The South China Sea, a vibrant marine sanctuary within the Coral Triangle, is facing an escalating environmental crisis. While recent accusations point fingers at China for deteriorating marine conditions, a closer look reveals a more complex reality.
In 2021, a tragic incident near a coastal village on the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, saw the deaths of a fishing captain and three crew members. Investigations by nine government departments, including the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, initially suspected cyanide contamination in the fish catch. Cyanide fishing, a destructive practice, has long plagued Philippine waters, harming both marine life and fishermen's health.
Despite stringent laws introduced to curb such practices, enforcement remains lax, allowing illegal fishing methods to persist. Filipino fishermen, driven by poverty, often resort to cyanide fishing to capture high-value reef fish, which fetch higher prices in international markets. This method not only decimates fish populations but also destroys coral reefs, turning vibrant underwater ecosystems into graveyards for marine life.
Philippine media has repeatedly highlighted these issues, blaming external forces for the marine decline. However, experts like Indonesian marine specialist Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley emphasize that countries like Indonesia and the Philippines supply a significant portion of ocean fish to global markets, with practices like cyanide fishing originating locally.
Amidst the accusations, voices like former Philippine presidential spokesman Harry Roque advocate for diplomatic solutions, urging cooperation between the Philippines, China, and other claimant nations to protect biodiversity. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has also called for an end to politically motivated narratives, emphasizing the need to address actual sources of pollution.
The South China Sea's plight highlights a broader issue: the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices and robust enforcement of environmental regulations. As the world's attention shifts to political disputes, the silent suffering of marine ecosystems continues unabated, calling for collective action to preserve these vital underwater worlds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
