Divers in the Philippines Create Nurseries for Rescued Coral
In the coastal town of Bauan in Batangas province, south of the Philippine capital Manila, a group of scuba diving experts and enthusiasts are taking action to help in the propagation and recovery of damaged coral. They are setting up coral nurseries in a popular dive spot to salvage and rehabilitate coral that has been damaged or dislodged by natural calamities and human interference.
Protecting Coral from Natural and Human Threats
The coral in Bauan, known for its diverse population, has been facing threats from natural hazards such as typhoons and human-caused destruction like plastic waste and dynamite fishing. To combat these challenges, divers in the area collect damaged coral and salvage living parts before placing them in coral nurseries.
The idea is to select coral specimens that are more tolerant to climate change and higher temperatures, allowing them to survive and propagate in the nurseries. By doing so, the divers are not only creating a home for orphaned coral but also building a reef of the future that can withstand environmental challenges.
The Importance of Coral Nurseries
Aside from providing a safe haven for damaged coral, these nurseries serve as repositories for future replenishment efforts. In case of mass bleaching events caused by climate change, the nurseries can be a source of healthy coral to restore affected areas. This proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding the ecosystem and the tourism industry that relies on the beauty of the coral reefs.
Bauan, located just a two-hour drive from Manila, has long been a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. However, the frequent damage to its coral population has threatened its appeal. In 2020, a mass coral bleaching event affected approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) of coastline in the surrounding Batangas province. This prompted Carmela Sevilla, a scuba diving instructor and resort owner in Bauan, to take action and invite like-minded conservationists to join her in establishing coral nurseries.
Building a Sustainable Future
Sevilla’s goal, along with the volunteers involved in the initiative, is not to single-handedly solve the challenges of climate change or conservation. Instead, they believe that small efforts can make a lasting impact over time. By slowly building up the coral nurseries and continuously working towards their preservation, they hope to create a sustainable future for the coral reefs in the area.
The Philippines, with its vast coastline spanning over 36,300 kilometers (22,549 miles) and more than 7,600 islands, is known for its rich marine resources. However, the country is not immune to the effects of climate change. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently declared the current situation as the fourth mass global bleaching event in the last three decades, indicating that some areas in the Philippines may suffer in the coming months.
Despite the challenges, the efforts of these divers and conservationists in Bauan are a testament to the power of collective action. By working together to protect and restore damaged coral, they are making a difference in preserving the marine ecosystem and supporting the local tourism industry.
As the coral nurseries continue to grow and thrive, they serve as a beacon of hope for the future of coral reefs in the Philippines. Through their dedication and small-scale initiatives, these divers are contributing to the long-term conservation of this precious natural resource.
