Wilson Vailoces

Bais Bay, Bindoy, Negros, Philippines

Since the mid-1980s, he has been the driving force behind efforts to restore Bindoy's coastal resources, which have suffered from habitat destruction, erosion, and overfishing. When he's not pursuing his livelihood as a fisherman, Vailoces plants mangrove trees, builds artificial coral reefs, and patrols local waters for signs of poaching or cyanide or dynamite fishing. He has recruited a task force of 50 volunteers that has apprehended several hundred fisherman for illegal activities.
photo © Don Hinrichsen

"Before, we were slowly killing ourselves. Now we are rebuilding our resources for the future--our children and grandchildren."

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428
Judith Gradwohl, Smithsonian Institution (Curator/Ocean Planet)