The Philippines will unilaterally declare the fish spawning grounds of Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) a protected marine sanctuary where fishing is banned inside the triangular lagoon. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said President Duterte informed Chinese President Xi Jinping of his intention to undertake this unilateral declaration to protect this marine sanctuary during their bilateral meeting here at the sidelines of the 24th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting. The fishing ban only covers the lagoon area of the Panatag Shoal. Fishing is allowed outside or within the perimeter of the Panatag Shoal.

Magkilat, B. C. (2016, November 22). PH to declare Panatag Shoal a protected marine sanctuary. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 16.