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Cogtong
Bay
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Location:
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9°51'N, 124°33'E; in the Municipalities of Mabini and Candijay, on the east coast of Bohol Island, Bohol Province. |
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Area:
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2,000 ha. |
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Altitude:
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Sea level. |
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Biogeographical
Province:
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4.26.12. |
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Wetland
type:
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01, 02, 03, 06, 07 & 10. |
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Description
of site:
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The estuarine system of three small rivers, the Cabidian, Matulid and Sagumay, with extensive mangrove swamps and some areas of fish ponds; and the adjacent small sea bay (Cogtong Bay), with extensive intertidal mudflats, several mangrove-covered islands and offshore coral reefs. The rivers rise in the hill ranges of southern Bohol. Cabidian River enters the bay in the north and forms the boundary between the two municipalities; Matulid River lies in the middle, and Sagumay River, the smallest of the three, enters the bay in the south near Candijay. |
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Climatic
conditions:
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Humid tropical climate with the rainfall more or less evenly distributed throughout the year (Type IV). |
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Principal
vegetation:
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Extensive mangrove swamps and areas of nipa palm Nypa fruticans. |
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Land
tenure:
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The mangrove areas are state owned (public domain) and have been declared as public timberland. Surrounding areas are mainly privately owned. |
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Conservation
measures taken:
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None. |
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Conservation
measures proposed:
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The area has been proposed as a crocodile sanctuary and as a Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. |
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Land
use:
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Fishing, aquaculture and domestic use of mangroves and nipa palms. The waters are navigable and are used by local boat traffic. |
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Possible
changes in land use:
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Some sectors have been designated as "alienable" and "disposable" for release for fish pond development. |
| Disturbances and threats: | Destruction of mangroves for the development of more fish ponds, over-exploitation of the mangroves and hunting. |
| Economic and social values: | The mangrove and fishery resources are of considerable economic value to the local communities. Ancient burial sites in rock shelters around the bay are of considerable archeological interest. |
| Fauna: | The Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus is still thought to occur in the area, and there have been reliable sightings as recently as 1984. The wetland also supports a wide variety of waterfowl including Anas luzonica. |
| Special floral values: | No information. |
| Research and facilities: | A preliminary survey has been carried Out in support of the proposal to establish a crocodile sanctuary and Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary in the area. The National Museum conducted archeological studies between 1983 and 1987. |
| References: | |
| Criteria for inclusion: | 1b, 2a, 2c, 3b. |
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Source:
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Perla M. Magsalay. |