State of the Reefs: Philippines I
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
- What I expected: dynamited reef, Bicol, Philippines. Alexandra V. Didoha
- What I found: Healthy coral reef within an MPA. Alexandra V. Didoha
- Tridacnid clams thrive on a healthy reef in Palawan. Alexandra V. Didoha
Protected areas are surprising lush and healthy
By Alexandra V. Didoha
The Philippines, with over 7,100 islands, has been identified as one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and is listed as a biodiversity hotspot threatened with destruction of habitat and loss of endemic species.
Endemic birds such as the Philippine eagle, amphibians like the Negros forest frog and small mammals are only a handful of the threatened treasures confined within the country's borders.
More than 500 species of coral and 3,000 species of marine fish have been reported from the Philippines. To scientists, the Philippines represents a truly unique environment to study diversity. To aquarium enthusiasts, however, the country is synonymous with cyanide and reef destruction.
[edit] First Dive Surprises
I anticipated my first glimpse of the Philippine underwater life to be a pile of dead coral rubble mixed with a few blue damsels. But, this was not the case.
On my first dive in Northern Palawan I was surrounded by hundreds of species of healthy Acroporas with fluourescent purple and green tips, and enormous leather corals and colt corals. Bright red and yellow Dendronepthya graced underwater ledges being almost hidden from view as a huge school of Lyretail Anthias (Antias squamipinnis) darted about. Emperor Angelfish glided high above the reef in an almost iconic fashion as schools of hippo tangs followed the contour over the reef.
Copperband Butterflyfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish, hogfish, Napoleon Humphead Wrasses: the diversity was incredible. How could this be possible I thought? The answer was quite simple and unexpected.
[edit] Marine Protected Areas
Sea fans are among first colonizers of dynamited area, years later.
The reef I had been diving on was a 10-year locally managed marine protected area (MPA). In the 1990’s, local governments promoted the establishment of MPAs in coastal villages as a way to ensure the future sustainability of Philippine reefs. Since that time hundreds of MPAs have been established in the country and have offered critical insight into the role MPAs can play in conserving coral reef and fish diversity.
Dynamited and bleached reefs do still exist throughout the country, and diving amid such reefs is extremely depressing.
While diving in such areas you can’t help but wonder why anyone would do this to a reef without realizing the consequence? But, in the Philippines, as in many developing nations of the world, the immediate concern to local fisherfolk is feeding their family – not reef conservation.
[edit] Destructive Fishing: Not Dead Yet
Until properly educated and presented with alternative livelihoods fisherfolk will continue destructive fishing in the Philippines – turning coral reefs to rubble fields.
Many local governments agencies, non-profit organizations, and villages are taking great strides in coastal zone management projects and education in the Philippines to change these practices. Coral reef restoration, monitoring programs, and scientific marine research are also being employed throughout the country.
Numerous beautiful coral reefs still exist in the Philippines, and this is where villagers, local governments, universities, and non-profits are making considerable progress in their efforts to protect and conserve what is considered to be the center of marine biodiversity.
Text and photography by Alexandra V. Didoha.
See: Last Frontiers: Philippines