The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines on Sunday expressed alarm over the reported massive coral harvesting in areas within the West Philippines Sea (WPS) where several Chinese vessels were recently spotted.
"Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, & coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats," it said in a brief statement posted on its Twitter account.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said the vital ecosystems should be preserved and protected for the next generations.
Very alarming news. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, & coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats. ❤️🌊 🐠Let's preserve & protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.🌏🐟 https://t.co/kXyyVxwzIo
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) September 17, 2023
Speaking to reporters in a news forum on Saturday, Sept. 16, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos reported that Navy divers discovered the massive harvesting during an underwater survey in Rozul Reef last July.
He said that no corals was left due to the activitiy.
Carlos, however, noted that they sought the help of scientists and maritime experts for assessment to verify if there really had been a massive coral harvesting and whether the activities was recent or old.
On Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that there had been "extensive damage" in the marine ecosystem and coral reef in Rozul Reef as well as in Escoda shoal.
Tarriela said the Chinese vessels "may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment" given that they continue to conduct "illegal and destructive fishing activities" in the aforementioned two areas within the WPS.
