P11.1M coral reefs damaged after Chinese ship runs aground off Pag-asa Island

At least P11.1 million worth of coral reefs in Pag-asa Reef 1 were damaged after a Chinese maritime militia vessel ran aground in the area last month, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development said Monday.

The damage assessment was carried out on June 17 by a joint team from PCSD, Western Philippines University, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

The grounding occurred on June 7.

In a press conference, Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the incident happened approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the coast of Pag-asa Island and involved a Chinese vessel with bow number 16868.

While the ship managed to free itself after nearly three hours, experts confirmed the incident inflicted significant harm on the protected coral zones.

Marine scientists reported that a parachute anchor, believed to have been used by the Chinese vessel, was found on-site and had severely impacted the reef. The damage was caused by the dragging of the sea anchor and/or anchor line.

Protected zone violated

Atty. Teodoro Jose Mata, executive director of PCSD, explained the legal framework governing the incident area.

“The location of the incident is within the core zone or the zone which is afforded maximum protection under the law, under Republic Act 7611," he said. 

“No human activity is supposed to be allowed in there," he added. 

PCSD field biologist Mark De La Cruz presented findings from the on-site evaluation, noting that coral fragments—both hard and soft—were broken or chipped due to the dragging of the parachute anchor.

“We estimate that around 30% of the impacted area was damaged. And the yellow polygon, the anchor area, that is totally damaged," he stressed. 

The reef anchor site alone sustained damage across 307.75 square meters, while the impacted surrounding reef covered an additional 157.21 square meters—totaling 464.96 square meters of damaged coral.

Biodiversity and fisheries at risk

Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez, a marine biologist and retired professor from Western Philippines University, warned of the long-term consequences.

“The anchor parachute will continue to cover the corals, denying access to sunlight. Without sunlight, the coral reef will die," he said.

“Further contact between the parachute anchor and the reef will produce microplastic waste... Studies show microplastics are already present in fish muscles—and now, possibly in humans. Fish will have no shelter. Coral reefs are their home," he added. 

He added that coral reefs also serve as a coastal barrier and their destruction increases vulnerability to storm surges.

NTF-WPS: China must be held accountable

Meanwhile, Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia of the National Security Council said the task force is deeply concerned over the environmental damage.

“The NTF-WPS expresses concern over this reported environmental damage caused by a Chinese vessel near Pag-asa Reef. While it did not run aground directly on the coral reef, the vessel’s anchoring activity caused significant damage to the surrounding reef area."

Valencia also praised the vigilance of local fisherfolk who first reported the incident.

“Their lived experience at sea reflects not only environmental risks but also daily threats to their safety, livelihood, and dignity," he added.

The NTF-WPS endorsed the PCSD’s recommendations to enforce environmental accountability and to implement a coral reef rehabilitation program.

“We remain committed to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, preserving our marine ecosystems, and upholding the well-being of the communities that depend on them," Valencia added. 

The PCSD has recommended the imposition of P11.15 million in penalties against the Chinese vessel, based on a rate of P12,000 per square meter for both resource value and restoration costs.—AOL, GMA Integrated News