Networking of marine protected areas help accelerate coral reef ecosystem benefits

At the rate marine protected areas (MPAs) are being established and managed in the country, it would take at least 100 years for the Philippines to be able to effectively protect even a tenth of its 27,000 km 2 of coral reefs. But coral reef protection could be accelerated if more and larger MPAs would be established, organized into networks and provided with necessary support systems.

The ultimate patriots, the Pawikans (Filipino for Marine Turtles) return after 25-30 years and go back to where they were hatched to lay eggs. This cycle remained unbroken for ages until recently when these beautiful sea animals have become highly threatened for extinction, due to poaching and hunting- their numbers are alarmingly dwindling. The time is now to take action. Read on and learn how you or your organization can help.

The warming of sea water often associated with El Niño episodes have caused coral bleaching on massive scales never seen before. In the Philippines, the case of the El Nido reefs is instructive. Despite being one of the better managed reefs in the country, what used to be a diverse reef with 60-70% coral cover is now down to 5-10% after the devastating coral bleaching event during the 1997-1998 El Niño. It has not recovered to date. Nationwide, the 1998 coral bleaching event decreased live coral cover by as much as 49%.

• Dispose of trash properly – use trash cans at the beach or take your trash home with you

• Reduce, reuse and recycle as many as possible of the things you use — anywhere, anytime

• Cut the rings off plastic six-pack holders so that animals (like fish, turtles or seals) can’t get tangled in them — leave no solid plastic loops

• Join local beach, river or stream clean-ups

• Teach others how to practice good beach safety

We divers all want to conserve the beautiful reefs we are diving in. But the increasing popularity of scuba diving has also put more strain on coral reefs around the world. Divers, specially underwater photographers and beginners sometimes make contact with fragile corals, breaking them or damaging them and leaving them susceptible to bacterial attack [...]

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The Philippines has a remarkable coastline, the seas are an essential part of our country’s history, and our waters are home to an astonishingly diverse range of marine species and habitats – many of which are in severe decline and urgent need of protection.
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