Reef Fish Belong on the Reef, Not on the Plate

By Freida Dario-Santiago

Parrotfish are the makers of Boracay’s white sand. 📸 Fishmasters.com

Avoid catching or buying tropical reef fish, which are highly vulnerable to overfishing and essential to the health of coral reef ecosystems.

One species in particular deserves protection: the parrotfish (locally called loro or mol-mol). These colorful fish help create Boracay’s famous powdery white sand by grazing on coral and excreting it as fine sand. They also play a vital role in maintaining healthy reefs.

By choosing not to buy parrotfish and other reef fish, visitors can help protect Boracay’s fragile marine ecosystem and preserve the natural processes that sustain both its coral reefs and iconic beaches.