By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol ChronicleAn oil seismic survey in the northern coastlines of Bohol will endanger Danajon Bank and its marine resources, this is according to a fisherfolk development organization opposing oil explorations in the Visayan seas.
Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (FIDEC) said in an interview with the Chronicle that if the seismic oil exploration in northern Bohol will push through, it could alter the marine biodiversity of Danajon Bank, which is one of the rare double barrier reef formations in the world and is said to be the source of marine biodiversity in the Asia Pacific region.
According to Cinches, FIDEC is now organizing a multi-sectoral team which includes marine biologists and experts to gather data of marine life and resources at the Danajon double barrier reefs before the seismic survey will start.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is said to have awarded an oil exploration contract to Australian-based Otto Energy Ltd. to explore Area 8 which is located between the coastlines of Bohol, Cebu and Leyte.
Cinches bared that Dr. Lemuel Aragones, a University of the Philippines marine biologist is here to conduct initial studies of the oil survey area.
“Danajon Bank is part of the country’s marine biodiversity priorities,†Cinches said, “the coral reefs are threatened of destruction and its inhabitants may be driven away due to the noise generated by the seismic exploration.â€
An oil seismic survey near the area will likewise threaten the local economy and food security, he said, while marginal fishermen will be greatly affected.
Some 100 marine scientists have called to end the oil explorations in the Visayas which includes the seismic survey of the Bohol and Cebu Straits in June last year.
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