Author Topic: Philippine Coral Reefs (Read 6438 times)

hubag bohol · « **on:** April 12, 2011, 08:26:46 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:28:49 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:31:49 AM »

The Philippines is situated in Southeast Asia in the Western Pacific. The Western Pacific is known for having some of the warmest waters on the planet. In the warm, shallow waters around the islands, we find the corals and the coral reefs. Corals are micro organisms, so, they are the smallest animals you can imagine. These 'microscopic small' organisms produce (secrete) lime which form miniscule small holes (cavities). These miniscule small holes serve as their living room. The corals use their tentacles to trap passing plankton. Plankton is the food for corals. As generations of corals die, the lime skeletons of the dead micro organisms will build-up the coral reefs. It takes a coral reef 5 years to grow one inch. The forms of the reefs we can see today, are the result of a natural process of millions of years. These limestone forms are the environment (the habitat) for the many different en coloured tropical fish.

http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:50:40 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2011, 09:00:26 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2011, 09:02:20 AM »

Marine bio diversity

The coral reefs in the Western Pacific have the highest marine biodiversity in the world. In the waters of the Philippines there are more than 2000 different kinds of fish. This area is one of the most unique in the Pacific Ocean. The coral reefs are very beautiful, ideal for divers and snorkelling tourists. Moreover, they also protect the shoreline by acting as a wave breaker.

http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:00:10 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:01:12 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:05:43 AM »

Threats for the coral reefs?

Its very sad that many coral reefs have been damaged in the past by fishermen. Many fishermen used cyanide and dynamite to get fish in a more easy and fast way. To use the cyanide was an effective way not to kill but paralyze (put them to sleep) the fish for some time. It was then easy to collect the fish in a relative short time. The fish was sold to traders. Using the dynamite by the fishermen caused a lot of damage to coral reefs.

Measures of the Philippine government

The government of the Philippines, have realized that the reefs of the area can be a very good economic resource in another way than fishing! For tourists diving and snorkelling in these coral waters, is one of the most pleasant ways to spend holidays in a tropical country like the Philippines. For the Philippines, tourism is more and more an important economic sector. Tourism brings a lot of dollars to the country and creates many jobs.

Using dynamite belongs to the past

The Philippine government has taken steps to preserve these areas of biodiversity. The policy is effective. Fishermen are convinced too that tourism is a very good alternative for generating income. The result is that no further damage happened in the last years. The coral reefs can restore with the speed of one inch in five years.

http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:07:05 AM »

The Coral Triangle

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:11:00 AM »

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1219 (As amended by Presidential Decree No. 1698, 1980)
[PROVIDING FOR THE EXPLORATION, EXPLOITATION, UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION OF CORAL RESOURCES].

WHEREAS, coral resources are known to exist beneath territorial waters and in the marine economic zone of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, the exploitation of these resources, especially the precious coral varieties, will bring revenue to the country and generate employment in the processing and utilization of these resources;

WHEREAS, it is necessary that the exploration, exploitation, utilization and conservation of these resources be properly regulated to ensure the preservation of the countryâ€™s marine environment;

WHEREAS, conservation of ordinary corals is necessary for the preservation of the natural breeding ground, habitat or abode of fishes and other marine organisms;

WHEREAS, ordinary corals are natural protection of the shore and adjacent infrastructures against destructive effects of wave erosion;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate the following:

Section 1
Title

This Decree shall be called "The Coral Resources Development and Conservation Decree."

Section 2
Declaration of Policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to promote and regulate the exploration, exploitation, utilization and conservation of coral resources, whether existing beneath territorial waters or in the marine economic zone of the Philippines, and to ensure the protection of these resources as provided for under other existing laws.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:11:41 AM »

Section 3
Definition of Terms

As used in this Decree the following terms are defined as follows:
a. Person includes a natural or juridical person.

b. Coral consists of small anemone-like organisms belonging to Phylum Coelenterata which secrete their own skeletons of various forms that may be hard, soft, stony or horny, and shall include the following:
1. Precious coral. Skeleton of anthozoan coelenterate characterized as having a rigid axis of compact calcareous or horny spicules, belonging to the genus Corallium as represented by the red, pink and white corals.

2. Semi-precious coral. Skeleton of anthozoan coelenterate characterized by a thorny, horny axis, such as the Antipatharians as represented by the black corals.

3. Ordinary coral. All kinds of coral other than precious and semi-precious coral.

c. Exploration. The preliminary surveys and random sampling within a concession area.

d. Exploitation. The actual extraction, gathering and collection in accordance with acceptable coral development and conservation practices.

e. Utilization. All operations involved in the manufacture, processing or conversion of raw corals into finished products.

f. Conservation. The complete preservation or limited harvesting of coral resources in such a way as not to adversely affect the sustained productivity of marine ecosystems.

g. Concessionaire. The person to whom a concession has been granted or awarded under the provisions of this Decree.

h. Finished Products. Processed and manufactured coral articles of trade and commerce in a form that may be immediately utilized by the end-user or consumer such as, but not limited to, jewelries or decorative articles.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:12:49 AM »

Section 4
Implementing Agency

This Decree shall be implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, who shall have the jurisdiction and responsibility in the exploration, exploitation, utilization and conservation of coral resources.

Section 5
Ordinary Coral

The gathering, harvesting, collecting, transporting, possession, sale and/or exporting of ordinary corals either in raw or processed form in any quantity, is prohibited. The use of corals as materials in buildings and other man-made structures, such as but not limited to piers, dams and dikes, is likewise prohibited.

Section 6
Gratuitous Permit

The Minister of Natural Resources may issue a gratuitous permit to duly established and recognized research and educational institutions to gather in limited quantities any coral for scientific or educational purposes only.

Section 7
(and Section 8, as amended)
Special Permit

The Minister of Natural Resources may issue a special permit to only one person/corporation for a limited issue to conduct experimental collection of precious and semi-precious corals.

The applicant for a special permit must be a Filipino citizen, or a corporation, at least seventy (70) per cent of the capital stock of which is owned or controlled by Filipinos.
Vessels to be used for such operations shall be of Philippine registry. Provided, That if foreign vessels are used, prior clearance from the government agencies concerned shall first be obtained.

Section 9
Export of Precious and Semi-precious Coral

Exportation of precious and semi-precious coral gathered is hereby prohibited, unless such corals are first processed and manufactured into finished products in the Philippines.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:13:29 AM »

Section 10
Rules and Regulations

The Secretary of Natural Resources shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement effectively the provisions of this Decree.

Section 11
Penalties

Any person gathering precious or semi-precious corals without any permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than sixty (60) days nor more than six (6) years or a fine of not less than Six Thousand Pesos (P6,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court. Provided, That the penalties herein prescribed shall be without prejudice to the confiscation by the government of the corals illegally gathered together with the vessel, the gear and paraphernalia used therein. Confiscation shall also cover attempted illegal exportation of corals.

Section 12
Repealing Clause

All laws, executive orders, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 13
Transitory Provisions

All possessors of existing coral stocks gathered prior to the effectivity of this Decree are required to dispose all their existing stocks within fifteen (15) days from the date of effectivity of this Decree.

Section 14
Effectivity

This Decree shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: October 14, 1977

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:21:31 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:22:17 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2011, 10:27:16 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2011, 11:38:37 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2011, 11:43:09 AM »

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2011, 11:57:57 AM »

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life.

The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.

Tubbataha supports an unparalleled variety of marine creatures. Colorful reef fish crowd corals growing in the shallows while sharks and pelagics haunt the steep drop offs to the open sea.

A team of rangers are stationed on the reef year-round and, from March until June, divers visit Tubbataha to experience the wonders of this unique underwater world.

More at: http://www.tubbatahareef.org/

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2011, 01:59:11 PM »

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