Manila: A growing portion of the Philippines’ coral reefs are being depleted by pollution and illegal fishing practices. As little as 5 per cent of them are still in excellent condition, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

In a statement, Paje said increasing human intervention by way of reckless fishing practices and irresponsible use of maritime resources have led to the rapid depletion of the country’s coral reefs.

“In terms of coral cover, our country’s coral reefs have about 40 per cent in poor condition, and less than five per cent in excellent condition. They are faced with constant threats, mostly from humans,” he said.

“It is only fitting that we counter these threats by involving those who stand to benefit the most from improved coral reef condition – the stakeholders,” he said.

Coral reefs, aside from serving as feeding ground, also provide shelter to marine life. But coral reefs are under increasing threat from factors such as pollution and improper fishing practices such as the use of explosives and trawl fishing.

For this reason, the DENR had called on civil society groups in the country to do their part. “The condition of the country’s coral reefs will improve with increased participation of stakeholders in managing marine protected areas (MPAs),” he said

Other threats to coral reefs include overfishing, unsustainable development in coastal areas and sedimentation. Of these, the largest threat come from overfishing, followed by destructive fishing practices, such as dynamite fishing and trawling.

Paje cited how the effective management of the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, the Apo Reef in Mindoro Occidental, and Sarangani Bay in Mindanao as national MPAs under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act has led to improved coral reef condition. This has boosted fish diversity, as well as enhanced fisheries contribution at an annual rate of 10-30 tons of fish per square kilometre of reef in the area.

In contrast, he noted that marine habitats in the Visayas region in Central Philippines experienced the most degradation due to over-exploitation of resources.

Survey

A survey conducted 66 MPAs in eight different provinces showed MPAs in Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Davao Del Sur with coral reefs in poor condition. Coral reefs in Palawan MPAs were categorized as “fair”, while those in Batangas fell under “fair” to “good”. Cebu and Sarangani MPAs, on the other hand, showed an “excellent” coral reef area..

Studies conducted by the DENR have indicated that MPAs protected for at least five years produce healthier fish populations. But with most of the country’s MPAs managed by local government units policies in enforcement, funding and other management issues are often affected by shifting priorities as local government leaders after elections.

Paje said that aside from the local govermemt, other stakeholders for MPAs include local fisherfolk; the tourism, fishing and aquaculture industry; the academe and researchers; conservation organizations; and water hobby or sports organisations.

“MPAs are regions where human activity is restricted to allow conservation of the natural environment and ecosystems found within the area. Improved MPA management, therefore, would reduce human pressures on the marine environment and allow coral reefs and other forms of marine life to recover and replenish themselves,” Paje said.