Bolinao, Pangasinan is a coastal town in northwestern Philippines. It lies along the eastern edge of the South China Sea and experiences the north-east monsoon from November to March, the south-west monsoon from June to October, and weak easterlies from April to May.

Coral reef fisheries represent an average of 15 percent of the total Philippine fisheries production, although in certain municipalities like Bolinao, their contribution may be as high as 25-30 percent. If properly conserved, the potential sustainable fisheries from coral reefs may be estimated at US$31,900 to $113,000 per square km.

Of several towns along Lingayen Gulf, Bolinao has the highest number of municipal fishermen, (about 3000 in 1985, representing ~20 percent of the total municipal fishers in the Gulf) and accounts for about one-third of the total number of fishing boats operating in the area.

The Bolinao reef complex has been subjected to destructive fishing practices such as blast and cyanide fishing. Strict enforcement of the fisheries laws by the municipal government from the mid 1980s to the present appears to have reduced the number of blasts. Cyanide is still being used to catch fish in the area but there is insufficient information to gauge the degree of use.

Over-fishing has been documented as another major stress factor and natural calamities such as storms also cause major disturbance. Thus, the reefs are in need of rehabilitation and restoration.

At present, there are two protective zones established in Bolinao through a municipal ordinance – one fronting the UPMSI marine laboratory (see Regional collaboration below) and a community-initiated sanctuary in Binabalian. Other marine protected areas are currently being planned.

1. Local / regional partners, linkages to non-government organizations (NGO's), government agencies:
   The Bolinao Marine Laboratory has established an early and close working relationship with local government and stakeholders within the Bolinao area. In August, 2005, a dedicated workshop was held to consult with local stakeholders and examine the Sagip Lingayen Gulf Project. The workshop examined the top research and non-research coral reef issues of importance to the local community.
   
   
2. Regional/international research partners, networks:
   UPMSI undertakes collaborative research with local, national and international agencies. UPMSI, for example, has served as a major implementing agency in various ASEAN marine science programs. UPMSI is also represented in a number of national and international committees and organizations concerned with marine resources and the marine environment.
   
   Many of the staff are members of professional organizations and editorial boards of local and international journals.
   
   Examples include:
   • Regional/International - Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
   • Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes, Spain
   • Hokkaido University
   • University of South Florida
   • Universiti Putra Malaysia
   • Netherlands Institute of Ecology
   • International Institute for Infrastructural, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Netherlands
   • Coastal Resources Institute, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
   • University of New Hampshire, US
   • James Cook University, Australia of the Caribbean
     
     
3. Linking science to management and policy advice:
   
   Local area management plan
   A local area management plan has been implemented through the LGCAM Commission to manage the marine resources of the area. The programs and projects under the LGCAM Commission include:
   • Fisheries management
   • Environmental quality management
   • Coastal zonation
   • Rehabilitation of linked habitats
   • Rehabilitation and enhancement of critical habitats
   • Aquaculture development
   • Alternative livelihood for fishing families
   • Institutional development
   
   A comprehensive municipal coastal development plan has been formulated by a multi-sectoral committee with the assistance from an IDRC-Canada project on Community-based Coastal Resource Management. This project was implemented by the UPMSI, Haribon Foundation and the University of the Philippines College of Social Work and Development.
   
   The three-year project (from 1995-1997) involved resource monitoring, community organizing and livelihood development. Participatory resource monitoring was also attempted. Mangrove reforestation was implemented in Barangay Pilar.
   
   UPMSI is starting up a three-year follow-up project with support from the Netherlands to consolidate resource management initiatives.
   
   
4. Linkages to local or regional NGOs, activities/projects with relevance to Coral Reef Targeted Research:
   
   • Sustaining Management of Coastal Resources in Lingayen Gulf Project (Coastal Resource Management Project, 2003-2007)
   
   
   
5. Linkages to Coral Reef Targeted Research Working Groups and COE activities:
   
   • Edgardo D. Gomez
   • Laura David
   • Helen T. Yap
   • Porfirio Aliño