Philippines
A small volcanic island and protected marine reserve off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, south of Dumaguete, recognized as one of the Philippines' pioneering community-managed marine sanctuaries.
Apo Island covers about 74 hectares roughly 7 km off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, under the jurisdiction of Dauin municipality in Negros Oriental. Following a multi-year collaboration with Silliman University researchers, local fishermen established a no-take marine sanctuary along part of the shoreline in 1982, and in 1994 the surrounding waters were declared the Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape. The reserve is known for its coral diversity and hosts over 650 documented fish species.