NEXT month, May, is not just an election month. It is also “Ocean Month”. But we need not wait for it to press for increased protection of the country’s seas, and specifically our coral reef system. Do election candidates care?
They should. We all should.
Why?
Because the degradation of our marine ecosystems has long ceased to be merely an environmental issue as it pushes poverty deeper in the coastal communities through loss of livelihood, vulnerability to natural hazards, hunger and even health problems.
The worsening state of the country’s marine ecosystems should be immediately addressed. We have to sustain efforts in protecting our oceans. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, a typical square kilometer of healthy coral reef can produce about 30 to 40 metric tons of seafood every year. Moreover, reefs are vital to the continuity of life in the sea. They protect coastlines from wave and storm erosion and function as nurseries and habitats for thousands of marine species. They are ultimately connected to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and countless other ecosystems.
There is a need for stricter enforcement of relevant laws to stop illegal activities along coastal communities and on seas like poaching of endangered species, illegal and destructive fishing, and throwing of wastes.
The Philippines is located within the Coral Triangle, home to 76 percent of the world’s coral species and over 2,000 marine species. The destruction of our marine ecosystems will not only lead to the extinction of thousands of species but will also be detrimental to tourism, food supply, and sustenance and livelihood of our fisherfolk. This makes our responsibility over protecting our oceans even greater.
We must all work together to make our oceans benefit us in a sustainable manner.
