Most comments on the Chinese reclamation in the West Philippine Sea pertain to political matters, trade and maritime matters, and non-living resources like oil.
In this column, I would like to focus on the biological resources that could be at risk because of reclamation.
It is noted that in the Sea are numerous small vegetated islands, submerged shallow coral reefs or shoals, atolls and deep seas between reefs.
However, the most distinctive feature of the Sea is the large expanse of its marine waters, and the marine biodiversity that it holds.
Studies that have been conducted in the Sea confirm the uniqueness of the biodiversity. Some species of fish and corals in the Sea are not commonly seen in adjacent sea areas such as the internal waters of the Philippines.
In fact, a new species of coral in the Sea has been described a few years ago.
Water circulation of the sea appears unhindered because of the ratio of water area to land area is definitely in favor of the sea.
This is an advantage for the surrounding countries in terms of the ease by which the marine propagules, such as fish and other marine larvae, are distributed through ocean currents to these countries.
The atolls play an important role in the functioning of the Sea.
As atolls are geological and biological structures with deeper lagoons in their center, surrounded by shallower reefs at their edges, they act as enclosures that confine adult fish and larvae for periods of time.
These ultimately get out and are carried by ocean currents to areas outside of atolls. Not only fish but also nutrients are held in atolls, and they are presumed to be released periodically.
Our research in the Spratlys indicates the important role of atolls as sources of fish and other species of biodiversity in sustaining marine production in the West Philippine Sea.
From the pictures of the reclaimed atolls, it looks like this role is compromised. Whereas before when sea water could move freely in atolls, now its movement is limited because the surrounding coral around atolls have been paved with concrete.
If a large number of atolls are treated this way, there could be serious consequences such as reduction in the abundance of marine resources in the West Philippines Sea.
One thought comes to mind, and this is the probable effect of climate change on man-made structures in the Sea.
With rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of storm surges, would these structures withstand these natural forces?
Another consequence of reclamation is the change in oceanographic regimes, causing erosion in some parts of the reef.
Overall, reclamation in the West Philippine Sea does more harm than good.
Chinese marine scientists should know this. So why don’t they speak out?
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Author’s email: suakcrem@yahoo.com
