Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Year of Declaration:  2014
Area (hectares): 97,030
Area and Location:

TRNP is located about 80 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Province of Palawan and 60 nautical miles southwest of the Municipality of Cagayancillo, which has political jurisdiction over the area.

 

Description:

TRNP is one of the major sources of fish and decapod larvae in the Sulu Sea enriching the fisheries of islands surrounding it. Tubbataha is one of a few remaining seabird strongholds in the Philippines and is therefore a critical site for seabird conservation. Additionally, the Reefs serve as a living laboratory for the study of marine science.

 

Habitat Types:

It is composed of the North and South Atolls, the Jessie Beazley Reef and surrounding waters. The North and South Atolls have two main habitats: the outer reef slope, and a lagoon. Jessie Beazley Reef, is characterized by underwater overhangs, crevices and ledges. 

 

Unique Flora:

N/A

 

Unique Fauna:

There are coral species found only in the lagoons, most notable of which are 30 species of corals previously unreported in the Philippines. 
Megafauna, such as sharks, whalesharks and manta rays are present. Critically endangered specied include Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). An endemic subspecies of black noddy (Anous minutus worcestri) and the rare sooty tern (Sterna fuscata) are resident breeders.
Flagship species include Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) and the Critically Endangered  Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Other endangered species include Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Squat-headed hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), Net coral (Alveopora excelsa), Green seaturtle (Chelonia mydas) and Japanese Night Heron (Gorsachius goisagi)

 

Ecotourism Destination and Activities:

Tourism and research are the only activities allowed in Tubbataha. Research is conducted to inform management decision-making, and tourism is allowed to generate revenues for management activities and to engender appreciation of the park’s value.

 

Biological Richness: Home to at least 360 species of corals, about 90% of all coral species in the Philippines and 80% of those found in the Coral Triangle. 
There are 640 species of fish, 79 species of marine algae and ten species of seagrass.
Six species of seabirds; 108 species of migratory and resident species of birds