Source: GMA News
Despite being smaller than the USS Guardian, the Chinese fishing vessel that ran aground at Tubbataha Reef last April 8 caused worse damage to the heritage site than the US minesweeper, the reef’s caretaker said Friday.
The Tubbataha Management Office said this was the finding of a team of scientists that analyzed the damage caused by the F/V Min Long Yu.
According to the team, the Chinese vessel destroyed 3,902 square meters of corals —including some massive corals 500 years old. This is 66 percent larger than the 2,345.67 square meters damaged by the USS Guardian when it ran aground last Jan. 17.
“The damage the Chinese vessel caused to the reef is heart-breaking. Some of the massive corals that were pulverized are estimated to be about 500 years old,” Tubbataha Protected Area superintendent Angelique Songco said.
The USS Guardian measured 224 feet by 39 feet (http://www.guardian.navy.mil/), while the Chinese fishing vessel measured 48 meters long and eight meters wide.
Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan of De La Salle University (DLSU) led the team that conducted the assessment from April 23 to 30.
Joining him were marine biologists Miledel Christine Quibilan, Eznairah Jeung Narida and Renmar Martinez from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute and Norievel España of DLSU.
Also with the team were the Automated Rapid Reef Assessment System team (Philippine Department of Science and Technology) team, World Wildlife Fund-Philippines, Tubbataha Management Office and marine park rangers.
Extent of damage
The TMO said the damage extended from the original location of the F/V Min Long Yu when it ran aground on April 8, since big waves caused the vessel to move from its original position before it was pulled off the reef last April 19.
“It bulldozed through vibrant coral reefs leaving a highway of destruction in its wake,” the TMO said.
The team measured the grounding site using two methods – aerial photography and boundary mapping using Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS).
For aerial photography, the team used a GoPro camera attached to a kite. Images taken over the area were georectified to determine the size of the damaged area.
In DGPS, marine ecologist divers and a snorkeler were deployed and placed tags to establish the perimeter of the damaged area.
“Research stations have also been set up in the area to monitor coral and fish recruitment rates. The next monitoring activity will be in October 2013,” the TMO said.
Payment
The TMO said it has sent an official communication to the Chinese Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs seeking assistance in identifying the person or company liable.
“So far, they have received no response,” it said.
Meanwhile, the 12 Chinese aboard the vessel had been charged for poaching and possession of protected species, as well as for attempting to bribe park rangers.
They will also face administrative cases before the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB). — TJD, GMA News
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