Growing Back the Reefs

The Philippines is known for its wonderful beaches and world class coral reefs, but the sad thing about it is that even if our country comes in third in the world when it comes to our marine life only two percent remain from its original luster. The Philippine coral reefs are in danger of becoming barren and measure should put up to prevent this from happening.

Over the years, the Philippine government, Eco organizations and even some private companies have been making ways to give the coral reef restoration a fighting chance. Efforts like clean-up drives, information campaigns, area protections and even artificial reef restoration are their starting points with hope that this will lessen the stress that the coral reefs are suffering due to commercial ventures and recreational activities.

Both boats and tourists deliver a blow to the remaining coral population since they disturb and displace the corals that took years to grow, some take them out of their habitat and treat them as souvenirs. These activities are light compared to the commercial strains like dynamite or cyanide fishing dealt back when they were still unmonitored.

That aside, the efforts these organizations are doing is immensely helping in the recovery of the reef. A notable venture would be the installation of artificial reefs to promote marine life in damaged but rescued areas. A company by Teodorico Haresco, Philippines’ entrepreneur, called Eco-Coral Corporation is tying up with eco organizations in doing marine surveys for suitable areas for restorations and if found feasible then they manufacture and install the artificial corals in the area.

An area done by Eco-Coral Corporation is the Capones Island in the Philippines, where in 15 weeks after installation saw a considerable increase in marine life in terms of fishes, crustaceans and other marine life. Plans of doing the same action on other damaged reefs should be carried out as soon as possible so the reefs will have more time to recover.

As for the people behind the movement to grow back the coral reefs, I hope they keep up the good work. People like Teodorico Haresco, Philippines’ entrepreneur and all of the eco-organizations who continually are working to give the Philippines’ coral reef a standing chance for a future.