Mantigue Island
Definition
Mantigue Island is a small protected island about four kilometers off the southern coast of Camiguin, Philippines, fringed with white sand beach and surrounded by a marine sanctuary of seagrass beds and coral reefs. Roughly four hectares of forested land rise above the water, with a fishing community resettled to the main island as part of the sanctuary’s establishment.
The island’s protected marine area is known for snorkeling over dense soft and hard coral gardens and for sightings of sea turtles.
Identities
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Also Known As
Mague Island
Examples and Analogies
Mantigue is Camiguin’s snorkeling island the way Apo Island is to Negros Oriental: a small protected islet whose recovery reef made it the standard-bearer for the province’s marine conservation.
Usage Scenarios
Visitors take the short boat ride from Camiguin’s Mahinog shore for snorkeling the sanctuary, walking the white sand loop, and visiting the small marine protection station.
Strategies
The local government enforces the marine sanctuary zones with fisher cooperation established during the community’s resettlement, balancing sanctuary protection with permitted fishing zones outside the reserve.
Security and Safety Measures
Boat transfers observe life-vest and weather rules; snorkelers stay within sanctuary boundaries and follow no-touch guidance on corals and turtles.
Historical Context
The island’s transformation into a marine sanctuary in the early 2000s — including the relocation of its few households — was an early example of community resettlement for reef recovery in the Philippines.
Challenges and Controversies
Enforcement of sanctuary boundaries against fishing pressure, and managing visitation growth on a tiny island, are the continuing management issues.
Related Topic
Camiguin