The marine life in the southern Iloilo town of Oton will be revived with the continuing installation of artificial reefs. Oton Mayor Vicente Flores said the ceremonial installation Thursday is part of the on-going program to restore the once rich marine ground of the town’s 5,000-hectare municipal water. More than 200 artificial reefs will be installed in the five-hectare marine reserve this year aside from the more than 200 artificial reefs installed in previous years. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said the project may bring back the abundance of shell known as lampirong, which is declining in numbers. Defensor added that this is a welcome development as Oton is a neighboring town of Tigbauan, which is home to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

Yap, T. (2013, February 1). Artificial reefs seek to revive Oton marine life. The Daily Guardian, p. 5.