Pag-asa reef damaged by grounded Chinese ship, say scientists

MANILA, July 20 ------ At least 464 square meters of reef near Pag-asa Island were damaged following the grounding of a Chinese vessel in June, scientists said. The Chinese maritime militia vessel ran aground and extricated itself after over an hour on June 7. It is presumed to have abandoned a parachute anchor at Pag-asa Reef 1, located about 2.6 kilometers east of Pag-asa Island — well within the Philippines’ territorial sea. Scientists from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) later found the parachute anchor underwater, resting on live coral at a depth of around 9 meters. The device, typically used to stabilize vessels in open waters, remained in place and is believed to have caused significant coral damage.

PCSD estimated that the dragging of the anchor or its line damaged roughly 30 percent of the affected reef area. “‘Yong damages po na nakita namin ay broken fragments po ng mga branch corals and chip of fragments ng mga massive corals… ’yong mga parang bilog-bilog na bato,” said Mark Ace Dela Cruz, head of PCSD’s Habitat Management System. “And we conclude, based on our observation, that the damages on the reef, diyan po sa impacted area ay caused by ‘yong drag mismo ng anchor.”

Dr. Benjamin Gonzales, from PCSD’s Scientific Advisory Panel, said the parachute anchor should be removed immediately as it continued to block sunlight and affect coral health, fisheries, and the broader marine ecosystem. “The anchor parachute will continue to cover the corals, denying access to sunlight. Without sunlight, the coral reef will die,” he warned. He also noted the potential release of microplastic waste if the equipment remains.

PCSD Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta noted that coral reefs “form part of the building blocks for sea life.” “You lose the coral reefs, you damage the coral reefs, you lose spawning capability, you lose shelter, and you lose part of the food chain… Our other natural resources will diminish as well,” he said.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said it would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue a damage claim worth P11.1 million against the Chinese government. “The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea expressed concern over the reported environmental damage caused by a Chinese vessel near Pag-asa Reef,” said Maj. Gen. Cornelio Valencia Jr., assistant director-general of the National Security Council.

This marks the first time a parachute anchor has been recovered in the West Philippine Sea. “I’m not sure what is the specific reason why they changed from the traditional anchor to parachute anchor. This is very dangerous kasi naka-drag siya at nakaka-sira siya ng coral reef,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. More than a month after the incident, however, Philippine divers have yet to retrieve the parachute anchor due to the technical skills and specialized equipment needed for the operation.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com