On Monday, The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that its underwater survey showed extensive damage to the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, areas frequented by Chinese militia in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The survey, conducted from August 9 to September 11, found that the marine ecosystem in the two areas was lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life.
The survey also found that the seabed in Escoda Shoal was discolored, suggesting that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the underwater terrain.
The PCG also found crushed corals in the area, suggesting that dead corals may have been processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed.
The PCG believes that the continued swarming of Chinese militia vessels in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in the WPS.
During the survey period, the PCG monitored about 33 Chinese militia vessels in the vicinity of Rozul Reef and 15 at Escoda Shoal.
The PCG’s findings are supported by a report by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command that corals in Rozul Reef had been damaged. The military suspects that Chinese vessels have been harvesting corals in the area.
The PCG’s findings are a cause for concern, as the West Philippine Sea is a biodiverse region that is home to a variety of marine life. The destruction of the marine environment in the WPS could hurt the livelihoods of fishermen and the food security of the Philippines.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 18, 2023
