A group of scuba divers spotted various marine species during an underwater cleanup organized in the waters of Maasim, Sarangani in line with the International Coastal Cleanup 2025.

The group is composed of divers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other private groups in SOCCSKSARGEN.

During the activity, the group documented a green a sea turtle swimming and gliding near the coral reefs, a nudibranch – a soft-bodied marine gastropod mollusk – and a rare crab.

A member of the diving team, Major Robert Fores, said the sighting of various marine species indicates the positive impact of designating the area as a protected seascape.

“Sinasabi natin na ang Sarangani Bay is diversified. Marami siyang species ng corals and marine organisms which are very good subject for underwater photography,” Fores said.

However, the trash in the sea, including the ones they collected, poses threat to marine life.

“Mostly galing sa domestic waste, wrappers ng shampoo and other solid waste galing sa households na tinatapon lang doon at naa-accumulate doon sa ating Sarangani Bay,” Fores added.

The group also observed the presence of crown-of-thorns starfish, which feed on corals. The increase of its population is reportedly attributed to the depletion of trumpet shells considered as their natural predators.

The group urged the public to stop individuals from collecting trumpet shells to sell as house decors.

“Yung natural predator ng crown of thorns starfish yung trumpet shell kalimitan nakikita natin yung shell niya ginagawang palamuti sa bahay binebenta ng ating mga kababayan. We encourage na wag bilhin o hulihin ang natural predator ng COT because as a result merong ecological imbalance. Pag walang predator, dadami yung population ng COT or dap-at,” Fores said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) supported the cleanup drive.