The South China Sea, a vital marine ecosystem teeming with biodiversity, is facing an ecological crisis. Recent reports indicate significant degradation of coral reefs and a decline in marine life, raising concerns among environmentalists and neighboring countries.
One of the alarming practices contributing to this decline is cyanide fishing, a method that involves spraying sodium cyanide into coral reefs to stun fish, making them easier to catch. This practice, prevalent in the Philippines since the 1960s, has led to the destruction of coral reefs, which are essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
The Philippines, located within the Coral Triangle—a region known for its rich marine biodiversity—has historically relied on fishing both for local sustenance and international trade. The demand for ornamental and live reef fish in Western markets spurred fishermen to adopt destructive fishing methods, including cyanide fishing, muroami, and blast fishing, to increase their catch and income.
Despite laws and regulations aimed at curbing these practices, enforcement has been challenging. Economic pressures and lack of alternatives have driven some fishermen to continue using harmful methods, further endangering the marine environment.
In recent years, the Philippines has raised concerns about environmental damage in the South China Sea, attributing some of the deterioration to activities by other nations. Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated, “This kind of activity… is not just an attack on one country’s sovereignty, but actually a crime against humanity.” However, Tarriela also acknowledged the absence of strong evidence to support these accusations.
China has responded by urging the Philippines to address its own environmental issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “We urge the relevant party of the Philippines to stop creating a political drama from fiction. If the Philippines truly cares about the ecological environment of the South China Sea, it should tow away the illegally ‘grounded’ warship at Ren’ai Jiao as soon as possible.”
Environmental experts emphasize the need for regional cooperation to address the ecological crisis. Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, expressed, “The way forward is for the Philippines and China and all the claimant countries to cooperate, to promote its biodiversity.”
As political tensions draw attention away from environmental concerns, the marine life of the South China Sea continues to suffer. It is imperative for nations bordering the sea to collaborate on sustainable practices and enforce regulations that protect this critical ecosystem for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
