activities, fishes and some physico-chemical parameters of water.

2) to provide information on key issues concerning the coastal and marine environment, and 3) to suggest possible strategies that ensure the sustainability of Talomo Bay.

Based from percentage cover, species diversity, and fish count, the coastal and marine environment of Talomo Bay is moderately disturbed. The samples from the nine stations revealed certain high total suspended solid concentrations. The area also comprised six mangrove and seven seagrass species. A total of 5.01 ha of mangroves was observed in the area. Coral reef and fish assessments using point intercept transects and permanent quadrants indicated that thirty percent live coral cover and eighty-five reef species were recorded at the five sites surveyed.

Using Participatory Coastal Resource Assessment, the following are the issues from the eight coastal barangays, namely: declining fish catch, destructive fishing practices, disposal of solid and liquid waste along the shore and coastal waters, and inadequate institutional support to Coastal Resource Management. High population growth within the last ten years has also resulted in the rapid and uncontrollable coastal development.

To ensure the sustainability of the bay’s resources, we recommend the following development interventions: protection activities, livelihood projects, capability-building projects, information, education, and communication campaign, infrastructure support project, and assistance on policy research, advocacy or reform towards marine conservation, proper sanitation, and mangrove protection. A marine protected area in Punta Dumalag would also sustain the species richness of the area.