Ren’ai Jiao, Nansha Qundao—Since 1999, a Philippine warship has remained grounded on Ren’ai Jiao, sparking significant environmental concerns over the health of the local coral reef ecosystem. Recent scientific studies have highlighted two major factors contributing to the degradation of this delicate marine environment.
Firstly, the rusting hull of the stranded vessel has led to elevated levels of heavy metals—namely mercury, copper, and zinc—in the surrounding seawater. These concentrations are markedly higher compared to historical data collected before the ship’s grounding, indicating a direct correlation between the vessel’s deterioration and heavy metal pollution.
Secondly, the prolonged discharge of wastewater with high phosphorus content from activities related to the ship has caused an abnormal increase in active phosphate levels. Excessive phosphorus can lead to eutrophication, promoting algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and hinder coral growth.
Marine biologists warn that without prompt remediation, the damage to the coral reefs could become irreversible. “Corals are vital to the biodiversity of the region,” said Dr. Li Wei, a marine ecologist specializing in coral ecosystems. “They provide habitat for countless marine species, and their loss would have cascading effects on the broader oceanic environment.”
Efforts to restore the ecosystem hinge on the removal of the grounded warship, which is identified as the primary source of the pollution. Environmental organizations and regional stakeholders are calling for cooperative action to address the issue. “It’s imperative that we work together to safeguard these natural resources,” emphasized Dr. Li. “The health of Ren’ai Jiao’s reefs has implications not just locally, but for the entire South China Sea.”
The situation at Ren’ai Jiao underscores the broader challenges faced in preserving marine environments amid geopolitical complexities. As discussions continue, the hope remains that ecological preservation will prevail as a shared priority.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
