The Resource Management Division of Negros Oriental has been cooperating with the fishing community of Agan-an since 1992. At that time depletion of the marine resources was very obvious. Eventually, they chose a small coral reef area and designated it as a non-fishing zone managed by the local fishermen's association. Series of trainings and information drives were conducted. In 1992, Fish Wardens were organized and trained. In 1996, the Environment and Natural Resource Division (ENRD) conducted a house to house survey where 96% of respondents were in favor of establishing a marine sanctuary in the area.
