A story of hope for the global centre of coral diversity
The Philippines have established a wonderful working model in coral reef conservation The Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines are located at the heart of the Coral Triangle: a global centre of marine biodiversity, that contains 76% of the world’s marine biodiversity across just 2% of the ocean’s area. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, some 180 kilometres from the Island of Palawan. Spanning 970 square kilometres, the Natural Park protects the Philippines’ largest coral reef as well as forming a critical habitat for numerous species of fish, corals, dolphins, whales, marine turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds - many of which are globally threatened. Due to their remoteness and the fact that local weather conditions only allow live-aboard dive trips between March and June, the reefs have - mercifully - remained relatively pristine. Threats still exist, however, such as the use of cyanide and dynamite in fishing, the large scale harvesting of turtle eggs and unregulated tourism.
TUBBATAHA REEF JESSIE BEAZLEY REEF
NORTH ATOLL
SOUTH ATOLL
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