Natunawan Cove
Location:
13°16'N, l23°50'E; 15 km southeast of Tabaco, north of Albay Gulf, Albay Province, southeastern Luzon.
Area:
Several hundred ha.
Altitude:
Sea level.
Biogeographical Province:
4.26.12.
Wetland type:
01, 06 & 07.
Description of site:
A narrow, oblong cove with intertidal mudflats and mangrove swamps in its upper reaches. The cove receives freshwater input from several rivers and streams, and has an average depth of only l-2m. The substrate is muddy in the inner part of the cove, and increasingly sandy towards the mouth. The average tidal range is about 1.25m.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate with no dry season, but a very pronounced period of maximum rainfall from November to January (Type II). The average annual rainfall is about 2,850 mm.
Principal vegetation:
Eelgrass and mangroves; grassland and cultivated land in adjacent areas.
Land tenure:
The cove is state owned; adjacent areas are privately owned.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
 
Land use:
Fishing. Adjacent areas are cultivated for various short-term crops such as rice, corn, mongo and beans.
Possible changes in land use:
 
Disturbances and threats: No information.
Economic and social values: The cove is a traditional fishing area and provides a safe anchorage for small boats.
Fauna: The cove provides a sanctuary for juvenile siganids which are present for the greater part of the year. Peneanid shrimps and various species of molluscs, crabs and other invertebrates are also present.
Special floral values: None known.
Research and facilities:  
References:  
Criteria for inclusion: 1b. 2c.
Source:
Haribon Foundation.