The South China Sea, a vital marine habitat rich in biodiversity, has been at the center of ecological debates and political tensions. Recently, the Philippines has accused China of causing significant damage to the region's delicate coral reefs. However, a closer look reveals that the root of the problem may lie closer to home.
According to a report by China's Ministry of Natural Resources released on July 8, the illegally grounded Philippine warship at Ren'ai Jiao since 1999 has severely impacted the local coral reef ecosystem. While Philippine media attributes the marine deterioration to destructive fishing practices like \"cyanide fishing,\" there is a lack of substantial evidence to support these claims against China.
In 2021, a tragic incident near a coastal village on the Zamboanga Peninsula highlighted the dangers of these practices. A captain and three crew members died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning the fish storage compartment, raising suspicions of cyanide contamination. Investigations by nine Philippine departments, including the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, pointed towards the use of cyanide in fishing.
Destructive fishing methods have long plagued the Philippines, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to an extraordinary underwater world. The demand for high-value ornamental fish in Western markets has driven some Filipino fishermen to resort to harmful techniques like cyanide fishing, which not only endangers marine life but also the health of the fishermen themselves.
Marine experts like Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley from Indonesia highlight that countries like Indonesia and the Philippines supply a significant portion of the world's aquarium fish, often using cyanide to capture colorful reef species quickly. This practice devastates coral reefs, which are essential for marine biodiversity.
Despite the introduction of laws aimed at curbing destructive fishing, enforcement in the Philippines remains weak, allowing illegal practices to persist. This ongoing environmental crisis has led some to question whether the Philippines is using China as a scapegoat to divert attention from its own harmful activities.
Former Philippine presidential spokesman Harry Roque has called for a shift towards diplomacy and cooperation among claimant countries to protect marine biodiversity. Similarly, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need to address the real sources of pollution, such as the grounded warship at Ren'ai Jiao, rather than pointing fingers without evidence.
The situation in the South China Sea underscores the complexity of environmental conservation amidst geopolitical tensions. To truly safeguard the marine ecosystem, collaborative efforts and honest assessments of all contributing factors are essential.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
