Draft:Saving the Reefs: How Marine Pollution Endangers the Philippines Underwater Treasures

The Philippines boasts over 26,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, a significant portion of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. They lie within the Coral Triangle that was also called the "Amazon of the Seas." It holds great importance in the aspect of supporting different species, providing employment opportunities, fishing and tourism, for millions of Filipinos as well as protecting land against storm surges. Marine pollution is posing a great threat to these vital resources. The condition of Philippine coral reefs has been deteriorating since the 1970s. Now, only around 10% of these reefs have more than 50% live coral cover, which indicates how badly damaged they are (Alino et al., 2021). There are numerous reasons for this severe degradation, including harmful fishing practices, pollution in the ocean, and climate change. Although all these issues are interlinked, pollution in the ocean is an emergency. One of the worst events showing this problem was the oil spill near Mindoro in February 2023, covering more than 36,000 hectares of protected sea areas and causing harm to coral reefs, disturbing marine habitats, and leaving long-lasting damage to local fishing communities. Besides these big disasters, everyday pollution from single-use plastics and untreated wastewater keeps putting pressure on these delicate ecosystems, bringing them closer to breaking down. Microplastics is a dangerous species of pollution. The tiny piece of plastics are smaller compared to 5 millimeters in length. It proves to be a significant risk to the life of the coral reefs because microplastics absorbs the sunlight necessary for corals to do photosynthesis activities, causing them not to grow nor reproduce. The cause presents a recovery rate for reefs getting injured to be more delicate. The Philippines is one of the largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution globally. This is because it consumes much single-use plastics and has a weak waste management system. The fact that it has many islands does not help improve the situation as it becomes hard to manage waste properly. Unless the system changes dramatically, plastic pollution will continue to pose a threat to coral reefs and the entire marine ecosystem. Yet with these challenges, there is still hope. There are efforts being done locally and globally in protecting and restoring coral reefs. The Global Coral Reef Rescue Initiative, for example, aims to make the reefs stronger by addressing the issues of climate change and pollution. In the Philippines, scientists and conservationists lead projects such as coral gardening, which means bringing healthy pieces of coral to damaged reefs to help them recover. An example is the local group named the Philippine Coral Reef Society and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation. These perform information and community programs with a view to minimize pollution from entering their seas. Such practices include coastal cleanups, enforces stricter anti-pollution laws, and promoting sustainable fish farming. Private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are beginning to respond. Some companies have already started campaigns to reduce the usage of single-use plastics, while NGOs are actively collaborating with local communities for improving waste management and recycling. Public and private sector cooperation is crucial in dealing with the difficult problems posed by marine pollution. The Philippines is among the six countries within the Coral Triangle. It plays a critical role in safeguarding the world's oceans. This region harbors over 75 percent of the world's coral species and supports more than 120 million people around the globe. The effort of the Philippines to conserve its reefs benefits its immediate citizens and serves as a model for other countries to follow. If the Philippines uses sustainable practices, it can encourage other Coral Triangle countries to do the same, making conservation efforts stronger. The interconnected ecosystems of the Coral Triangle highlight the importance that Philippine reefs hold for the entire world. Coral reefs ingest carbon, regulate the ocean's temperature, and offer habitat to a diverse variety of marine species. This makes their protection imperative for not only the nation but also for the global world. Everyone should join hands to prevent ocean pollution. People can do their part by using less plastic, opting for sea food that is environmentally friendly, and attending beach cleanup events. Simple actions like refusing plastic straws, using reusable bags, and buying from sustainable companies can really make a difference over time. The government must enforce stronger laws that protect the environment and invest more money in projects that save the ocean. This can be achieved by establishing MPAs and improving their management to protect sensitive ecosystems. Significant investments in research and sustainable technologies, such as biodegradable plastics and better waste treatment facilities, are very important. Educational campaigns are very crucial. Talking to people about how pollution of the marine environment degrades the coral reefs creates an inspiration to do things to most people. Institutions like schools, universities, and community groups can initiate this awareness of environmental concern in the Filipino people. There must be international cooperation in terms of sharing the burden in the issue of marine pollution. The Philippines can also work with other countries under the Coral Triangle and also with international conservation organizations on knowledge sharing, resource availability, and best practices. Technological innovation, including monitoring reef health through artificial intelligence or the development of ocean-cleaning robots, presents promising avenues for pollution reduction and reef restoration assistance. Tourism can be used to protect the environment. Eco-tourism projects that focus on sustainability can generate funds to conserve reefs and to educate tourists on why marine conservation matters. Getting tourists involved in activities such as coral planting and beach cleaning transforms tourism from that which is a source of harm to becoming helpful. The stakes have never been higher. Coral reefs support millions of lives, both directly and indirectly. Allowing them to deteriorate further would spell ecological disaster and jeopardize countless livelihoods. Philippine reef decline is a wake-up call for humanity to reevaluate its relationship with the oceans. In fact, this rich marine heritage of the Philippines would make it a country that can lead a world fight against marine pollution. With dedication, innovative work, and unified action, it can prove possible to reverse the tide. Every small action amounts to a collective effort towards saving these treasures underneath. We need to do it now, not tomorrow nor next year. Protecting the coral reefs is our environmental duty and, in fact, a moral commitment for the greener future of the world through generations to come. Let us take direct action on marine pollution that shall help the reefs survive and may serve as inspiration for the rest of the world.

References

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Argana, R. & Surara, C. (2015, January 13). Agencies Ink Accord on Coral Reef Restoration. DOST PCAARRD Portal. https://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/quick-information-dispatch-qid-articles/agencies-ink-accord-on-coral-reef-restoration

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Panga, F. M., Anticamara, J. A., Quibilan, M. C. C., Atrigenio, M. P., & Aliño, P. M. (2021). Through the boundaries: Environmental factors affecting reef benthic cover in marine protected areas in the Philippines. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.702071

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