Diving and Snorkeling at the Caticugan Marine Sanctuary

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CATICUGAN MARINE SANCTUARY

Photo from: http://greedypeg.org/siquijor/Caticugan-Marine-Fish-Sanctuary.html

We enjoyed the activity greeting protected creatures of Caticugan. We saw colorful and camera-loving fishes, sophisticated corals and even sea snakes (or are they just eels). Just look at those creatures in these funny comic strips. We didn’t notice that we actually took a long time in those Siquijor waters. But we had to catch the only fast craft ride back to Dumaguete in the sea port few minutes away from the sanctuary. So we left the sanctuary but with high hopes. Caticugan Marine Sanctuary is just a preview of the marine biodiversity of the island. We would see more if we scuba dive next. Read More: http://jonas.ph/blog/tag/caticugan-marine-sanctuary/

Photo from: http://simplyphilippines.net/inside-guide-to-siquijor/

The original plan is to snorkel in Tubod Marine Sanctuary near the popular Coco Grove Beach Resort. However the waves are as high and as powerful as the waves for intermediate surfing due to habagat or the southwest monsoon winds. So from San Juan, we went to the next town of Siquijor where the waves are relatively pacific. And there is the Caticugan Marine Sanctuary waiting for us. The calmness and clarity of the water while the starfishes scattered welcoming us add excitement.

We enjoyed the activity greeting protected creatures of Caticugan. We saw colorful and camera-loving fishes, sophisticated corals and even sea snakes (or are they just eels). Just look at those creatures in these funny comic strips. We didn’t notice that we actually took a long time in those Siquijor waters. But we had to catch the only fast craft ride back to Dumaguete in the sea port few minutes away from the sanctuary. So we left the sanctuary but with high hopes. Caticugan Marine Sanctuary is just a preview of the marine biodiversity of the island. We would see more if we scuba dive next. Read More: http://jonas.ph/blog/tag/caticugan-marine-sanctuary/

Photo from: https://greedypeg.org/siquijor/Caticugan-Marine-Fish-Sanctuary.html

Located near the northwestern tip of the island in the Municipality of Siquijor, this 13.5 ha MPA was legally established in 2003 through Municipal Ordinance 415 – 2003. This MPA is managed by the Caticugan Fishers Association and Caticugan Marine Management Council. A self assessment conducted in 2013 using the MPA management effectiveness assessment tool (MEAT) rated Caticugan Marine Sanctuary Level 3 (of 4).

Caticugan is well marked with buoys, and in 2016 Caticugan also received the award for most improved fish stocks in Siquijor. This fringing coral reef includes several habitats like rocky intertidal, sandy and soft bottom, and a wide seagrass bed. This site is also known for eagle ray sightings, however none were reported by the SPR dive team. Read More: https://coast.ph/sites/default/files/SPR%202017%20Short%20Report%205.8.2017_11.23am.pdf

Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/Caticugan-Marine-Sanctuary-113868702663067/