In an attempt to encourage sustainable use of Lamit Bay’s marine resources, the municipal government of the area in collaboration with the Network for Sustainable Livelihoods Catalysts (NSLC) enacted an ordinance in 2006 which established a marine sanctuary. The creation of the sanctuary is an important milestone in conservation since it was the first area in the region to be designated a marine protected area.

Located 7 kilometers from the Port of Tambang, the sanctuary is comprised of a 50 hectare central core no-take zone with an additional 48 hectare buffer zone. The goal of this protected area is to increase fish populations, marine diversity and, in turn, fish catches for local people. 

Since starting the program, the NSLC has seen many success in terms of increasing fish yields, lowering the number of fishermen using dynamite and cyanide fishing techniques and instituting relationships with municipal leaders to support their work. However, overfishing in areas outside of the MPA's is still a major problem and there is yet to be a coherent management plan for the entire region. This case explores these issues.