Marine Life Abounds in Philippine Seas

First, I thank God for having a beautiful country. The Philippines being a group of island country comprising a 7,107 islands is rich in coastal and marine resources. According to International Marine scientists, Philippines is the “Center of Marine Biodiversity” in the world, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Naming the best marine sanctuaries in the country, is the Verde Island Passage located between Batangas and Mindoro islands which has been declared as the Center of Marine shorefish Biodeversity where a vast species of fish abounds, this makes the place as the home to captivating vast marine life, refuting the former study that Indonesia holds the highest fish diversity. Another study of this biodiversity is the Sulu-Sulawesi corridor at the sea border between the Philippines and Indonesia which is heart of the so-called “Coral Triangle,” connecting the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea that home to great variety of species of marine resources. The coral Triangle has 600 species of corals, 1200 species of fin fishes, 700 species of algae, 33 species of mangrove, five out of seven known species of sea turtles and at least 24 species of crustaceans. Holding the said distinction, the country is taking a great international responsibility to protect and conserve its rich marine resources because the possible degradation and lost of marine life in the islands would also affect the rest of the world.

Travelling through another island is the Bohol Marine Triangle (BMT) spans over 112,000 ha. And includes the three islands of Panglao (9,000ha) Pamilacan (200ha) and Balicasag (25ha) in three municipalities of Baclayon, Dauis, and Panglao. This area within the triangle vicinity that connects the said islands was significant in terms of biodiversity; that includes the 22 species of marine mammals in the Philippines, three of the world’s eight species sea turtles, rare and endangered species of pelagic fishes (whale sharks, mantas and singrays), seahorses and giant clams, rare shells and migratory birds.

With the combine efforts of the government and NGO (Non government Organization) , a number of measures that would protect and conserve the vast marine resources of the country and also find ways to benefit from these resources have been long implemented. To mention a few of these projects are the creation of jobs and income generating opportunity for the residents of the area. Also making the area as the tourist attraction which could generate income both for the municipalities and the business sectors, Such activity for residents are; fishing, gleaning and seaweeds farming while for the business sectors are hotel and resorts, travel tour, whale watching, scuba diving and beach activities.

Philippines is endowed with natural beauty, every island in the south is considered a paradise in itself, with its rain forest, shoreline, seas, lakes, rivers and all living things abounds in the area. Having a country like Philippines I just awe and wonder at the multitude of blessings God has bestowed on these islands.

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