Gonzales et. al.: Protected versus unprotected area The Palawan Scientist, 6: 42-59 ©2014, Western Philippines University 42 Protected versus unprotected area with reference to fishes, corals, macro invertebrates, and CPUE in Honda Bay, Palawan Benjamin J. Gonzales, Joel G. Becira, Wendell M. Galon and Maria Mojena G. Gonzales College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Western Philippines University - Puerto Princesa City Campus Corresponding author: bgonzales_crm@yahoo.com.ph ABSTRACT The impact of Sabang Reef Fish Sanctuary in Honda Bay, Palawan was evaluated using fish, coral cover, macro-invertebrates and CPUE as measures for success. Visual census and LIT methods were used for fish, macro-invertebrate and coral cover surveys, while administered interview was used to gather information on CPUE. The protection of fish sanctuary has shown its impact to the coral reef fisheries by the improvement in quantity of the resources. Fishes, macro-invertebrates, and hard coral cover inside the Sabang Reef Fish Sanctuary (Binduyan) showed increased in abundance, diversity, and number of commercial species compared to those outside of the sanctuary. This reflects the positive impact that a protected area gained over four years. Results indicated high exploitation rates of resources in the fished areas just outside the sanctuary. Furthermore, as a consequence of improved reef fisheries, more fishermen fishing in areas closest to the sanctuary have increased their catch. Keywords: Protected, unprotected area, fishes, corals, macro invertebrates and CPUE INTRODUCTION Marine protected area or fish sanctuary is a popular strategy for the conservation and protection of coral reefs and the resources therein. It is well accepted as an initiative for coastal management. Alcala (1981) and other workers made studies on impacts of marine protected areas in some islands of Negros Oriental, Philippines. The gains that coral reefs have afforded to their stakeholders were accounted by White and Trinidad (1998). However, stakeholders could relish the benefits and gains of fish sanctuaries only if they are effectively and successfully managed. The scenario could be worse when the coastal dwellers are still in doubt of the benefits that they can gain from the sanctuary. Thus, it has become necessary not only to gather baseline information, but also monitor and evaluate the effects and impacts of fish sanctuaries. It is equally important that this information must reach the local resource users.