The document provides background information on the Philippines being a center of marine biodiversity, with Palawan being its last biodiversity frontier. It then discusses Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the Sulu Sea, describing its geographical location, formation from ancient volcanic islands, and history of traditional use by local fishermen that is now protected. The biodiversity and reef systems of the Philippines are protected by international treaties.

2. Outline: Tubbataha and Environmental Concerns:
*Backgrounder:
- Philippines as the "Center of Marine Biodiversity"
- Palawan : The Philippines' last biodiversity frontier
Tubbataha and its rich marine resources
- Geographical Location
- Formation
- History
- Biodiversity

3. II. The Grounding Incident
- Location of the Grounding
- Damaged Area
- Environmental Laws
- Possible Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem
III. How Long would it Take to Rehabilitate the Reef?
IV. Some Updates since the Grounding Incident
V. Recommendations

4. Philippines as as the
"Center of Marine Biodiversity"
• The Philippines, comprised of more
than 7,000 distinct islands, is situated
in one of the world's most coral-rich
areas.
• International marine scientists in
2006 have regarded the Philippines as
the "Center of Marine Biodiversity"
in the world, surpassing the Great
Barrier Reef of Australia.
• With more than 9,600 square miles of
reef systems, the Philippines are
home to nearly 9 percent of the
world's total reef area.

5. Philippines as as the
"Center of Marine Biodiversity"
• Philippine reefs boast 421 of the 577 known species of coral, as well as
19 seagrass species and 30 species of mangrove, both of which
contribute nutrients to coral
systems. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/list-philippine-coral-reefs-
63031.html
• among the best marine sanctuaries in the country is the Verde Island
Passage located between Batangas and Mindoro island which has been
declared as the "Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity,"
where a vast species of fish can be found (Marine biologist Dr. Kent
Carpenter, coordinator of the Global Marine Species Assessment of the
World Conservation Union)

6. Philippines as as the
"Center of Marine Biodiversity"
Coral Triangle:
• The Sulu-Sulawesi corridor at the sea border between the Philippines and
Indonesia is the heart of the so-called "Coral Triangle," connecting the
Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea that boasts of a great variety
of species of marine resources.
• The Coral Triangle has 600 species of corals, 1,200 species of finfishes, 700
species of algae, 33 species of mangrove, five out of seven known species of
sea turtles, and at least 24 species of crustaceans.
• Results from the preliminary geographical information system (GIS) analysis
made by Carpenter and Springer, however, revealed that from the 2,983
combined ranges of generalized maps of marine species in the Coral
Triangle, the central Philippines came out as the area with the highest
marine biodiversity.

7. Philippines as as the
"Center of Marine Biodiversity"
• The area between Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia only came in second,
according to the study by Carpenter and Springer.
• Some studies have identified Indonesia as the area with the highest coral
reef fish diversity, but Carpenter and Springer’s findings pointed out that
Indonesia might have greater marine biodiversity because of its bigger
area, but the Philippines has a higher concentration of species per unit
area.
• Scientists, however, warned the Philippine government that the rapid
deterioration of the country’s marine resources could destroy the
nation’s natural heritage.
• The Philippines has the international obligation (to protect and conserve
its rich marine biodiversity because) if these species are lost, then the
rest of the world will also be affected

8. Palawan :
The Philippines’ Last Biodiversity Frontier
• Rich in teeming jungles, tousled
mangrove swamps and vibrant coral
reefs, Palawan is truly one of the best
examples in Asia of a species-rich,
biologically diverse ecosystem. In
fact, the variety of flora and fauna
found in this region has intrigued
ecologists and conservationists for
generations; Palawan is home to 232
endemic species, one of the highest
densities of unique species in the
world.
• Palawan is often called the Philippines' “last biodiversity frontier”
because it still retains more than 50 percent of its original forest
cover, and harbors vast stretches of old growth forests on its
mountainous slopes.

9. Palawan :
The Philippines’ Last Biodiversity Frontier
Palawan was declared a
Biosphere Reserve by the United
National Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in 1990. Palawan is also
home to two World Heritage
sites — the Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River National Park,
which includes the world’s longest
navigable underground river, and
the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park,
the spectacular, uninhabited coral
reef atolls

11. Reef Systems Protected by International
Treaty
• Several of the Philippines' critical and unique coral
reef systems are protected by international
treaties such as the United Nations World
Heritage Convention and the Ramsar Convention
on Wetlands of International Importance.
(The Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an
intergovernmental treaty that provides the
framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources.)

12. The globally recognized ecosystems in the
Philippines are:
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramsar site;
Palawan Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve; Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve; Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site;
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, UNESCO World
Heritage site; and Tubbataha Reefs National Marine
Park, Ramsar site.
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/list-philippine-coral-
reefs-63031.html

13. I. Tubbataha and Its Rich
Marine Resources
The name 'Tubbataha' is a Samal word for "long reef
exposed at low tide". Samals are seafaring people of the
Sulu Sea. Cagayanen (residents of Cagayancillo) people who
are more geographically associated with Tubbataha Reefs
referred the Park as 'gusong'.
It is composed of two uninhabited atolls and a reef with
bustling reef platforms that are submerged in most parts.
The North Islet, South Islet and Jessie Beazley Reef.

14. Geographical Location
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
(TRNP) lies in the middle of
the Sulu Sea and falls under
the political jurisdiction of
Cagayancillo, an island
municipality situated 130km
to the north.
The park is around 150km (80
nautical miles) southeast of
Puerto Princesa City - capital
of the Province of Palawan -
the usual jump-off point for
visitors and dive boats going
to Tubbataha.

15. Geographical Location
The North Islet, oblong-shaped, 16
kilometers long and 4.5kilometers wide
encloses a lagoon of sand and corals with
a maximum of 30 meters in depth.
The South Islet is a triangular reef
structure about five kilometers long and
three kilometers wide with a lagoon 21
meters at the deepest section.
Jessie Beazley Reef, which lies about 13
nautical miles from the atolls, has an area
of 45 hectares with a small islet made of
marl exposed during low tide.
The boundaries of TRNP are located three
nautical miles from the edge of those
marine formations.

16. Geographical Location
It is located within the Northern apex of the Coral
Triangle. The system is part of the Coral Triangle
that encompasses, in addition to the Philippines,
the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, East Timor,
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The
triangle, which covers 1.6 billion acres, contains 75
percent of the world’s coral species.
Reachable only by scuba diving live aboard boats
leaving from the province of Palawan -journey
takes 10 to 12 hours and is only attempted from
mid-march to mid-June.

17. Formation
The coral atolls of Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley
began to form thousands of years ago as fringing
reefs of volcanic islands along the Cagayan Ridge.
Over millennia - as the volcanoes became extinct and
the islands sunk into the ocean depths - only the
corals remained and they continued to grow upwards
towards the sunlight.

18. History
Tubbataha is well known to fishermen of the southern
Philippines but until the late 1970s, Cagayanons were the
primary users of the reefs' resources. During the summer, they
would make fishing trips to Tubbataha in fleets of traditional
wooden sailboats.
“Tubbataha's isolation and its susceptibility to harsh weather
once protected it from over-exploitation. But by the 1980s,
fishermen from other parts of the Philippines started exploiting
Tubbataha in motorized boats, many using destructive fishing
techniques to maximize their catch.” (WWF)

19. History
In 1988 - in response to a vigorous campaign by Philippine
scuba divers and environmentalists alike - President
Corazon Aquino declared Tubbataha a National Marine
Park - fishing within the park boundaries was made illegal
and the reefs ceased to be under such a constant barrage
of unimpeded destruction. Presidential Proclamation 306
issued by President Corazon Aquino on August 11, 1988
established the 33,200-hectare no-take Tubbataha Reef
National Marine Park (TRNMP).
It was expanded to include Jessie Beazley Reef by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on August 23, 2006
through Presidential Proclamation 1126 and renamed the
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Today, TRNP is 97,030 hectares and stands as the country’s
only marine protected area inscribed in the UNESCO World
Heritage List.

20. Biodiversity
Encompassing 97,000 hectares, the
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of
the greatest Philippine natural
treasures.
The atoll reefs of Tubbataha are also
home to thousands of marine species
that attract scuba diving tourists and
researchers from all over the world to
revel in the underwater wonders that
this unique marine park offers.
Tubbataha has often been dubbed as a
Mecca of Philippine diving

21. Biodiversity
But it goes beyond being a spectacular underwater world. Considering
that only 5% of the country’s coral reefs are in excellent condition,
protecting Tubbataha contributes to food security for millions who
depend on Philippine seas for food and livelihood.
Its global ecological importance is recognized as studies show that it is
a source of larvae for the fishing grounds and coral reefs around the
Sulu Sea (U.P. Visayas 2010).
Tubbataha produces at least 200 tons of seafood per square
kilometer. This is 5 times greater than the productivity of an ordinary
healthy reef. The waters of Tubbataha are also the seeding and
growth area of the fish stocks of Palawan and the Visayas. Without
this protected area, fish would not have the opportunity to grow to
maturity and repopulate other areas.

22. Biodiversity
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to
no less than:
The park contains roughly
10,000 hectares of coral
· 573 species of fish
reef, lying at the heart of
· 379 species of corals (about half of all
the Coral Triangle - the
coral species in the world)
centre of global marine
· 11 species of sharks
biodiversity.
· 12 species of dolphins & whales
· Nesting Hawksbill & Green sea turtles
· Over 100 species of birds
It is home to over 20,000 breeding
seabirds. Up to 8,000 black noddies
(which are critically-endangered species)

23. A no-take zone.
[A no-take zone is an area set aside by the government where
no extractive activity is allowed. Extractive activity is any action
that removes, or extracts, any resource. Extractive activities
include fishing, hunting, logging, mining, and drilling.
–National Geographic
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclope
dia/no-take-zone/?ar_a=1]

24. [In 2007, the University of the Philippines in the Visayas
conducted a study on the distribution and dispersal of
fish larvae in the Sulu Sea.
The study reveals that Jessie Beazley and Tubbataha
Reefs are sources of coral and fish larvae, seeding the
greater Sulu Sea. This is of huge significance, since the
Philippines - the second largest archipelago in the world
- relies heavily on its marine resources for livelihood and
food.]

25. “Tubbataha North Islet or Bird Isle spans 12,435 square meters and
hosts over 200 trees, many shorn and pitted by seabirds. The scrubby
landscape rises no higher than two meters above the sea.
Parola or South Islet is much smaller, at 3,140 square meters. A meter-
high concrete wall, well weathered by the elements, forms a protective
ring against erosion, while a solar-powered lighthouse erected in 1980
by the Philippine Coast Guard stands sentinel over all. About 120 trees
dot the grassy landscape. East of the lighthouse lies the rusting hulk of
the Del San, an old log carrier.
Both atolls form rookeries or breeding sites for six species of seabirds,
including the critically endangered Philippine subspecies of the black
noddy (Anous minutus sub. worcestri), fewer than 8,000 of which
survive.” (Gregg Yan)

26. Some Facts about Coral Reefs:
Coral reefs have endured for many millennia and appear
to be hardy at first glance.
In fact, corals are extremely fragile, are among the
most endangered ecosystems in the world, and easily
affected by slight changes in their environment.
Many of the world’s coral reefs are experiencing
threats not just from natural events but also, more
significantly, as a direct result of human activities.
Unless drastic measures are taken, more than half of
them will disappear in the next 15 years.
The coral reefs of the Philippines are a prime example
of an endangered marine ecosystem.

27. Some Facts about Coral Reefs:
As ocean temperatures rise, the effect is seen in massive die-offs of coral
reefs all over the world. The result is a visible bleaching of the existing
coral, the death of polyps and the disappearance of marine species in the
area. However, the most significant challenges in coral system
conservation are destructive human activities.
Over-zealous and destructive fishing practices are threatening both the
diversity and abundance of fish populations that live in the reefs. Some of
these practices are over-fishing, cyanide poisoning, and the use of
dynamite, which permanently damage the reefs.
Deforestation, increased agriculture, mining, urbanization and mangrove
destruction also cause damage indirectly as harmful sediment is washed
from the soil and into the sea. The release of household and industrial
wastes directly into the sea causes untold destruction due to chemical
poisoning of the reefs.

28. Some Facts about Coral Reefs:
When coral reefs die, such as after bleaching due to warm
summers, most reef inhabitants die as well, or simply leave the
grounds. This is because the corals do not only provide a living
space, but are also a key food source for many species such as fish
and nudibranches.
http://www.coralscience.org/main/articles/biochemistry-2/how-
reefs-grow

29. Management
The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) is the multi-
sector body that formulates policies for Tubbataha. Established in 1999, it is
made up of a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private sector.
The Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) - based in Puerto Princesa City -
serves as its TPAMB's executive arm, carrying out day-to-day park
management.
These Two Management Bodies Protect Tubbataha in a Number of Ways
· Law enforcement
· Conservation management
· Regular ecosystem research and monitoring
· Information & education programs on local, national and international levels
· Supporting the municipality of Cagayancillo - which has political jurisdiction
over Tubbataha - in their coastal resource management

30. Management
The Park is under the management of the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB)
composed of the following members:
Governor, representing PCSD, Co-Chairperson
Regional Executive Director of Region IV-B of the DENR, Co-Chairperson
House of Representative, 1st District of Palawan
House of Representative, 2nd District of Palawan
Office of the Governor, Palawan
Mayor, Cagayancillo, Member
Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Cagayancillo SB, Member
Provincial Board Chairman, Committee on Environment & Natural Resources, Member
Provincial Board Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Member
Commander, Western Command, Member
Commander, Naval Forces West, Member
District Commander, CGD-Pal, Member
Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Sport Scuba Diving, Member
Provincial Officer, BFAR, Member
President, Palawan State University
President, Western Philippines University
President, WWF-Philippines, Member (NGO)
Executive Director, Conservation International, Member (NGO)
Chairperson, Saguda Palawan, Member (NGO)
Tambuli ta mga Kagayanen, Member (People’s organization)

31. The Grounding Incident
At 4 am Thursday, January 17, the rangers monitored on its radar a ship
that the 68-meter long U.S. Navy warship entered Tubbataha without
proper park clearance, and accidentally ploughed into the northwestern
portion of Parola or South Islet.
The US Navy, in a statement dated January 19, indicated that navigational
charts that misplaced Tubbataha’s location may have caused the
grounding.
79-man detail evacuated
-the 1,300-ton Avenger-class minesweeper is still stuck on the reef, its
wood-and-fiberglass hull breached and taking a pounding with big waves

32. An official of the
Tubbataha Reefs Natural
Park, Angelique Songo,
explained that the
amount of damage to
the coral would be
determined by a joint
team of the USS
Guardian and personnel
from the marine park.
Songco estimated about
P12,000 per sqm of
destroyed reefs.

33. Damaged Area
According to preliminary surveys, the area damaged by the USS Guardian spans
at least 1,600 square meters, almost twice the area flattened by the USS Port
Royal in Hawaii in 2009.
Tubbataha Reefs Park Superintendent Angelique Songco says that under
Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009, a fine of
about $600 or P24,000 per square meter is mandatory, half for actual damage
and half for rehabilitation efforts.
After few days, the estimated damage was increased to 4500 square meters.
(There’s unconfirmed information from our sources that the damage was
already about ½ hectare because of the continuous pounding of the ship against
the reef.)

34. Damaged Area
Hawaii Grounding:
February 5, 2009, the USS Port Royal, a guided missile cruiser, ran aground near
the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. About 890 square meters of coral
reef were destroyed.
Because of much protests especially in the media, the U.S. Navy promised to
pay the State of Hawaii $8.5 million to settle claims over coral reef damage, plus
another $6.5 million for reef restoration, including the reattachment of 5,400
coral colonies to expedite regrowth. The total assistance provided by the U.S.
Navy amounted to $15 million, about P610 million.
But Songco says the Philippines is not planning to ask the U.S. government more
than $600,000 or P24 million, a miniscule amount compared with the $15
million or P600 million paid by the U.S. Navy for its 2009 grounding incident.

35. Laws Violated
Several sanctions could be imposed on the ship for committing the
following violations of the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park Act of
2009:
Unauthorized entry (Section 19);
Damages to the reef (Section 20);
Non-payment of conservation fees (Section 21);
Destroying and disturbing resources (Section 26); and
Obstructing law enforcement (Section 30)

37. As a signatory to various international conventions, the Philippines is
committed to protect the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World
Heritage Site. Some of these treaties are:
The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) of 1971 aims to stem the
loss of wetlands worldwide especially those that are important for migratory
waterfowl. It defines wetlands as fresh, brackish and saltwater marshes,
including marine waters up to six meters in depth at low tide and any deeper
marine waters contained within the wetland area. The Tubbataha Reefs was
included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance on
November 12, 1999.
- World Heritage Convention (Convention Concerning the Protection of the
World Cultural and Natural Heritage) of 1972 seeks to create international
support for the protection and maintenance of sites demonstrating outstanding
cultural and natural heritage. All 187 Parties to the World Heritage Convention
assumes an obligation to identify, protect, conserve and transmit to future
generations their unique cultural and natural heritage. Tubbataha was inscribed
in the World Heritage List on December 11, 1993.

38. - Convention on Biological Diversity of 1992 seeks the conservation of
biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. It provides for
the establishment of protected areas where special measures are to be
taken to conserve biological diversity and the protection of ecosystems,
natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in
natural surroundings.
- The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED or the Earth
Summit) of 1992 stipulates in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 (Protection of the
Oceans) that partner States shall undertake “measures to maintain
biological diversity and productivity of marine species under national
jurisdiction...including...establishment and management of protected areas.”
- The 1994 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which aims to
regulate all marine activities in any area of the sea and “provides legal basis
upon which to pursue the protection and sustainable development of the
marine environment and its coastal resources”.

39. The Philippine Government has enacted laws that call for the protection of
biodiversity and land/seascapes through the following instruments:
- Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) provides for genuine and
meaningful local autonomy of territorial and political subdivisions of the State to
enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and
make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. It requires
all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with
appropriate LGUs, non-government and people’s organizations, and other
concerned sectors of the country before any project or program is implemented in
their jurisdiction.
- Republic Act No. 7611 (Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan of 1992)
provides the framework for the sustainable development of Palawan compatible
with protecting and enhancing natural resources and the endangered
environment.
- Republic Act No.7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992)
aims to secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations the
perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a
comprehensive system of integrated protected areas.

40. - Republic Act 8550 (The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) ensures rational and
sustainable development, management, and conservation of the fishery and
aquatic resources in Philippine waters including the Exclusive Economic Zone and
within adjacent high seas. It guarantees the conservation and protection of the
country’s fishery and aquatic resources to achieve food security.
- Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001)
conserves and protects wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological
balance and enhance biological diversity. It also aims to pursue, with due regard to
the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international conventions,
regulate the collection and trade in wildlife, and initiate or support scientific
studies on the conservation of biological diversity. The Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development (PCSD) is the key implementer of this law as it applies to
Palawan.
- Republic Act 10067 (TRNP Act of 2009) provides for the protection and conservation
of the globally significant economic, biological, socio-cultural, educational and
scientific value of the Tubbataha Reefs into perpetuity for the enjoyment of the
present and future generations.

41. Possible Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem:
• Immediate impact from the grounding is the disruption of the marine
ecosystem
• death of coral species and organisms in the damaged part
when the health of the coral is threatened, the existence of every other
species is threatened, too.
• the shock could have disturbed reproduction of turtles and other
marine life, as well as the breeding patterns of the black noddies
(critically-endangered birds) in the “Parola”
• displacement of habitat
• possible oil spills, debris and pollutants from the ship could harm
marine life
• two of the park’s 15 diving sites would be closed during the diving
season because of the salvaging operations

42. Possible Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem:
-As a source of larvae for the fishing grounds and coral reefs
around the Sulu Sea (U.P. Visayas 2010), as a producer of at
least 200 tons of seafood per square kilometer (5 times
greater than the productivity of an ordinary healthy reef
(which produces 40 metric tons), and as a seeding and
growth area of the fish stocks of Palawan and the Visayas;
this would mean the demise of economics dependent on the
reefs.
- Coral polyps absorb CO2 to form their shells. With less
corals, the ocean absorbs less carbon dioxide, leaving more
in the atmosphere.

43. ASSESSING THE DAMAGE TO THE NATURAL HERITAGE
Porfirio Aliño, Ph.D., Miledel Christine Quibilan, Renmar Martinez, Ma. Antoinette Juinio-Meñez
UP Marine Science Institute

44. If there’s 200 tons per square kilometer average yield per day,
200 tons
X 907.184 kilograms
----------------------------------
181,436.80 kilograms per sq.km.
X .0045 square kilometers (4,500 sq.m.)
---------------------------------
816.4656 kilos per day
X P60 per kilo
------------------------------------
P48,987.94 per day
X 365 days (1 year)
-------------------------------------
P 17,880,598.10 per year
X 250 years of rehabilitation
----------------------------------------
P 4.47015e+9 (447 Billion)

45. According to Burke, Selig & Spalding (2002):
The potential sustainable economic net benefits per year from coral reefs
in the Philippines is equivalent to 1.1 Billion USD.
1.1 Billion USD
X .09 (Tubbataha Reef comprised of 9% of the total PH reefs)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
90,000,000 USD (Possible yield of the Tubbataha Reef per year)
X .02 (percentage of damage to coraline area of 2,546 ha)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,800,000 USD
X 41 PhP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
P 73,800,000 per year

46. How Long would it Take to Rehabilitate the Reef?
It is important, first, to know what kinds of corals were damaged,
the extent of damage and external conditions that would affect
the coral growth.
… Because Corals grow at different rates depending on water
temperature, salinity, turbulence, and the availability of food.
Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated
waters.
- Generally, there are hard and soft corals
- The massive corals are the slowest growing species, adding
between 5 and 25 millimeters (0.2–1 inch) per year to their
length.

47. Examples of common corals found
in Tubbataha (based on tourist
photos):
- Branching and Staghorn corals can grow
much faster, adding as much as 20
centimeters (8 inches) to their branches
each year.
http://www.coral.org/resources/about_co
ral_reefs/coral_overview - The stony skeleton of Acropora pulchra
takes on various forms. It is a branching
species, sometimes being tree-like and
forming thickets and in other locations
forming tangled colonies with level upper
surfaces. The branches are up to 12 mm
(0.5 in) in diameter and up to 18 cm (7 in)
long. Often the whole colony spreads
horizontally and is no more than 5 cm
(2 in) thick. The growth habit largely
depends on where the coral is growing in
Sweetlips beneath a table coral, Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
http://divehappy.com/philippines/tubbataha-reef-liveaboard-diving-trip- relation to the tide levels. (Wikipedia)
report-june-2011/

48. - Some stony corals may grow about 5 mm (0.2 inches) each month,
while others such as deep water corals may grow much
slower. http://www.coralscience.org/main/articles/biochemistry-
2/how-reefs-grow
- Black coral colonies are slow-growing so it will take them over 100
years to re-grow and flourish once more. (BFAR)
- - Healthy coral reefs grow horizontally from 1 to 3 centimetres (0.39
to 1.2 in) per year, and grow vertically anywhere from 1 to 25
centimetres (0.39 to 9.8 in) per year; however, they grow only at
depths shallower than 150 metres (490 ft) due to their need for
sunlight, and cannot grow above sea level. Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef#…
- Corals reefs are formed by the combined forces of billions of tiny
invertebrate animals – the coral polyps. Coral polyps are connected
by each other by common tissue called coenosarc. Coral species have
guts that are connected together, allowing them to share nutrients.

49. Some Updates since the Grounding Incident:
• Salvaging Operations. Target date to complete the salvaging operation is
on March 23. The deck of the ship was already removed Feb 27. Other
accomplishment includes dismantling the funnel and the mast and
removing navigational equipment and controls. Bad weather disrupted
the salvaging operations. They are now targeting the 2nd level of the US
minesweeper.
• There was a press release in Inquirer last March 3 that there will be an
investigating team to assess the reef on April. The new diver-researchers
are Tubbataha park superintendent Angelique Songco, Noel Bundal from
TMO, Gregg Yan, Dylan Melgazo and Darius Cayanan from WWF, and Julius
Parcon from (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP).
• Philippine Coast Guard said in a press interview that observers would be
allowed only 500 meters away from the salvaging area and that taking
pictures are not allowed.

50. Recommendations:
• We need to know the concrete facts in able to address it
scientifically. This starts with having access to the problem and
asking the right questions.
• The people have the right to know. We must ought for transparent
procedures, as this is an issue of destruction of marine resources,
food security, violation of our archipelago’s integrity and
sovereignty – not a security issue of the US.
• Conflict of interests should be avoided as much as possible to
come out with the best and most scientific results. The
perpetrators should be eliminated from the scene, first, instead of
having them investigate themselves. There should be a truly
independent investigating team.

51. Recommendations:
• It is best to involve our best reef experts, marine ecologists and
grassroots-based organizations to form a technical working
committee/group to assess the situation and to propose plans for
reef rehabilitation.
• Ideally, there should be an impact assessment before and after the
salvaging procedures as it might cause further damage to the reef
& disruption to marine life, and could cause oil spills, debris and
pollutants as well. Typically in our procedures, there are certain
processes involved for the Environmental Impact Assessment and
the DENR has the hand on it. Otherwise, it would be awkward for
an environment agency to be silent in this issue.
• Therefore, government agencies such as the DENR and the BFAR
should be pushed to perform their responsibilities in protecting the
environment and our marine resources.

52. Recommendations:
• Grassroots involvement. As, we believe, the locals and
the small fisherfolks are the most sincere in protecting
the marine resources because it means life to them.
They also have the practical knowledge on how to
protect these resources.

53. Recommendations:
To prevent incidents like this, some scientists recommend to work on
a precise mapping of the area. NAMRIA maps might also help. (But
our interview with a veteran ship navigator revealed that mapping is
just a secondary issue – because ships have radars. High-tech
minesweepers must have better facilities.)
Respect on Marine Protected Areas (no warships should be allowed to
enter). Some marine scientists, as well as the Tubbataha
Management, recommend exploring the options of declaring the Sulu
Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). Applying for the
designation of Sulu Sea as a PSSA, however, is an action that has to be
undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and will require the
approval of the International Maritime Organization.
But what matters most, MPA or PSSA, is how we implement our
policies to protect our natural resources. Philippine authorities should
avoid “double standards.”

54. Recommendations:
There should be environmental justice. Sovereign laws should be
upheld. Remember that international laws are generally accepted
principles “between”—NOT “above” -- states.
We should also look for stronger and clearer laws and strict
implementation by responsible agencies. Aside from the Tubbataha
Reef Natural Park Act of 2009, we have no sufficient laws covering
such incident.
Tubbataha is a no-take zone. If a small motored boat gets in there, it
could have been confiscated by the management. Why not do the
same with the USS Guardian?

55. Recommendations:
Environmentalists should also work on the abrogation of the Visiting
Forces Agreement (VFA) because it endangers our marine
environment to nuclear, oil and toxic wastes that the US warships
could have brought in the country. Citing the dumping of wastes in
Subic Bay by a US ship a few months ago, marine life would be more
susceptible to toxic pollutants and degradation.
US Navy ships also use low-frequency acoustic sonars that could be
harmful to marine life because it disrupts dolphins and whales’
echolocation abilities and migratory patterns, could cause internal
organ rupture and bleeding, massive stranding, and deaths. Their
presence is a clear threat.

56. Recommendations:
This should NOT stop with a political statement… This
struggle should go on until rehabilitation and until there
are threats to our natural resources.

57. SAVE OUR COASTAL RESOURCES!
SAVE TUBBATAHA!
UPHOLD THE INTEGRITY OF OUR COUNTRY!
JUNK VFA!