Retrospective Risk Assessment Study of Lake Lanao Aquatic Environment

Vicente B. Tuddao, Jr. Ph.D.

Executive Director- River Basin Control Office, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources

Lake Lanao is one of the most important

Biological Environment inland body of water in the Philippines. It is
considered the second largest inland
aquatic resource and the biggest and
Puntius lindog Chanos chanos
deepest freshwater lake in the Philippines.
Noted as a pre-historic and socio-culturally
significant lake known the world over, Lake
Lanao still exudes its majestic and tranquil
waters flourishing with great bio-diversity
Anabas pestoralis Trichogaster pestoralis of aquatic life forms.

Through the years however, the lake has

not been spared from various
anthropogenic activities associated with
the growing demand of the lake’s
Cyrinus carpio carpio Micropterus salmoides
resources- the water for domestic and
agricultural use as well as for hydro-power
generation, contact recreation, boating,
laundry and bathing, ritual use, water
sports, fishes for domestic consumption
Glossogobius guises Oreochromis nilotius and livelihood, and host of numerous
lake’s related uses.

The degradation of the lake is very visible

now with the decimation of its water
quality. Some of the possible contributory
Puntius tumba Puntius sirang
to its water and biological life decay are:
lack of proper solid waste management of
communities and barangays around the
lake, direct disposal of waste water from
domestic sources, heavy siltation and
Fishes of Lake Lanao constitute important agent in sedimentation resulting from land
sustaining ecological stability of the Lake.. Above shows development, deforestation, improper
existing fishes inventoried in the study site at the time of agricultural practices, and use of
study (2005). pesticides and insecticides.

1
The results of these environment-damaging activities clearly resulted to: Increased
of Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), low Dissolve Oxygen (DO), increased
coliform and heavy metal content of the lake’s water and other water quality
parameters such as salinity, pH, and acidity.

The impact of degradation of the water quality of the lake has far reaching negative
effect on the survival and reproduction of the aquatic ecosystem and its life forms
that constitute the bio-diversity of a living lake.

Some of the Lake Lanao’s fishes are endemic in the lake’s waters. However, human
activities threatened to destroy its habitat and the population into extinction.

Physical Environment

The Lake Lanao and its catchment basin is characterized with hilly to gently rolling
topography. Its Limnology has shown that its existing water condition has pH of 7.48,
Nitrite concentration of 0.5 ppm, and NH3 concentration of 0.9 ppm.

Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics

 Labor Force (2005) 87,493

 Labor Force Participation Rate (2005) 57.68 %
 Employment Rate (2005) 91.86 %
 Unemployment Rate (2005) 8.14%
 Dependency Rate 77 (75-2)
 Average Family Income (1997) Php 45, 953.00
 Average Family Expenditure (1997) Php 36,029.00
 Household Income Derived from Wages 30.42 %
 Household Income Derived from Trade 23.96 %
 Household Income Derived from Agriculture 28.5

Lake Lanao is a very important source of living for most of the dwellers around the lake. This freshwater lake houses variety of
aquatic life . However, the biodiversity potential of the lake is being threatened by various human activities.

2
Methodology

3
Table 1. Retrospective Analysis for Fisheries in Lake Lanao

Resource Areal
Results
Type Extent Impact
Changes Observed Identified Agents

Quantity Most Likely  Detrimental to economy

 CPUE (kg/ha) decline  Introduction of exotic species  Loss of the native
267 (1984-1985)  Over fishing to cope the increasing freshwater species
90 (1991) demand  Decrease in fish diversity
 Increase in fishers/km  Solid waste disposal  Loss of livelihood among
shoreline fishermen
3,239 (1984) Likely  High risk of pest infestation
3,304 (1991)  Extraction of water for hydroelectric
 Decrease in diversity of power generation
Fisheries Large plankton  Effect of surfactant in detergent bar
70 species (1972)  Effect of Gray water
27 species (1992)  Siltation
 Destruction of habitats
Quality
 Disappearance of the Possibly
endemic species (Katipa,  Low dissolved oxygen
Baulan, Bungkaong, Lindog,  Total Suspended Solids
Banagngaw, Puyo, Tumba,  Agricultural chemical residue
Ell, and Eswel)
 Increase tilapia fish stock
(2006)
 More efficient fishing gears

4
Table 2. Retrospective Analysis for Shellfisheries in Lake Lanao

Resource Areal
Results
Type Extent Impact
Changes Observed Identified Agents

Quantity Most Likely  Loss of the native

 Estimated 50% decrease  Over harvesting to cope the freshwater shells species
shell diversity increasing demand  Decrease shells diversity
 Estimated 50% increase in  Extraction of water for hydroelectric
shell consumption generation causes decrease littoral
area coverage
Shellfisheries Medium Quality  Solid waste disposal
 Disappearance of the
following native species Likely
(suso)  Effect of laundry activities
 Increase organic  Effect of Gray water
contaminants  Siltation
 Destruction of habitats

Possibly
 Agricultural chemical residue

5
Table 3. Retrospective Analysis for Phytoplankton in Lake Lanao

Resource Areal
Results
Type Extent Impact
Changes Observed Identified Agents

Quantity Most Likely  Loss of the native

 Decline in the phytoplankton  Extraction of water for hydroelectric freshwater species
diversity generation
 Change in water  Solid waste disposal
Phytoplankton Large stratification
Likely
Quality  Effect of laundry activities
 Disappearance of some  Effect of Gray water
phytoplankton species  Siltation

Possibly
 Agricultural chemical residue

6
Table 4. Retrospective Analysis for Zooplankton in Lake Lanao

Resource Areal
Results
Type Extent Impact
Changes Observed Identified Agents

Quantity Most Likely  Loss of zooplankton

 Decrease Zooplankton  Extraction of water for hydroelectric species
Diversity generation
 Change in water  Solid waste disposal
Zooplankton Large stratification
Likely
Quality  Effect of laundry activities
 Disappearance of some  Effect of Gray water
zooplankton species  Siltation

Possibly
 Agricultural chemical residue

7
Conclusion

Findings revealed that the major threats to fresh water biodiversity are:

 Introduction of exotic species

 Increasing concentration of organic waste
 Extraction of water for hydro power
 Surfactant in detergent bars
 Effect of gray water in the 19 municipalities and Marawi
 Siltation
 Declined phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity
 Population pressure

Recommendation

 Advocacy on the fully understanding and appreciation for the value of

biodiversity;
 Strong and transparent governance mechanisms accompanied by sound
resource management plan;
 Boost the strong partnership with local communities with the aim of
establishing a "social fence" against threats;
 A budget allocation in the restoration and rehabilitation of the environment;
 Tough political will for conservation of biodiversity;
 Strict enforcement of environmental laws;
 Introduction of exotic species must undergo reviews with regard to its possible
effect to the ecosystems where it should be;
 Provide sustainable livelihood for local stakeholders; and
 Promote research and monitoring for effective community-based resource
management planning.

Lake Lanao Environmental Risk Management Plan

Introduction

This environmental risk management plan envisioned in protecting, conserving and

enhancing primarily the freshwater and aquatic resources of Lake Lanao and its
influence areas.

It also recognizes the sustainability of these resources, which can be achieved

through a participatory approach of the local people, stakeholders and other
benefactors.

Relative to this strategy, a back -up massive environmental advocacy and education
campaign must be provided to ensure the needs and interest of all concerned.

8
This will create the opportunity to strengthen current initiatives and provide a basis
for linking new partnership.

Sustainability

Protect and Enhance the Environment

Value and protect the diversity of nature, including limiting pollution to all levels,
which do not damage natural systems.

Optimize the utilization of freshwater and aquatic resources including research on

invasive freshwater species; enhance freshwater quality that promotes biodiversity,
and extensive research on water extraction for hydroelectric power generation in
Mindanao.

Major Challenges

The major environmental challenges facing by all concerned are as follows:

1. Introduction of exotic species.

2. Environmental Degradation to include problems on solid waste management.
3. High rate of population growth and high incidence of poverty.
4. The dismal failure is due to weak governance, and lack of leadership.
5. Maranaos are paternalistic and leader-centered.

Maranaos were unable to take advantage of their economic potentials and inherent
resources due to the absence of development oriented leaders and managers.

Muslims in the Philippines acquired a culture of dependency and looking to others for
their progress.

There are opportunistic sector in the Philippines taking advantage of the instability
and poverty of the Moro areas.

The following will be the major concerned; introduction of exotic species, solid waste
management, water extraction for hydroelectric power generation and biodiversity
enhancement.

A range of outcomes in these areas have been developed and will be achieved by
focusing on the mandatory and strict implementation of the environmental laws,
massive advocacy on environmental awareness and environmental management
best practices, substantial community participation and utilizing the risk management
approach.

9
Managing the Lake Lanao Freshwater and Aquatic Resources

To sustain the achievements of these key environmental goals, actions will be

implemented to improve performance in environmental management programs.
These actions will instigate the following strategies:
 Develop and implement a plan for increasing community participation
including local government units and non-government stakeholders.
 Establish and implement a risk management approach to activities and
freshwater uses, which may have negative environmental impacts.
 Implement practices, which ensure sound and consistent environmental
management in all aspects.
 Provide staff development programs, which improve environmental
knowledge and performance.

Invasive Freshwater Fish Species

Goal:

To efficiently manage the invasive exotic fish species introduced in Lake Lanao and
protect the endemic species in the area.

1. Conduct an extensive research on the adverse effects of the introduced

invasive fish species in Lake Lanao.
2. Perform cost-benefit-analysis on its impact on economy, ecological and social
environment.
3. Develop a proposal when an introduction of exotic species is considered,
which includes; planned use of the species, benefits and constraints;
biological information of the species; and geographical location of the species
being proposed and information on that area. This proposal is subject for
approval of the review committee.
4. Mitigate environmental risk based on findings of the research conducted.
5. Implement plans which are in accordance with the environmental laws and
achieve sustainable development.

Strategies

1. Creation of an Experimental Research Teams

2. Creation of a Cost/Benefit Analysis Team

a) Key Performance Measure:
 Strict prohibition in the introduction of exotic species provided it passed
the review committee tasked to scrutinize its intention.

b) Performance Level:
 A sound political wills, good governance and substantial local people
participation must prevail.

10
 3. Community-based projects will include:

a) Caused oriented programs for monitoring and evaluating the status of the
project.
b) Research community extension services from the academe.

Freshwater Quality

Goal:

To resourcefully direct the solid waste disposal, develop sound agricultural practices
and inculcate environmental values, skills and practices among local people in
particular.

1. Implement the provincial ecological solid waste management project;

2. Develop sound agricultural farming management not only limited to farming
practices but also considering agricultural runoff but particularly chemical
residue.
3. Inculcate environmental values, skills and attitudes to all ages.

Strategies

1. Develop and implement the PESWM Program

a) Key Performance Measure:

 Quantity of waste collected in the locality is measured by volume as
basis for pay collection.

b) Performance Level:
 Refuse garbage will be collected and transported to sanitary landfill.
Backyard composting and gardening must be a compulsory to every
household.

2. Community projects will include:

a) Monitoring and evaluation of backyard composting and gardening as other
options for reducing organic waste in the locality.
b) Strengthening the waste management and recycling programs in the
locality.
c) Imposing sanitary toilets in every household.
d) Monitoring and evaluation of backyard composting and gardening as other
options for reducing organic waste in the locality.
e) Strengthening the waste management and recycling programs in the
locality.
f) Imposing sanitary toilets in every household.

11
Freshwater Extraction

Goal:

To competently guided in the water extraction of Lake Lanao for hydroelectric power
generation and reduces stress to all forms of aquatic life.

The expected freshwater extraction management outputs for the next five years are:

1. Conduct a thorough research on the adverse effects of freshwater extraction

for hydroelectric power generation in Lake Lanao.
2. Mitigate environmental risk based on findings of the research conducted.
3. Implement plans which are in accordance with the environmental laws and
achieve sustainable development.

Strategies

1. Creation of an Experimental Research Teams:

 This will be achieved through a special project to look into the adverse
effects of freshwater extraction for hydroelectric power generation in Lake
Lanao and design a sound mitigating measures that manage the risk.

a) Key Performance Measure:

 Monitor and assess the bathymetry and water level of Lake Lanao.

b) Performance Level:
 Use indicator to determine changes in water circulation and its effect
to the littoral zone.

2. Community-based projects will include:

a) Caused oriented programs for monitoring and evaluating the status of the
project.
b) Research community extension services from the academe.

Biodiversity

Goal:

To enhance diversified aquatic resources of Lake Lanao.

The expected biodiversity management outputs for the next five years are:

1. Develop a biodiversity management of the aquatic system of Lake Lanao.

2. Improve the management of freshwater life zones.

12
Strategies

1. Developing and Implementing a Biodiversity Strategy

 This will be achieved by protecting, restoring and enhancing habitat of the

Lake Lanao.

a) Key Performance Measure:

 Biodiversity inventory including a survey and record of number, type and
distribution of flora and fauna. Moreover, a habitat inventory detailing
location and condition of areas designated as potentially suitable for
given species.

b) Performance Level:
 Set targets based on biodiversity policy and inventory outcomes.

2. Community projects will include:

a) Shoreline clean up particularly in the littoral and the limnetic zones.
b) Research community extension services from the academe.
c) Frequent inventory of the aquatic resources.
d) Advocacy on biodiversity.

Conclusion

 Public consultation process and strong partnerships with the stakeholder

plays an important role in the real progress in improving the environment and
promoting sustainability.

 This plan identifies a range of actions for future years and taking steps
towards long term goals. Similarly, it develops partnership for program
delivery and plan budgets to address identified problems. Finally, it considers
time lines and responsibilities and foster communication with the whole
locality.

13
References

Lewis, Jr., William M. Primaty Production in the Plankton Community of a Tropical

Lake, ecological Monographs, Volume 44, Issue 4 (Autumn, 1974), 377-409.

Fish Extinctions Endangered Species Handbook.htm.

Manila Bay Refined Risk Assessment. Department of Environment and natural

Resources, and Partnership in Environmental Management for the Seas of
East Asia. Quezon City, Philippines. 2004.

Integrated River Basin Development and Management Master Plan. River Basin
Control Office. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DENR.
2007. Quezon City.

Images

Data gathering includes water sampling for water quality analysis and identification of stressors to the
lake’s basin ecosystem .

14