Satellite Image: China reclamation activity (REUTERS)
Manila, Philippines — The ongoing activities in the West Philippine Sea is increasingly becoming detrimental to the overall health of our environment and the rights of our fishermen as well.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is alarmed over the destruction of marine resources because of China’s reclamation in the West Philippine Sea. The satellite photos showed damages in Spratly or Kalayaan Group of Islands which was estimated at around 311 hectares.
National Scientist and UP Marine Science Institute Professor Emeritus Dr. Edgardo Gomez said the economic losses of countries around the nine-dash line principle of China are more than US$ 108.9m every year.
Aside from China’s construction of military bases in West Philippine Sea, poaching or harvesting of giant clam shells, corals and other marine species by Chinese vessels cause the destruction of ecological balance. Products where brought to Hainan province, China for the production of coral crafts, shell bracelets, shell necklaces and mounted shell carvings. Corals were also destroyed where the Chinese dredged a channel.
BFAR Director and D-A Usec for Fisheries Director Asis Perez said, more than 12 thousand fisher folks from 9 municipalities near West Philippine Sea might be affected by the reclamation. The 2014 BFAR National Stock Assessment Program shows that more than 22 thousand metric tons of combined catch is from this region.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said that even if the China’s reclamation area in the West Philippine Sea is part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone, they are advising Filipino fishermen not to venture near the area to avoid harassments that they might encounter.
Just this mid-April, 2 harassment incidents near the reclamation site were reported to the agency. Asis Perez said they will protect fishermen who are already in the area, but offering to escort them there would not be a responsible action on his part. (REY PELAYO/UNTV News)