Alexandra Cousteau calls for the conservation of the Philippines’ largest marine protected area

Oceana senior advisor Alexandra Cousteau, who is visiting the Philippines on Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, will meet with Cebu local officials, civil society, business leaders and media to help promote Oceana’s campaigns against the twin bane of uncontrolled coastal development and illegal fishing in the country’s fragile marine ecosystems.

 

Cousteau, granddaughter of renowned undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, is assisting Oceana’s campaigns to help end the destruction of our oceans and to push for sustainable fisheries worldwide.

 

Government data shows that 60 percent of the Philippine population lives in coastal areas, while over 60 percent of protein requirement is supplied by fish. Sadly, 75 percent of fishing grounds are overfished.

 

During her visit, Cousteau is meeting with top national officials and the private sector to push for marine conservation, as well as support for programs that would make threatened Philippine fisheries rebound and become more sustainable. In Cebu and Negros, she will be asking for support to implement the enforcement plan in Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected area.

 

“Tañon Strait is one of the top marine biodiversity hotspots in the country. A strong monitoring mechanism is necessary to ensure that our marine wealth is protected against illegal commercial and destructive fishing,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president for Oceana Philippines.

 

Ramos observed that despite the area’s protected status, many challenges persist including overfishing, conversion of coastal habitats to industrial uses, and pollution. These activities destroy fish habitats and populations, and adversely affect the livelihood of artisanal fishers.

 

Tañon Strait is an important habitat and migratory route for 14 species of marine mammals including spinner dolphins, dwarf sperm whales, pygmy killer whales, and spotted dolphins. It is also one of the country’s major fishing grounds, sustaining 43,000 fishers.

 

Last year, the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional the oil exploration, development and exploitation of petroleum resources within the Tañon Strait between the Department of Energy and the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. The drilling was to take place in a 2,850-kilometer area.

 

Meanwhile, illegal dump-and-fill projects “destroy mangroves, seagrass and corals, which serve as spawning grounds and nursery grounds of not only small fishes, but other marine mammals, as well as crabs,” said Jimely Flores, senior marine scientist for Oceana Philippines.

 

“If we lose these habitats, we cut the cycle of life,” she said. “Now, we may not feel it yet. But its impact will definitely be felt by future generations,” said Flores.

 

Oceana’s legal and policy associate Roger Guzman said there are at least 15 proposed land reclamation projects in various parts of Central and Eastern Visayas.

 

 

 

 

For inquiries, please contact:

 

Yasmin Arquiza, Communications Director

Oceana Philippines

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Mobile: +639176595635  E-mail: yarquiza@oceana.org

Facebook:www.facebook.com/oceana.philippinesTwitter: @Oceana_Ph

 

Rosary Ysmael-Palanca                                                IkaRoxas-Ysmael

ikaysmael@ymv-inc.com                                                            rysmael@ymv-inc.com

 

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With over 100 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.