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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US, PH deplore damage to coral reefs; cite ill effects on livelihood

US, PH deplore damage to coral reefs; cite ill effects on livelihood

Published Sep 19, 2023 03:10 am

The Philippines and the United States have expressed concern over the harvesting of corals in the Rozul (Iroquios) Reef and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, which was believed to be conducted by personnel of foreign vessels, as they said the livelihood of the people is at stake.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on everyone concerned "to act responsibly" and "cease all activities that can damage our precious maritime environment" after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered extensive marine environment damage in the areas frequented by Chinese militia vessels.
 

Marine environment in the said features "appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life," PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela described the area after the agency conducted surveys.
 

The Philippines "is seriously concerned" about the development, considering the affected reefs are part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, which China continues to contest despite international law and arbitral award.
 

China's embassy in Manila still has no comment on the issue, although a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account said people "should be alarmed by the spreading of such disinformation," when Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko also expressed concern about the purported Chinese activities.
 

"The Philippines has consistently raised the alarm over ecologically harmful activities, conducted by foreign vessels, in our maritime zones, an issue extensively discussed in the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea," DFA said.
 

"The well-being of millions of people who depend on the South China Sea for their livelihood is at stake," it added.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said it was "troubling" to hear such a report.
 

"Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods," Carlson said.
 

As the Philippines and the US beefed up efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to protect the fisherfolk's livelihood, Carlson said Washington is also working with its allies to also protect the country's natural resources.

Related Tags

MaryKay Carlson Department of Foreign Affairs Rozul Reef Escoda Shoal West Philippine Sea
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