How important is Tubbataha Reef heritage site for thousands of marine species?
In 1993, Tubbataha was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was recognised as one of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems, containing excellent examples of pristine reefs and a high diversity of marine life. It is also an important habitat for internationally threatened and endangered marine species.
What are the positive impacts of tourism in Tubbataha?
Tourism plays an important role in the management of Tubbataha Reefs as it provides the income needed for operations and helps increase public awareness and support for the reef’s conservation (Ramsar, 2012).
What is the only National Marine Park in the Philippines?
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Why is it called Tubbataha Reef?
Traditionally, during the summer months when the sea was calm, they would sail in their native “pangko”, to visit the abundant fishing grounds of Tubbataha, which they called “Gusong” or “reef”.
Is Tubbataha Reef in danger?
Climate Change This is perhaps the biggest threat to the future of Tubbataha. Climate change can result in ocean acidification and increased water temperatures. When this happens, corals may expel their zooxanthellae, which leads to a white appearance (bleached).
How much of Tubbataha Reef is bleached?
“We aren’t sure if it has affected the whole Tubbataha,” Dejucos said. “But in the dive sites we visited early September, we are sure.” Of those sites visited, he added that areas covering about 0.006 to 0.009 percent of every 25 square meters have been affected. Bleached corals are not yet dead, he pointed out.
Is the Tubbataha Reef dying?
During the annual fish and coral monitoring in Tubbataha on May 26 to June 2, 2020, TMO researchers observed some coral bleaching in the permanent monitoring sites in the vicinity of Kook, Delsan Wreck, and Jessie Beazley Reef. However, two massive corals (Porites) near the dive site Terraces were completely bleached.
How old is the Tubbataha Reef?
The marine preserve is home to the Tubbataha atoll coral reef and various endangered marine species. It was established as a marine park in 1988 and was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. The marine park is about 160 km southwest of Cagayancillo, almost exactly in the middle of the Sulu Sea.
What do you know about coral reefs?
Coral reefs provide habitat for a large variety of marine life, including various sponges, oysters, clams, crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and many species of fish. Coral reefs are also linked ecologically to nearby seagrass, mangrove, and mudflat communities. Not all corals on the reef are stony corals.
What medicines do coral reefs provide?
The antiviral drugs Ara-A and AZT and the anticancer agent Ara-C, developed from extracts of sponges found on a Caribbean reef, were among the earliest modern medicines obtained from coral reefs.
Why are corals so important?
Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people. More than 500 million people worldwide depend on reefs for food, jobs and coastal defence.