in question. One study site in the Philippines was selected and used in a point estimate transfer application. Likewise, a meta-regression transfer function model was estimated based on selected study sites from the US. These study sites were selected based on their similarity in terms of recreation activity, climate, and/or site characteristics with that of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape. Furthermore, implicit price deflators and purchasing power parity are incorporated to account for income and cost of living differences between the study and policy sites. Exogenous factors, such as differences in individual preferences, cultural, and institutional conditions between the Philippines and the United States are beyond the scope of this paper, but these have the potential to invalidate the result of an international benefit transfer. Results show that point estimate transfer approach provided a better estimate of access value than meta-regression benefit function transfer approach. While in-sample benefit transfer predictions of the metaregression model show an absolute percentage transfer error of 18%, the simple out-of-sample prediction result has very high absolute percentage transfer error (1,231%). Hence, in policy application, a model with more than 100% transfer error is not suggested. The estimated welfare estimate of recreational access using point estimate transfer was P36/person per trip in 2006. The aggregated recreational benefits at the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape in 2006 was P9.7 million from 155,701 visitors at the Batangas side and P118.9 million from 1,906,242 visitors at the Cavite side, for a sum of about P128 million. This access value is not equivalent to economic resources that can be generated when visitor use fees is imposed to the users. User fees should be based on a willingness-to-pay (WTP) study that captures public perceptions and WTP fees, among others.

An assessment of fishery resources of Taal Lake was conducted from January to December of 2010. Fish landed catch survey was done in major landing sites of 11 coastal towns around the lake. Sampling was done 20 days a month during peak landing time at 2 days interval. A participatory approach was done by training and hiring fisherfolk leaders to be the data enumerators of their respective towns. A survey form was used to gather the number of fishermen, boats and gears, catch/species composition, volume of catch, gears used, and fishing effort. A total of 1,054 fisherfolk was recorded in Taal Lake. Inventory of the fishing gear listed a total of 2,084 units of 15 different types of fishing gears used in the lake. Gill net was the most dominant gear with 1,258 units or about 60% of the total gears operating in the lake. Three active gears were identified namely, beach seine, motorized push net, and ring net. The average catch per unit effort of gill net was 6.6kg/day while beach seine, motorized push net, and ring net were 26 kg/day, 544 kg/day and 30 kg/day, respectively. There were 1,484 units of boat operating in the lake, of which 1,110 were motorized, 168 non-motorized, and 206 bamboo raft. Previous data showed that total fish production from 1996 to 2000 has declined from 1,420 mt to 882 mt. The highest catch was 1,672 mt in 1998. In 2010, the total production was 273.62 mt, a reduction of 69.7% from the 1998 production. A total of 47 species were recorded comprising of 38 finfishes, four crustaceans, three mollusks, and two reptiles. Of the finfishes caught, four were endemic, 10 introduced and 24 migratory species. The major fishes caught in the lake were Sardinella tawilis, 39.2%, Chanos chanos (26.2%), Oreochromis niloticus (10.8%), Parachromis managuensis (4.8%), and Glossogobius guirus (3.2%). New record of introduced species include pangasius (Pangasianodon hypopthalmus), jaguar fish (Parachromis managuensis), bighead carp (Aristicthys nobilis), red pacu (Macropopum colossoma), janitor fish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus), and freshwater turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).

Lake Danao, a 649-hectare lake in Pacijan Island, was studied to find out its status in terms of activities of the inhabitants and government initiatives to conserve the lake, being the source of livelihood and a tourist destination in the Island Group of Camotes. Interview guide and actual field visits were used to gather data. Results show that fishing using gill nets and fish pots topped the activities of the inhabitants in Lake Danao, followed by 'suli-suli' gathering for mat weaving and other novelties, ecotourism, aquaculture, and nipa shingles making. Government initiatives in conserving and sustaining the lake include the legislative support declaring Lake Danao as flora and fauna sanctuary, requiring the barangay chairmen of six lakeshore barangays to implement activities for lake protection, declaring September 18 of every year as Municipal Clean Up Day in the marine and lake waters of San Francisco, prohibiting slash and burn farming on the lakeshore, prohibiting the cutting of mangroves and other tropical trees in the lake, banning birdhunting around the lake, suli-suli plant cutters/weavers to secure mayor s permit, prohibiting the use of motorized vessels in the lake, prohibiting carabao bathing and washing of clothes along the lakeshore, prohibiting construction of dwellings and other structures within 20 meters from the lakeshore, adopting and implementing Articles 51 and 52 of Republic Act 1067, prohibiting solid waste and garbage dumping in the lake, and collecting entrance fees from Lake Danao visitors and the creation of SAN FRANCISCO LAKEWATCH. Aquaculture activities in the lake is only granted to agencies like the BFAR, LGUs, and other agencies in order to control the proliferation of cages and maintain the carrying capacity of the lake. The BFAR-7 was quarterly restocking the lake with tilapia fingerlings and controlling the standard size of gill nets to be used in fishing. Academic institutions like the Cebu Technological University and BFAR-Region 7 conducted limnological researches on the lake to monitor the lake s health and sustainability.

Lake Danao of San Francisco, Cebu was judged as one of the cleanest and greenest lakes of the Philippines under the Gawad ng Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Lake Category. The said recognition was awarded to Lake Danao because Lake Danao, as nature s gifts to the inhabitants of San Francisco, was cared for by the people as a sign of their love of nature. Aside from this, the development, problems encountered, and the plans of the Local Government for Lake Danao, were taken into consideration. Interview guide administered to the different agencies of the government in Pacijan Island, LGU officials and the fisherfolk, and actual field visits to the lake were used to gather data. Results show that the Lake Danao met the criteria for the national lake contest for its clean water and its environment and with abundant growth of plants around it. It is free from wastes and pollutants. Washing and bathing are now prohibited in the lake and no motorboats are allowed, only the paddle boats. Two parks were established in the lake namely, the Green Lake Park and the Lake Danao Park, and an eco trail was constructed around the lake for additional attraction. Results further show that aside from the local tourists visiting Lake Danao, foreigners from Canada, Germany, Hongkong, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA, and our own 'balikbayan' also visited the lake. Problems encountered were lack of personnel s training to manage the lake, people s negative reactions to the different lake regulations and ordinances, and lack of funds. The LGU, BFAR, DA, DENR, Cebu Technological University, and other agencies collaborated to make and implement plans for the preservation of the Lake Danao.

Lake Caluangan is a saline type of lake ecosystem. It provides fishery resources, numerous goods and services for residents in the area. The study aimed to assess Lake Caluangan ecosystem in terms of fishery resources and physico-chemical parameters. Specifically, it aimed to identify taxonomically the present fish species; (b) determine the catch per unit effort expressed as biomass/hr; (c) assess the physico-chemical parameters of lakes and relate the occurrence of fishes and (d) determine the social issues and activities that possibly affect the lake ecosystem. Five and three sampling stations were established in littoral and limnetic zones, respectively. Physico-chemical parameters were measured with three replicates per station. Fish sampling was conducted using different fishing gears. Cast net was used in the littoral zone, whereas various fishing gears such as hook and line, gill nets and lift nets were used in the limnetic zone. Fish were identified using fish keys/guides and FISHBASE. Social issues and activities were determined through interviews and ocular observations. A total of 18 fish species were collected in both zones. Six fish species were caught in the littoral zone, comprised of Scorpaenidae and Tetraodontidae families, Photopectoralis sp., Scolopsis sp., Gerres sp., and Mugil cephalus. On the other hand, nine species were caught in lift nets. These species were Sertola sp., Caranx sp., Mugil cephalus, Stolephorus sp., Apogon sp., Photopectoralis sp., Upeneus sp., Gerres sp., and Siganus sp. Moreover, Dussumieria sp., Glossogobius sp., Sphyraena sp., Terapon jarbua, Monodactylus sp., and Chanos chanos, were caught using hook and line and gill nets. Siganus sp. had the highest CPUE with a value of 1,421. 21 g/hr. This species has the highest commercial value among the fish species caught in the limnetic zone, followed by Caranx sp. and Apogon sp., which were observed in both littoral and limnetic zones. Results showed that physico-chemical parameters were suitable for fishery production. The present water quality condition and presence of fishery resources were indications that the lake has a great potential to accommodate migratory species. The results can be a basis for any management interventions to the lake and for future references.

Barangay Looc is located in the municipality of Castillejos, Province of Zambales, Region III, Philippines. It has a distance of 7 km from the town proper while the municipality of Castillejos is about 60 km from the Province Capital, Iba, Zambales, and approximately 19 km from Olongapo City (Balaybay Agrarian Reform Community Development Plan, 2004). Surrounded by long mountain ranges and divided into three puroks, Barangay Looc has an area of 7,562 ha of slightly wooden terrains, including agricultural lands. It is also traversed by the Pamatawan River, one of the major rivers in Castillejos (Balaybay Arc Development Plan, 2004). Looc Lake is found at the southern part of Barangay Looc. It is identified as Cadastral Lot No. 1443 Castillejos Cadastre, having a total area of 52 ha. The mountains embracing it are Mt. Carmen from east to west, Mt. Sillangin in the west and Mt. Nagsasa in the south which is part of the municipality of Subic. As observed, it has an average water depth of 1.8 m and an average water temperature of 30°C (surface) and 27.5°C (bottom) during the month of September. The common aquatic macrophytes growing in the lake are water spinach ('kangkong'), tape grass ('balaiba'), water snow flake ('tukod-tukod'), creeping water prime rose ('kangkong dapa'), and ('tarabang'). Water birds, both migrating and non-migrating like heron, egret, bittern, and waterhen, are found frolicking in the lakeshore and fields surrounding the lake. It is naturally endowed with a rich aquatic fauna. It is also open for fishing. However, when Mount Pinatubo erupted, it was severely silted, depositing about 0.5 high ash and sand fall. Siltation was a permanent impact caused by this historical phenomenon over Looc Lake (Balaybay Arc Development Plan, 2004). Looc Lake plays a vital role in providing means of livelihood and serves as a source of income to its residents. At present, few studies had been done regarding the lake. It is for this reason that the researchers would like to study the said lake.

Sardinella tawilis (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) is the world s only freshwater sardine and is endemic to Taal Lake, Batangas, Philippines. Locally referred to as tawilis, it is the most dominant and commercially important fishery of the lake, but in recent years severe depletion has been apparent in catch records. A proposed management strategy favors the demarcation of a new fish sanctuary; however, it is unclear which area in the lake is appropriate for conservation. This study applied molecular genetics tools to describe the phylogeographic pattern of tawilis across Taal Lake to determine whether a single or multiple stocks exist; and which location supports the highest level of haplotype diversity to assist in the placement of the fish sanctuary. One hundred and forty-one specimens were collected from eight fishing locations around Taal Lake. Fish were indentified, the DNA extracted using a Chelex-resin method, amplified for the ribosomal 16S and mtDNA Cyt B gene regions, and sequenced. Sequences were cleaned using the genetics software Sequencher v4.8 (GeneCode Corp.), aligned and phylogenetic trees visualized in MEGA v5 (Tamura et al., 2007), and assessed for haplotype composition by location using DnaSP v5.1 (Librado and Rozas, 2009). Results for the haplotype frequency analysis showed two dominant haplotypes to be common at most or all fishing locations, with northern basin locations of the lake supporting a higher mean and absolute number of haplotypes than locations in the southern basin. Yet no fishing ground contained more than 45% of the total observed haplotype diversity and thus no ideal location for a new fish reserve could be identified. Rather, all specimens formed a single clade with no significant divergence between individuals from the eight fishing grounds for both genetic markers (Fig. 1). This suggests that all tawilis within Taal Lake are part of a single, panmictic stock. Given the mixing population, we suggest that a closed season be considered as an alternative strategy in managing the world s only freshwater sardine fishery.

Land conversions brought about by increasing population and the apparent increase of agricultural, residential, and commercial activities in San Pablo City have affected the quality of the water resources in the area. Agriculture and built-up areas comprised the majority of land use. Their assessment generated new interpretative maps after integrating remotely sensed data such as Landsat image and aerial photographs to various land use studies and surveys. The degradation of surface water quality was manifested by the physico-chemical analyses of sediments deposited in selected rivers and lakes. Sediments are considered as important source of information regarding water quality and chemical composition of water bodies. Sediments from Palacpaquen Lake and its adjoining rivers were assessed. The sulfate values of samples taken from different sites range from 47.79 ppm to 292.29 ppm, phosphates from 0.79 ppm to 5.53 ppm, nitrates from 146.98 ppm to 370.50 ppm, and organic carbon from 0.98 ppm to 4.56 ppm. The observed variability of nutrient concentrations were attributed mainly to anthropogenic activities around the lake and rivers which include agriculture, domestic and aquaculture. Land use has also affected groundwater resources, being one of the principal sources of drinking water. Untreated spring and well water are vulnerable to industrial, domestic, and agricultural pollution. Spring and well water from selected lakes such as Sampaloc, Mohicap, and Palacpaquen were monitored for total and fecal coliform contamination levels. There were varied levels of contamination. In most cases, the microbiological water quality in the sampled sites did not pass the drinking water standards of the Department of Health and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Proper land and water resource planning and management should be implemented to address the water quality degradation in San Pablo City.