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Environmental groups warn: Gov't project to destroy coral reef on Samal Island. (Researched by: Ben Henrich D. Butad)

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13) Environmental groups warn: Gov’t project to destroy coral reef on Samal Island

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13) Environmental groups warn: Gov’t project to destroy coral reef on Samal Island

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URL: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1678358/environmental-groups-warn-govt-project-to-destroy-coral-reef-on-samal-island

TITLE: Environmental groups warn: Gov’t project to destroy coral reef on Samal Island

AUTHOR: Lacorte, G.

DATE PUBLISHED: October 11, 2022

KEY INFO: Environmentalists cautioned that if the Paradise Reef on the western side of Samal Island is destroyed, the communities of fisherfolk, who depend on the Davao Gulf for their food and livelihood, will be severely harmed by the destruction of coral reefs and marine life.

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DAVAO CITY - Environmentalists warned that fisherfolk communities, who depend on the Davao Gulf for their food and livelihood, would be hit badly by the destruction of coral reefs and marine life if the Paradise Reef on the western side of Samal Island is demolished.

Myla Santos, director of the Ecoteneo, the ecology advocacy of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) and co-secretariat of the Save Samal Reefs Alliance, said this as they called on the government to find an alternative landing site for the Davao City Connector (SIDC) project away from the Costa Marina Beach Resort, near where the reef was located.

"If that bridge is to be built for people, put it in a place where it will not kill marine life and compromise the people who rely on marine life for their food and livelihood," Santos said.

"The construction of the bridge takes five years; (which means), five years less for our window to address the climate emergency (confronted by the planet). Why make our coastal communities more vulnerable?" she asked.

Paradise Reef is a contiguous reef that stretches on a 300-meter length off the coast of Costa Marina and Paradise Island.

Marine biologist Dr. John Michael Lacson described Paradise Reef in a video message as a "reef like no other," as it was still at its healthiest stage.

Santos said their opposition to the site of the bridge landing and their concern for the coral reefs came out of concern for the communities around the Davao Gulf whose livelihood would be affected.

"The coral reefs (where the fish lay their eggs), when destroyed, will kill the livelihood of fisherfolk. People will go hungry, the crime rate will go up," she said.

"Couldn't we connect that? We are in a bad economic situation, our inflation has reached more than six percent, and many of our fisherfolk rely on the Davao Gulf for food and livelihood. Nakakaiyak (It is sad), that they're making economics as the reason for building the bridge and yet, they are killing the economic base of people and communities who rely on the Davao Gulf for a living."
Dophins, whales
She posted on the Ecoteneo Facebook page that at least seven dolphins were sighted on June 5 off Paradise Island. The 2018 Survey by the World Wildlife Fund found at least 15 cetaceans in the Davao Gulf, a key biodiversity area that needs a comprehensive framework for conservation and protection.

Among the whales found in the Davao Gulf were Fraser's dolphin ( Lagenodelphis hosei), the Long-snouted spinner dolphin ( Stenella longirostris), Short-finned pilot whales ( Globicephala macrorhynchus), Sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus), Longman's beaked whales ( Indopacetus Pacificus), and Dwarf sperm whales ( Kogia sima), according to the WWF.

The WWF partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the project that aimed to establish Marine Protected Area Networks in five sites across the country.

Although whale-watching is already a $2 billion-a-year industry worldwide, whales also play an important part in the marine ecosystem, according to a report by the 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology.

The report cited a growing body of peer-reviewed scientific literature which revealed that cetaceans, particularly, large whales that migrate long distances, enhance marine primary productivity by fertilizing ocean waters with iron-rich feces and circulating ("pumping") micronutrients that influence the biochemistry of the marine ecosystem."

"Their large biomass also represents an important and stable repository for carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and upon death, their carcasses contribute to biodiversity and carbon sequestration on the ocean floor," the report said.

Santos said that the effects on the environment had not been sufficiently considered in the overall plan for the bridge's construction.
Alternative
Aside from calling for the "realignment" of the bridge to an alternative site to reduce the destruction of marine life, environmentalists are also advocating an increase in the project's allocation for its environmental cost, Santos said.

In a video posted on YouTube, Dr. Lacson described the Paradise Reef ecosystem as a "garden within a garden," very rich with hard corals at certain parts and soft corals in other parts.

"The existing landing point would bring into the area a tremendous amount of silt, so that when the tide comes in, it will push the current and propel the silt towards the north, smothering the corals on Paradise Reef," he said, referring to the chosen landing point of the project along the coast of Costa Marina.

"When this happens, the ecology in the area will change from a coral reef to an algal reef because the top of the coral reef will be covered with silt and on top of that will grow algae and if we do that, we would lose the most precious conservatory of coral reefs and coral reef fish in the entire side of Samal."

He added that when the bridge is built, trees and vegetation in the area would be cut down, which would result in soil erosion that would also impact the reef.

"If the bridge enters here, they're going to deforest trees and the vegetation along the coast, so that during the rainy season and when there's torrential rain, we're going to have erosion of the soil down into the area, which will also be carried by the tidal shift and will smother the reef. So by the time you have this bridge here, your coral reef will not be the same again, and you will lose the most precious coral reef on the western side of Samal Island," he said.
RELATED STORIES Scientists race to prevent wipeout of world's coral reefs Is the DPWH killing coral reefs? | Inquirer News
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Environmental groups warn: Gov't project to destroy coral reef on Samal Island

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DAVAO CITY - Environmentalists warned that fisherfolk communities, who depend on the Davao Gulf for their food and livelihood, would be hit badly by the destruction of coral reefs and marine life if the Paradise Reef on the western side of Samal Island is demolished.

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The sea is the future: expanding coastal and marine protection in the Philippines. (Researched by: Ben Henrich D. Butad)

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14) The sea is the future: expanding coastal and marine protection in the Philippines

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14) The sea is the future: expanding coastal and marine protection in the Philippines

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URL: https://www.thegef.org/news/sea-future-expanding-coastal-and-marine-protection-philippines

TITLE: The sea is the future: expanding coastal and marine protection in the Philippines.

AUTHOR: The Gef

DATE PUBLISHED: June 26, 2020

KEY INFO:  A fervent supporter of marine conservation, Quirsito "Bok" Cajegas is a fisherman in the Philippines' Davao Gulf. It wasn't always like this, though. Bok used to fish illegally, according to him, before he changed. Bok opposed the creation of a marine protected area (MPA) at Barangay Bato Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, for 23 years, during which time he engaged in illegal compressor fishing.

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The sea is the future: expanding coastal and marine protection in the Philippines

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With 60% of the country's population living in coastal zones, a large portion of the population - and a majority of the country's economic sectors - are highly dependent on local ecosystems for food and income generation. The country's population grows exponentially, and correspondingly, so does the intensity of the demands placed on coastal and marine areas.

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The Chief Mermaid saving our oceans | Chevening. (Researched by: Ben Henrich D. Butad)

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URL:
https://www.chevening.org/stories/anna-oposa-the-chief-mermaid/

TITLE: The Chef Mermaid saving our oceans

AUTHOR:  chevening.org

DATE PUBLISHED: June 27, 2022

KEY INFO: Exclusive podcast featuring chief mermaid and ocean ambassador Anna Oposa, who is working to conserve the Philippine Sea via awareness and action.

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Listen to Anna's podcast
Despite being the daughter of an environmental lawyer, Anna didn't intend to dedicate her life to environmental campaigning and education. As an aficianado of literature and the performing arts, Anna was an aspiring actress. Then, in 2011, news surfaced of an appalling crime that changed the course of Anna's career.

Organised poachers had systematically decimated colonies of centuries-old coral roughly the size of 10,000 football pitches off the coast of the Philippines. They harvested 21,000 pieces of black coral and killed 161 endangered turtles. Having destroyed the seabed and the marine life it supported, the poachers were caught trying to smuggle hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of their spoils out of the country. This shocking discovery and the scale of the destruction made headlines in the Philippines and beyond.

As someone who had been raised to enjoy nature whilst respecting it, Anna turned her anger at the news into a passion for promoting the importance of marine conservation. What started as an online campaign in response to what was called the ' rape of the Philippine Sea ' turned into an inspirational movement to empower people to take action.

As the world's second largest archipelago with over 7,100 islands, Filipinos depend on the sea for their livelihoods, food, tourism, economy, and ultimately, their lives. With that in mind, Anna founded an organisation called Save Philippine Seas (SPS) and their initiatives have involved educating young people about marine conservation through bootcamps, campaigning against the use of single-use plastics, and changing the habits of city dwellers who are not aware of the environmental impact human life is having. They also lobby policymakers and seek changes in policy and law to protect the seas.

The motto of SPS is: 'It's been said the Philippines is worth dying for. We believe the Philippines is worth diving for.'

We caught up with Anna for an exclusive conversation on conservation, life as a mermaid, studying in the UK, and her plans for the future of her organisation.

The Lead In podcast: Listen to an exclusive interview with Anna

You might also be interested in:

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The Chief Mermaid saving our oceans | Chevening

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Listen to Anna's podcast Despite being the daughter of an environmental lawyer, Anna didn't intend to dedicate her life to environmental campaigning and education. As an aficianado of literature and the performing arts, Anna was an aspiring actress. Then, in 2011, news surfaced of an appalling crime that changed the course of Anna's career.

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Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines documentary show featuring Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape. (Researched by: Ben Henrich D. Butad)

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16) Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines

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16) Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines

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URL: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=913208996171420

TITLE: Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines

AUTHOR: Loren Legarda

DATE PUBLISHED: March 27, 2021

KEY INFO: The jewel of the Davao Gulf is the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape in Mabini, Compostela Valley. It is a Key Biodiversity Area because of its rich mangrove forest, prolific seagrass beds, and diversified coral reef system. Its pristine sandy beaches offer ecological and financial advantages that draw both domestic and foreign tourists.

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Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines documentary show featuring Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape | The Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape in Mabini, Compostela Valley is known as the jewel of Davao Gulf. 

It is endowed with diverse coral reef... | By DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau | Facebook

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1K views, 38 likes, 16 loves, 2 comments, 27 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau: The Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape in Mabini, Compostela Valley is known...

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Oceana: Malaking problema ang overfishing sa Pilipinas | 24 Oras. (Researched by: RV Vench C. Lumictin)

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URL: https://youtu.be/TJLPVjdqr_w

TITLE: Oceana: Malaking problema ang overfishing sa Pilipinas

AUTHOR: 24| Oras, GMA News

DATE PUBLISHED: October 11, 2022

KEY INFO: Overfishing, unchecked illicit fishing, and a lack of political will to effectively execute fisheries rules and regulations have all plagued the Philippines' fisheries for years.

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Oceana: Malaking problema ang overfishing sa Pilipinas | 24 Oras

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New global partnership to elevate marine protected areas as tool in climate response. (Researched by: RV Vench C. Lumictin)

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6) The International Partnership on Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity and Climate Change

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6) The International Partnership on Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity and Climate Change

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URL: https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/new-global-partnership-to-elevate-marine-protected-areas-as-tool-in-climate-response

TITLE: New global partnership to elevate marine protected areas as tool in climate response

AUTHOR: NOAA

DATE PUBLISHED: June 2, 2021

KEY INFO: United States, United Kingdom, Chile, Costa Rica, and France announced a new global partnership to advance the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a nature-based solution in the fight against climate change.

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Today, the United States, United Kingdom, Chile, Costa Rica, and France announced a new global partnership to advance the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a nature-based solution in the fight against climate change. The announcement comes ahead of the United Nations climate change (COP 26) and biodiversity (COP 15) conferences later this year.

"The climate crisis is having profound impacts on marine ecosystems," said John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. "At the same time, the ocean is a source of sustainable climate solutions. These include marine protected areas, which can help build climate resilience and store carbon, while conserving biodiversity. This is a decisive decade to dramatically scale up ocean and climate action - which are two sides of the same coin."

"All nations rely on healthy marine ecosystems to support life on this planet," said Jane Lubchenco, Deputy Director for Climate and Environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. "Marine protected areas - but especially highly protected ones - are an effective nature-based solution for adapting to and mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity. Nations must act now to protect key ocean habitats and the services the ocean provides to nature and people."

The International Partnership on Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity and Climate Change, with scientific support from members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland, will work with global leaders to ensure they have the information and tools needed to understand the contribution of MPAs, and the biodiversity they protect, as a solution in helping mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on the global ocean.

The government agencies represented in the partnership include: The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), supported by Defra, United Kingdom; Ministry of the Environment, Chile; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, United States; Ministry of Energy and Environment (MINAE), Costa Rica; and the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), France.

"Global collaboration is key to realizing the climate benefits provided by Marine Protected Areas," said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. "Members of the partnership are committed to sharing knowledge and expertise, and working cooperatively to address scientific knowledge gaps. Together, we will develop a deeper understanding of how Marine Protected Areas may combat climate change while supporting sustainable economic development."

As the Earth's temperature rises, climate change and ocean acidification are affecting species, ecosystems and people around the globe, jeopardizing food security, shoreline protection, individual livelihoods, and sustainable economic development.

While enhanced greenhouse gas reduction targets are vital to protect the ocean and avoid further irreversible impacts of climate change, MPAs are increasingly recognized as a key tool for maintaining and restoring ecosystem resilience, and providing positive outcomes for biodiversity. MPAs can protect habitats that capture and/or provide long-term " blue carbon " storage of atmospheric carbon, including salt marshes, seagrasses, mangroves, and the seafloor. They also conserve biodiversity, and provide many ocean and coastal ecosystem services including storm protection and erosion control, food production, employment opportunities, and recreation and tourism. Well-integrated MPA networks also increase species survival by allowing them to move around to reduce exposure to certain pressures such as rising sea temperatures.

The partnership has launched a website www.mpabioclimate.org with tools and case studies about MPAs and will host webinars in each partner country on the role MPAs play in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity.

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New global partnership to elevate marine protected areas as tool in climate response

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Today, the United States, United Kingdom, Chile, Costa Rica, and France announced a new global partnership to advance the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a nature-based solution in the fight against climate change.

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URL: https://mission.cmaquarium.org/news/six-ocean-friendly-habits-to-help-protect-marine-life/

TITLE: Six Ocean-Friendly Habits to Help Protect Marine Life

AUTHOR: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

DATE PUBLISHED: September 3, 2021

KEY INFO: Promoting methods for protecting and assisting our precious marine life. It can occasionally seem like an impossible mission to save the oceans, but if we all work together, we can have a significant impact.

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Born to be Wild: Amihan boys and girls conserve marine life in Mati, Davao. (Researched by: RV Vench C. Lumictin)

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8) Amihan Boys and Girls help conserve the marine life in Mati, Davao.

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8) Amihan Boys and Girls help conserve the marine life in Mati, Davao.

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URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRcwlLVhw9Q

TITLE: Amihan boys and girls conserve marine life in Mati, Davao

AUTHOR: GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

DATE PUBLISHED: June 11, 2017

KEY INFO: This video is promotes the conservation of marine life in Mati, Davao. The group named " Amihan Boys and Girls" explain how they take care of baby pawikan hatchlings and also keeping the ocean free from pollution.

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Born to be Wild: Amihan boys and girls conserve marine life in Mati, Davao

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Alang KaNemo: The story of one family's struggle to protect Paradise Reef in Samal Island / Facebook (Researched by: Daniel Mari D. Duron)

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1) Facebook page for awareness and saving of the coral reefs that are affected in the Samal-Davao City bridge connector.

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1) Facebook page for awareness and saving of the coral reefs that are affected in the Samal-Davao City bridge connector.

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URL:
https://m.facebook.com/saveparadisereef/posts/139368024534277/

TITLE: The realignment of the proposed Samal Island-Davao City connector bridge (SIDC) is based on a scientific evidence studied by marine scientists and biologists.

AUTHOR: Environmentalists, Biologists, and Scientists

DATE PUBLISHED: September 17, 2020

KEY INFO: This Facebook page is proposing the realignment of the Samal-Davao bridge to minimize the damage done to our coral reef ecosystems.

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Alang KaNemo: The story of one family's struggle to protect Paradise Reef in Samal Island | The realignment of the proposed Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge (SIDC) is based on a scientific evidence studied by marine scientists and... | By Save Paradise Reef | Facebook

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20K views, 345 likes, 124 loves, 48 comments, 566 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Save Paradise Reef: The realignment of the proposed Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge (SIDC) is based on a...

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Mati City records most number of turtle hatchlings released to Philippines' sea. (Researched by: Daniel Mari D. Duron)

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URL: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/mati-city-records-most-number-of-turtle-hatchlings-released-to-philippines-sea/

TITLE: Mati City records most number of turtle hatchlings released to Philippines’ sea

AUTHOR: Margo Hannah De Guzman Quadra

DATE PUBLISHED: March 5, 2021

KEY INFO: The city-based conservation group Amihan sa Dahican-Save our Seas (SOS) released over 105,000 baby turtles into the sea of Dahican in the City of Mati for the last three years.

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Mati City in Davao Oriental has recorded the most number of turtle hatchlings released to the Philippines' seas compared to other cities.

The city-based conservation group Amihan sa Dahican-Save our Seas (SOS) released over 105,000 baby turtles into the sea of Dahican in the City of Mati for the last three years.

The capital city of Davao Oriental province was identified to have recorded the most number of sea turtle hatchling releases among other cities in the Philippines, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The environmental agency added that the city's Dahican Beach is a famed marine turtle sanctuary with three species of turtles nesting there, namely the Green turtle, the endangered Hawksbill, and the Olive Ridley. The entire Mayo Bay is also teeming with marine wildlife, such as whalesharks, dugongs, and dolphins.

Amihan sa Dahican-SOS is a team composed of surfing and skimboarding enthusiasts who are passionate about conserving the city's marine wildlife. The group regularly patrols the beaches at night to protect the turtle eggs and hatcheries from poachers and predators.

According to Winston Plaza, one of the founders of the group, there are currently 5,000 eggs of Olive Ridley in the hatchery and it will take 50 to 60 days on average for them to hatch.

"Sa isa ka bulan ika-tulo mangitlog ang usa ka pawikan ug muabot kini ug lampas 100 nga itlog," Plaza said. "Kung asa sila gipanganak, didto sad sila mubalik para mangitlog. Sensitive sad ning mga pawikan nga kabalo sila kung asa ang limpyo ug safe nga lugar para mangitlog."

The marine wildlife protection team also conducts coastal clean-up activities twice a week to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and save the sea creatures from harm.

The Amihan team was recognized for their work during the 6th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan and was featured on the National Geographic and Animal Planet.

Aside from marine conservation, Amihan sa Dahican-SOS also offers shelter to kids and assists tourists with surfing, skimboarding, kayaking, and other water activities.

In Apo Reef Natural Park, critically endangered sea turtles doubled in numbers amid the lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

WWF-Philippines maintains its daily whale shark monitoring operations, despite the temporary suspension of tourism activity in the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) due to ongoing lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

The group sighted 19 new whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon's waters since the beginning of 2020.

SEND CHEERS in the comments below to local conservation group Amihan sa Dahican-Save our Seas for protecting the marine turtle sanctuary of Dahican in Mati City, Davao Oriental province.
Good News Pilipinas is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2021 by giving away prizes! Subscribe to our Good News Pilipinas! TV YouTube channel and enter the raffle by sending us an email to editor@goodnewspilipinas.com

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Mati City records most number of turtle hatchlings released to Philippines' sea

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Mati City in Davao Oriental has recorded the most number of turtle hatchlings released to the Philippines' seas compared to other cities. The city-based conservation group Amihan sa Dahican-Save our Seas (SOS) released over 105,000 baby turtles into the sea of Dahican in the City of Mati for the last three years.

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First 100,000 KG Removed From the Great Pacific Garbage Patch • Updates • The Ocean Cleanup. (Researched by: Daniel Mari D. Duron)

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URL: https://theoceancleanup.com/updates/first-100000-kg-removed-from-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch/

TITLE: First 100,000 KG Removed from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch • Updates • the Ocean Cleanup

AUTHOR: Boyan Slat

DATE PUBLISHED: July 25, 2022

KEY INFO: Since deployment in August 2021, System 002 (or “Jenny”) has now collected 101,353 kg of plastic over 45 extractions, sweeping an area of ocean of over 3000km² – comparable to the size of Luxembourg or Rhode Island.

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First 100,000 KG Removed From the Great Pacific Garbage Patch • Updates • The Ocean Cleanup

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Today, our operation in the Pacific Ocean reached an exciting milestone: The Ocean Cleanup has now officially removed more than 100,000 kg of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP).

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Conversation on Ocean Conservation Webinar Series - Session 2 | By Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative. (Researched by: Isabeli Franchesca C. Paña)

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17) Webinar on Sustainable Tourism and Marine Conservation

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17) Webinar on Sustainable Tourism and Marine Conservation

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URL: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=845336182856176

TITLE: Conversation on Ocean Conservation Webinar Series - Session 2

AUTHOR: Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Eastern Mindanao/Surigao Hub

DATE PUBLISHED: June 20, 2021

KEY INFO: In their series Conversation on Ocean Conservation with Dimitri Georgiou and Ritchel Cahilig, a webinar stimulating discussion on Sustainable Tourism and Marine Conservation.

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Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Eastern Mindanao/Surigao Hub

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Conversation on Ocean Conservation Webinar Series - Session 2 | JOIN us as we raise the discourse on the Conversation on Ocean Conservation with our speakers, Dimitri Georgiou and Ritchel Cahilig, who will be talking... | By Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Eastern Mindanao/Surigao Hub | Facebook

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480 views, 8 likes, 40 loves, 51 comments, 27 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative- Eastern Mindanao/Surigao Hub: JOIN us as we raise the discourse on the...

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(Researched by: Isabeli Franchesca C. Paña)

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18) Young voices live on the margins of society in remote coastal communities in the Philippines

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18) Young voices live on the margins of society in remote coastal communities in the Philippines

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URL: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/198481/coral-triangle-phi.pdf

TITLE: Tales from the Coral Triangle

AUTHOR: ADB publication and Global Environment Fund

DATE PUBLISHED: January 1, 2019

KEY INFO: It features short stories written by 10 young high school students from Palawan, Philippines employing a mix of both fiction and non-fiction, fantasy, humor, and drama to highlight the importance of protecting the ocean.

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Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay, Mindanao, Philippines. (Researched by: Isabeli Franchesca C. Paña)

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19) A study on Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches

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19) A study on Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches

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URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/10/10/1532

TITLE: Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines

AUTHOR: Frank T. Acot, Jr., Recca E. Sajorne, Nur-Ayn K. Omar, Peter D. Suson, Lynn Esther E. Rallos, and Hernando P. Bacosa

DATE PUBLISHED: October 19, 2022

KEY INFO: A study conducted to investigate the prevalence of macroplastics, composition of plastic litter, and the clean-coast index (CCI) of urban and rural beaches in Sarangani Bay.

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1. Introduction

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a rapidly emerging global environmental concern, with high concentrations (up to 580,000 pieces per km ²) and a global distribution, driven by exponentially increasing production [ 1]. The exponential increase in the use of plastics in modern society and the inadequate management of the resulting waste have led to plastic accumulation in the marine environment [ 2]. This is a major environmental issue that affects coasts and coastlines all around the world [ 3].

According to a model developed by Meijer et al. [ 8], the Philippines is the largest emitter of plastics from rivers to the marine environment. The country also ranks third in total plastic waste input from land into the ocean, just below China and Indonesia, by contributing 0.28-0.75 million metric tons of plastic litter every year [ 9]. These findings are mainly based on simulation and numerical modeling, empirical observations, and a limited amount of field data. Validating the results of these findings through a more representative field sampling is crucial to science-based decision-making. Several studies on plastic pollution monitoring were conducted on the beaches of the Philippines, and the majority of the beaches were categorized as dirty to extremely dirty based on the clean-coast index (CCI) [ 10, 11, 12]. These beach areas were mostly categorized as urban areas where the rate of infrastructure development is higher than in rural areas. Aside from this, activities such as fishing and swimming are also frequently conducted by the local community and beachgoers, which helps development and economic growth, particularly in local coastal communities [ 13]. However, these activities may contribute to plastic pollution as indiscriminate disposal of solid waste is highly rampant in coastal settlements [ 12, 14, 15, 16]. This emerging threat requires the development and enforcement of plastic regulation policies. In a study conducted by Galarpe et al. [ 17], it was determined whether studies on macro- and microplastics should be the basis of the institutionalization of existing policies on waste management. Unfortunately, they were unable to arrive at sound conclusions due to a limited number of studies on macro- and mesoplastics in the Philippines, and therefore a limited amount of field data, considering that the country is seen as a plastic pollution hotspot around the world.

The intensity of human pressure on marine systems has led to a push for stronger marine conservation efforts. The Philippines has been the site of some of the earliest marine reserves and marine-protected areas [ 18]. Marine reserves, as defined by [ 19], are areas of marine environment protected from various forms of human exploitation. Within the last decade, South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City (SOCSARGEN) in the southern Philippines has emerged as one of the most economically dynamic regions in the Philippines [ 20]. A significant factor propelling growth in the area is the presence of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), a marine-protected area that provides various goods and services that cater to the SOCSARGEN economy. The bay encloses an area of 449.22 km ² and is bounded by the Sarangani Province and chartered city of General Santos. Besides providing a sanctuary for marine life, the bay also offers a wide range of choices for recreational activities due to the presence of white-sanded beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and scuba diving sites [ 21]. Despite its status as a marine-protected area, the bay has faced several environmental pressures, including massive population growth, uncontrolled human settlement in coastal areas, urbanization, and various anthropogenic pressures, including pollution [ 22]. However, the plastic pollution in the area has not been documented. Thus, with the growing concern of plastic pollution in the Philippines, this study was conducted to (1) determine the density of macroplastic litter on the rural and urban beaches, (2) identify the types of macroplastic litter, (3) quantify the accumulation rate of macroplastic litter for eight non-consecutive days, and (4) determine the clean-coast index of rural and urban beaches of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first monitoring of marine plastic litter pollution in the protected seascape of the Philippines.

2. Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape ( Figure 1). Sarangani Bay is located on the southern tip of Mindanao Island in the Philippines. It opens up to the Celebes Sea in the Pacific Ocean. The bay was declared a protected seascape in 1996 (Proclamation no. 756 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos), covering an area of 215,950 hectares. Plastic litter was sampled from 14 beaches in rural (n = 7) and urban (n = 7) areas in Sarangani Bay, and the sampling sites were classified as urban (U) or rural (R) ( Table 1).

Sampling was performed by following the methods of Sajorne et al. [ 12] with minor modifications. At each sampling site, a 100-m transecting line was established parallel to the shoreline. Three quadrats measuring 4 m × 4 m were laid along the transecting line. Plastic litter found within the quadrat was collected, counted, and classified. The collected plastics were classified based on their uses, such as food packaging, polyethylene bags (locally known as sando bags), Styrofoam, mats, plastic bottle, plastic fragments, plastic caps, toiletries, Styrofoam cups, clothing, and other items ( Figure S1) [ 12, 23]. Meanwhile, to monitor the accumulation rate of macroplastics, non-consecutive sampling was conducted for eight days in beach areas [ 16]. The transecting line and quadrats were placed in the same area in each sampling site throughout the monitoring. Sampling collection was conducted from 11 August 2021 until 4 September 2021. The collection of macroplastics was conducted on Wednesdays to represent the weekdays and Saturdays to represent the weekends

The density of plastic litter was determined by dividing the total number of items per unit area sampled [ 24, 25] and reported as items/m ² ± SD. The cleanliness of the coastal beaches was assessed using the clean-coast index (CCI) [ 26], where CCI is equal to the density of litter items/m ² multiplied by 20, a constant to make the numerical value of CCI more intuitive. According to the CCI scale, values from 0 to 2 are very clean, 2 to 5 are clean, 5 to 10 are moderately clean, 10 to 20 are dirty, and greater than 20 are extremely dirty. Meanwhile, the daily accumulation rate, mean count, and cumulative density were computed using the formula of Ammendolia et al. [ 27]. The accumulation rate was reported as items d −1 m −2 [ 28].

An independent two-sample t-test was conducted to determine significant differences between urban and rural beaches in Sarangani Bay in terms of macroplastic abundance as the data are parametric. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, a free software, developed by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) headquartered in Armonk, New York, and values of p < 0.05 were considered significantly different.

3. Results

Regarding the sampling sites, all beaches were found to contain macroplastic litter. A total of 2580 items of plastic litter were collected over a cumulative area of 672 m ² in urban and rural areas of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, with a density of 3.83 items m −2. The highest density was recorded in urban areas U3 (1.06 items m −2), U4 (0.88 items m −2), and U5 (0.82 items m −2) ( Table 1). Overall, the plastic litter density on urban beaches (0.66 items m −2) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the plastic density on rural beaches (0.29 items m −2) ( Figure 2).

In terms of macroplastic types, there is a difference in the percentage composition in rural and urban areas of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape ( Figure 3). In urban areas, food packaging (27%, n = 474 items), polyethylene bags or sando bags (15%, n = 271 items), and mats (13%, n = 237 items) were the most predominant types of macroplastic. Meanwhile, sando bags (23%, n = 180 items), food packaging (19%, n = 154 items), and Styrofoam (14%, n = 108 items) were predominant in the rural areas. Overall, the types of plastics sampled were predominantly food packaging (24%, n = 628), sando bags (18%, n = 451), and other items (19%, n = 496). The "other items" were composed of combined plastic classifications that made up less than two (2%) percent of the total plastic types.

Meanwhile, Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape was monitored for eight non-consecutive days, and it revealed that the daily density of macroplastic ranged from 0 to 2.52 items m −2, with a mean density of 0.48 items m −2 (SD = 2.26) ( Table 2). The accumulation rates of macroplastic litter ranged from 0.07 items d −1 m −2 to 0.40 items m −2, with an average rate of 0.18 items d −1 m −2. On average, the accumulation rate in urban areas (0.25 items d −1 m −2) was significantly higher than those in rural areas (0.11 items d −1 m −2) (p = 0.007). Meanwhile, it was shown that day 2 of the collection was found to have the highest density (1.35 items d −1) (n = 456), while the lowest density (0.75 items d −1) (n = 255) was recorded on day 8 ( Figure 4). Over the sampling period, a significant decrease in the density of plastic litter on both urban and rural beaches was not observed, which was characterized by a recurring amount or lingering presence of these pollutants in the area ( Figure 4).

Based on the CCI of the beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, 36% (5 out of 14) were considered dirty to extremely dirty ( Table 3). Out of the seven urban beaches, only one (site U3) (21.35) was categorized as extremely dirty, with a high CCI. Four of the sampling sites (U1, U2, U4, and U5) (11.25 to 17.65) were categorized as dirty. However, there were still some beaches (U6 and U7) categorized as clean ( Table 3). Meanwhile, on rural beaches, all of the sampling sites were considered as clean to moderately clean. Notably, dirty to extremely dirty sites were located in urban areas, while clean to moderately beaches were located in rural areas. Overall, on average, Sarangani Bay (9.59) is categorized as moderately clean.

4. Discussion

With these results, we confirmed the significant difference between the amount of macroplastic litter in rural and urban beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. Urban beaches were noted to have two times higher macroplastic litter density compared to rural beaches. We observed that within the urban beaches, fishing activity was frequently conducted by the local community, while recreational activities were very seldom. However, no fishing paraphernalia was collected throughout the study period. Additionally, there are several residential areas within the vicinity of the urban beaches which can be one of the main sources of plastic litter. It is believed that the number of people in an area has a significant relationship to the quantity of plastic waste disposal [ 12, 13]. These factors might be the reason why we recorded the highest density and accumulation rate of macroplastic litter at urban beach sites U3 and U4. This result also supports the findings of Sajorne et al. [ 12, 24], where the majority of the plastic litter was collected from residential and fishing areas. Meanwhile, several studies on plastic monitoring on the Philippine coasts also found plastic food wrappers/containers, cups, and sachet wrappers [ 10, 11, 29] as the dominant macroplastic waste. Basic necessities and commonly used plastic types are believed to be the underlying reasons for such findings. For instance, sando bags were listed as the dominant type of macroplastics collected in rural areas, while they were placed second in urban areas. This may be due to the need for sando bags for carrying food and other purchased items in rural areas, which may not be the same in urban areas where food and other items are in closer proximity to buyers. Living conditions and activities in urban areas seem to allow for easy purchases anytime and anywhere. In rural areas, however, stores are located far apart, which probably drives residents to purchase items in bulk, resulting in the use of more sando bags. During sampling, it was also observed that mats and clothing were littering the beaches of urban areas but were hardly seen in rural areas. In urban areas, residents can conveniently replace such items because of greater access to them, whereas rural residents are known to recycle both mats and clothing. Conversely, on rural beaches, activities related to tourism, such as swimming, were more frequently conducted by beachgoers than fishing activities. The high number of plastic cups in rural areas may be attributed to tourism as beachgoers or tourists usually bring disposables for special occasions or recreational activities [ 30]. This shows that the overall plastic usage in urban and rural areas varies. It can be said that the plastic composition is due to the necessities and activities of a particular place. The findings of this study, however, do not deviate from the findings of other studies that found plastic food wrappers and containers/sando bags to be the dominant plastic waste on or near the beaches of the Philippines [ 31].

The temporal pattern observed in this study reveals that plastic spells a big problem for the future as it is non-biodegradable. In a study conducted by Browne et al. [ 32], the influence of physical factors, such as wind, wave action, and the density of plastic litter, on the spatial pattern of the accumulation of plastic litter was highlighted. During the collection, it was observed that the difference in waste generation was due to geographical location, and the number of residents [ 33]. Rural areas were a bit more mountainous with rocky beaches, and the number of households was not yet populous, unlike urban areas where beaches were plainly sandy and the coastline was occupied with houses. Additionally, the rural areas were close to the open sea, while the urban areas were by the bay. These data suggest that the accumulation rate of plastic in a given area does not depend only on human population size, but also on the geographical formation and activity of the site. Other than that, we also consider the influence of winds and waves [ 34, 35] and meteorological conditions [ 36] on the transport and accumulation of macroplastic litter in these areas. In comparison to other areas in the Philippines, the beaches of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape are cleaner than the beaches of Puerto Princesa, Palawan (29) [ 12], and Macajalar Bay, Misamis Oriental (84.99) [ 11]. In this study, the urban sites of Sarangani Bay were found to be moderately clean, dirty, and extremely dirty. Our CCI findings agree with the findings of Esquinas et al. [ 11] and Kalnasa et al. [ 29], who found the urban sites of Baloy, Macabalan, Bonbon, and Balua as clean and extremely dirty. As aptly stated, the highly urbanized nature of the adjacent environment greatly influenced the litter deposition in the surface sand of Macajalar Bay [ 11].

This study also reveals that plastic litter is now recognized as an emerging threat to Sarangani Bay. Marine macroplastic litter not only negatively affects ecology and biodiversity [ 37] but also has a direct impact on the economic value [ 7] of the coastal community as Sarangani Bay is a protected seascape and uplifts the economy of the SOCCSARGEN region through tourism. However, this study also revealed that tourism-related items were the dominant macroplastic litter found on the rural and urban beaches of Sarangani Bay. With the presence of plastic litter on coastal beaches, the beaches lose their aesthetic value [ 38], thus making them unattractive and unsuitable for recreational activities [ 39, 40]. The advancement toward meeting the main tenets of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has been hampered by insufficient initiatives for solid waste management policies at regional and national levels.

Meanwhile, SDG 6-clean water and sanitation-and SDG 14-life below the water-are both directly impacted by the pollution brought on by incorrect solid waste disposal in coastal regions. Recent reports in Philippine marine waters have also revealed the first case of plastic ingestion in a rare Deraniyagala's beaked whale (Mesoplodon hotaula) [ 41] and green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) [ 42]. As a result, there may be a loss of biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as well as a reduction in the livelihoods of the local coastal community [ 43]. Furthermore, if this continues, through the influence of physical and chemical factors [ 44], secondary MP and nanoplastics will eventually form and put the health of the local coastal community at risk [ 7]. Due to its high dependence on marine foods, SDG 3-good health and welfare of the local community-and SDG 12-responsible consumption and production-become vulnerable as a result of these records of plastic ingestion in biota. Pieces of evidence on microplastic ingestion in fish and other marine animals [ 45] have also been reported in the Philippines. Overall, the occurrence of marine macroplastic pollution in the urban and rural beaches of Sarangani Bay can be partially ascribed to inadequate regional and national initiatives for solid waste management in Mindanao.

5. Conclusions

This study is the first to provide an account of the current status of plastic litter on urban and rural beaches in Mindanao, Philippines. We observed that plastic litter is more prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas in terms of density. The collection patterns of plastic litter suggest that the number of plastics in a given area may either increase or decrease but is never zero, which means that plastic waste is always being deposited in coastal areas, possibly aided by wind and wave actions. Similar to other studies, the dominant types of plastic litter are food packaging and sando bags. The values of the clean-coast index in this study revealed that beaches in urban areas are moderately clean, dirty, and extremely dirty, while rural areas are clean and moderately clean. Since the urban and rural beaches of Sarangani Bay were classified over a range of moderately clean to extremely dirty, this implies that both beach areas require a stricter plastic waste policy implementation-one for maintaining the clean status and the other for rehabilitating dirty beaches. Furthermore, data on the identification of dominant macroplastic items can serve as a guide for legislators in creating policies to strengthen the promotion of environmentally friendly products to curb or limit the rapid production of these dominant items.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/jmse10101532/s1, Figure S1: Types of macroplastic litter based on their uses: (A) food packaging; (B) fragment; (C) polyethylene bag or sando bag; (D) Styrofoam; (E) plastic bottle; (F) bottle cap; (G) mat; (H) toiletry; (I) disposable cup.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, F.T.A.J. and H.P.B.; investigation, F.T.A.J.; formal analysis, F.T.A.J., R.E.S., N.-A.K.O., P.D.S., L.E.E.R. and H.P.B.; writing original draft preparation, F.T.A.J., R.E.S. and N.-A.K.O.; writing-review and editing, P.D.S., L.E.E.R. and H.P.B.; supervision, P.D.S., L.E.E.R. and H.P.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed Consent Statement

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology through the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (DOST-ASTHRDP). The first author would like to thank the DOST-ASTHRDP for the scholarship to pursue graduate studies at MSU-IIT and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12, especially the Protected Area Management Board of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape for allowing the researchers to conduct this study in Sarangani Bay.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 2. Density of macroplastics sampled from seven rural beaches and seven urban beaches of Sarangani Bay, Philippines. Error bars represent the standard deviation of 14 sampling times. Different letters indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).

Table 2. Summary of macroplastic surveys including the item counts, densities (items m −2), and accumulation rates (items d −1 m −2) in sampling sites of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. The standard deviation (SD), daily minimum (min.), and maximum (max.) counts and densities are also presented.

Publisher's Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Acot, F.T., Jr.; Sajorne, R.E.; Omar, N.-A.K.; Suson, P.D.; Rallos, L.E.E.; Bacosa, H.P. Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10, 1532. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10101532

Acot FT Jr., Sajorne RE, Omar N-AK, Suson PD, Rallos LEE, Bacosa HP. Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2022; 10(10):1532. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10101532

Chicago/Turabian Style

Acot, Frank T., Jr., Recca E. Sajorne, Nur-Ayn K. Omar, Peter D. Suson, Lynn Esther E. Rallos, and Hernando P. Bacosa. 2022. "Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 10, no. 10: 1532. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10101532

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

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Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines

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Plastic pollution in the ocean is an emerging environmental concern in the Philippines. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of macroplastics, composition of plastic litter, and the clean-coast index (CCI) of urban and rural beaches in Sarangani Bay. Plastic litter was collected by delineating a 100-m transecting line with three 4 m × 4 m quadrats.

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Watsons employees, supplier-partners participate in ocean clean-up drive. (Researched by: Daniel Mari D. Duron)

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3) Watsons employees, supplier-partners participate in ocean clean-up drive

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3) Watsons employees, supplier-partners participate in ocean clean-up drive

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URL: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1941340/cebu/feature/watsons-employees-supplier-partners-participate-in-ocean-clean-up-drive

TITLE: Cleanup day comes to Philippine capital's polluted bay

AUTHOR: SunStar

DATE PUBLISHED: September 20, 2022

KEY INFO: Watsons’ Do Good for the Oceans Volunteers celebrate the International Coastal Clean-up Day by cleaning and picking up trash in the coastal stretch of Freedom Island in Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area.

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Watsons employees, supplier-partners participate in ocean clean-up drive

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INTERNATIONAL Coastal Cleanup Day, which is held every third week of September, started as a way to raise awareness about the growing pollution on various beaches of the world.…

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Meet 3 Women Working on the Frontline of Ocean Conservation (Researched by: Michael Seth Gabriel B. Ang)

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9) Women Working on the Frontline of Ocean Conservation

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9) Women Working on the Frontline of Ocean Conservation

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URL: https://www.vogue.com/article/women-working-on-the-frontline-of-ocean-conservation

TITLE: Meet 3 Women Working on the Frontline of Ocean Conservation

AUTHOR: Condé, Nast

DATE PUBLISHED: June 2, 2021

KEY INFO: Recognizing that the oceans are “the birthplace of all life on the planet,” and that the planet will die without them, Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson established in 1977 what is now the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Its mission is to defend, conserve and protect the world’s oceans using direct action.

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Recognizing that the oceans are "the birthplace of all life on the planet," and that the planet will die without them, Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson established in 1977 what is now the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Its mission? To defend, conserve and protect the world's oceans using direct action. Through its fleet of 10 boats, Sea Shepherd implements international campaigns, including Operation Milagro (meaning miracle in Spanish)-an effort to save the vaquita porpoise, the most endangered marine mammal-investigating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; a marine debris clearing operation; and research into the elusive beaked whale.

Designer and activist Vivienne Westwood remembers meeting Watson through actor Pamela Anderson and visiting a life-size blue whale he'd installed at a Paris Quay in 2015 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where visitors could learn about his work. "Paul explained that to regenerate the ocean, all that was needed was to stop industrial fishing subsidies. Ever since, it's been important for me to identify my activism with its specific solution," she says. "His activism is full-on, his achievement is amazing. When he interviews someone [for a job], the question he asks is: 'Will you put yourself between the whale and the harpoon?'"

Ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8, we speak to three women who were willing to do just that. Here, they discuss their work with Sea Shepherd and why they're hopeful that the world can come together to enable the oceans to flourish once again.

Eva Hidalgo

The 31-year-old Spanish scientist began her career with Sea Shepherd as a deckhand onboard the Steve Irwin in 2010. Some of her most memorable projects to date have been helping to save the lives of thousands of whales in Antarctica and, as the organization's science department coordinator, she was part of a team that discovered a potential new species of beaked whale in 2020.
What are some of the most important contributions Sea Shepherd has made to the international scientific community?
We've undertaken more than 20 research-based campaigns across different countries and contributed to dozens of studies and important research projects related to the conservation of marine mammals, sharks, rays and the monitoring of marine ecosystems and marine protected areas.

Have you made any lifestyle choices to minimize your impact on the oceans that others can easily adopt?
Following a vegan diet is one of the most impactful ways of helping the oceans, together with reducing plastic consumption as much as possible. We can only protect what we love, so find ways of connecting with the ocean and your own environment, and educate yourself about the problems they are facing. Share your knowledge with your friends and family, and support organizations such as Sea Shepherd, which you can get involved with in many different ways.

What are your greatest concerns for the oceans in 2021?
It's imperative that we act upon direct threats such as unregulated fishing and overfishing by global industrial operations, and support the creation and monitoring of marine-protected areas. We need to give marine ecosystems a chance to recover to be able to survive the many other threats that they also face.

Are there any common misconceptions about ocean conservation?
That the issues are too big and out of reach; that we don't have anything to do with plastic pollution, overfishing, climate change, when in fact every choice we make can have an impact on the ocean. Small actions such as educating ourselves, asking questions about what is on your plate and deciding to join clean-ups are important steps. You don't need to be on the frontline of ocean conservation to make a difference.

Mar Casariego

With a name that means 'sea' in her native language, and having grown up in a lighthouse on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, the 28-year-old captain seems to be fulfilling her destiny. She spoke to us from the Sea Shepherd ship Sam Simon, as she was steering away from Europe towards the coast of West Africa for a campaign against IUU fishing in partnership with several governments and law-enforcement agencies in the region.

Your professional background is in law and human rights. How has that experience equipped you for your work with Sea Shepherd?
Most IUU fishing in the world happens in waters that are under the sovereignty of a country, meaning those in power have the potential to write the laws and regulations that can ensure a healthy and long-lasting marine environment. Being able to read, understand and apply a law gives me a more technical understanding of the level of protection oceans have in a specific area, and how to better assist local law-enforcement agencies in their work to protect the oceans.

What does an average day captaining a Sea Shepherd ship look like for you?
There are always surprises, whether that be coming into contact with a pod of pilot whales or, as was the case a few weeks ago, when working with the Sierra Leone navy to inspect a foreign purse seiner fishing inside the country's waters, finding a turtle tangled in a fishing line. This is a perfect example of a day working with Sea Shepherd: we assisted a local agency to ensure vessels fishing in the area are doing so legally, we directly saved the life of an endangered animal, and retrieved garbage from the ocean.

Do you have any particularly memorable projects you've worked on with Sea Shepherd?
From untangling a 12-meter humpback whale from an illegal fishing net and assisting with scientific research in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico, to watching dolphins glow in bioluminescence during night patrol-I have special memories from every campaign I've worked on with Sea Shepherd. Our campaign to fight IUU fishing is one of the most important projects I've been part of; stopping or even reducing it could have not only a hugely positive impact on the marine ecosystem but also help create a richer and safer environment for local communities to fish.

Where do you find hope that we can turn things around and work together to protect the oceans globally?
One person can't change the world, but if we don't change our own little worlds, there will be no change at all. Almost 75 percent of our planet is covered by oceans; land and sea are interlinked. When I see the Sea Shepherd crews-people from different backgrounds, countries and cultures-working around the clock to make sure our ships are ready for campaigns, I see the potential for positive change.

Lamya Essemlali

As the president of Sea Shepherd France and co-director of Sea Shepherd Global, the 42-year-old's work involves leading campaigns, fundraising, and giving public talks on both national and international issues. When Essemlali began working with Sea Shepherd in 2005, her first mission was to the Galapagos. She co-founded the French arm of Sea Shepherd the following year.
What is it about protecting the world's oceans that speaks to you specifically?
Our fate is connected to the oceans and humans are largely unaware that we owe it and marine life for every breath we take. I was born and raised in the Parisian suburbs, there was very little nature and no horizon. But every summer, I went to Morocco where both my parents are from and the ocean there opened my mind. I can't think of anywhere I want to be more than on a Sea Shepherd ship defending marine life.

Have there been any particularly memorable projects you've worked on with Sea Shepherd?
The dolphin bycatch campaign in the Bay of Biscay. I've been involved in campaigns against the slaughter of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands for years and I didn't know more dolphins were being killed in my backyard. When we staged demonstrations with dead dolphins in city centers around France to raise awareness, I was shocked by how many people didn't even know we had dolphins in France. If we can't make French people cognizant of their responsibility for marine life with such charismatic animals as dolphins, then we won't save the oceans.

What are your greatest concerns for the oceans now?
I'm worried that we won't wake up in time. Enough of us must decide that it's time to spare the ocean, to stop dumping our trash in it and eating marine life, and start being more curious about what is happening in our oceans than what is happening on Mars. Everything else will follow.

Have you personally made any lifestyle choices to minimize your impact on the oceans?
My first move was to stop eating fish. My second was to stop eating meat because it also has a huge impact on the ocean-40 percent of fish caught is used to feed livestock. There's not enough fish in the ocean or enough forests to clear on this planet to feed seven billion people fish and meat. I can live without fish, the ocean can't."

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Meet 3 Women Working on the Frontline of Ocean Conservation

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Recognizing that the oceans are "the birthplace of all life on the planet," and that the planet will die without them, Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson established in 1977 what is now the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Its mission? To defend, conserve and protect the world's oceans using direct action.

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5 Extraordinary Ways to Save Our Oceans. (Researched by: Michael Seth Gabriel B. Ang)

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URL: https://www.gilisharkconservation.com/5-extraordinary-ways-to-save-our-oceans/

TITLE: 5 Extraordinary Ways to Save Our Oceans

AUTHOR: Myrtle Bautista

DATE PUBLISHED: January 18, 2023

KEY INFO: One of the research teams, Myrtle Bautista, shared 5 extraordinary ways to save our oceans as oceans are in desperate need of protection, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that the oceans remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.

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Written by: Myrtle Bautista
The ocean is a beautiful, mysterious place that we often take for granted. We think of it as a vast resource that will always be there, but the reality is that our oceans are in danger. The ocean is home to a staggering amount of life that is easily the largest ecosystem on Earth. But oceans are under threat from a variety of sources, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

The impact of these threats is not just limited to the oceans and their inhabitants themselves but extends to the entire planet, and if we don't act now, the consequences could be devastating.

Why Do We Need To Protect Our Oceans?

We need to protect our oceans because they are vital to life on Earth. Oceans play a critical role in supporting life because they provide living organisms with food and oxygen, regulate the climate, and stabilize the planet's ecosystems. The ocean also helps regulate Earth's temperature by absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere and reflecting sunlight back into space.

Protecting the ocean means protecting ourselves and this planet we call home and is a shared responsibility that we cannot lightly. If we allow things to continue as they are, our oceans could be destroyed in this lifetime, which is an outcome no one wants to see.

What Can You Do To Save The Oceans?

1. Reduce Carbon Footprint

One of the most simple yet powerful ways to help save the oceans is by reducing your carbon footprint. This means making small changes in your life that will have a big impact on the environment, such as reducing plastic use, cycling or taking public transport, and recycling. Reducing the energy you use can also mean opting for more renewable practices like driving an electric vehicle or using solar panels, which will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also help save the oceans from the devastating effects of climate change.

2. Participate In Beach Clean Ups

Beach cleanups are a great way to help out and make a difference. If you are lucky enough to live near the coast, there are opportunities for you to take part in beach cleanup events with your local community. These events are often organized by local environmental groups and charities, and they provide an excellent opportunity for anyone to get involved in saving the oceans.

You'll be able to meet other people who are passionate about the environment and learn more about ways you can lend a helping hand. The results of these events can be very rewarding, as they not only make a difference in terms of cleaning up the local area but also raise awareness among those who participate.

We organize a weekly beach clean up on Gili Air - Indonesia and, if you are in the neighborhood, we would love you to join. Send us a message at sharks@gilisharkconservation.com for more details.

3. Educate Yourself And Others

Meaningful change always starts with learning, and there's no better place to start than with yourself. The more you learn about the oceans and the problems they face, the better equipped you'll be to make an informed decision on coming up with solutions and taking action. It is also just as important to educate those around you, especially those who may not be as aware of the issues at hand. This will not only help you to spread awareness but also encourage others to be more involved in the process.

4. Support Sustainable Sea Food

Sustainable seafood is a great way to help protect the oceans and ensure that you're eating ethically-sourced fish. They are often produced by fisheries or farms that have adopted practices that promote the long-term health of wild fish populations and ecosystems. This type of seafood is also caught or farmed in a way that maintains a healthy ecosystem, reduces environmental impacts, and helps prevent overfishing. Not only are you doing the environment a favor, but you are also ensuring that you are eating healthy seafood that is free of toxins and other harmful contaminants found in most conventional seafood.

5. Advocate For Stronger Conservation Laws

One great way you can help protect the oceans is to support legislation and policies that promote responsible fishing practices and ocean conservation. You can also support organizations that advocate for stronger ocean protection laws and join movements that push for sustainable practices or increase public awareness and care for the oceans.

Getting involved in this way helps ensure that politicians know that their constituents care about environmental issues and want them taken seriously when it comes time to create laws protecting the environment, and oceans are no exception.

Final Thoughts...

The oceans are in desperate need of protection, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that the oceans remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.

While there is no single solution to the problems facing our oceans and the environment, there are many things that we can do as individuals and communities to help protect them. The best part is that it doesn't take that much to make a big difference, since even small individual actions can ripple out to help save and impact our oceans in extraordinary ways.
Would you like to join our research team and make your next holiday count? Apply here!

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Written by: Myrtle Bautista The ocean is a beautiful, mysterious place that we often take for granted. We think of it as a vast resource that will always be there, but the reality is that our oceans are in danger. The ocean is home to a staggering amount of life that is easily the largest ecosystem on Earth.

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(Researched by: Michael Seth Gabriel B. Ang)

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URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhIyuKT8mRg

TITLE: Vlog | Working as a marine biologist in the Philippines

AUTHOR: Chantel Elston

DATE PUBLISHED: August 12, 2020

KEY INFO: A marine biologist, Chantel Elston, shares her experience as she dive with incredible marine wildlife, teach children the importance of coral reefs, share recommendations for Marine Protected Areas with government officials, and experience a host of other fun activities.

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Vlog | Working as a marine biologist in the Philippines

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Ocean infographic. (Researched by: Michael Seth Gabriel B. Ang)

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12) IAP Statement on the Protection of Marine Environments

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12) IAP Statement on the Protection of Marine Environments

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URL: https://www.interacademies.org/publication/ocean-infographic

TITLE: Protection of Marine Environments Infographic

AUTHOR: The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP)

DATE PUBLISHED: June 2021

KEY INFO: Unregulated and excessive human activities and climate change are causing the deterioration of the marine environment, reducing biodiversity and threatening its ecosystem services. Through this infographic, the IAP Statement on the Protection of Marine Environments, world academies urge world leaders to focus on ocean conservancy and to improve ocean health.

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We must protect marine environments The ocean covers more than 70%of planet Earth and supports humankind. For instance, it provides us with: oxygen to breath fish and seafood to eat seaways for transportation leisure and healing places to visit Ocean threats Unregulated and excessive human activities and climate change are causing the deterioration of the marine environment, reducing biodiversity and threatening its ecosystem services.

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Environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time. (Researched by: Isabeli Franchesca C. Paña)

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20) Environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time

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20) Environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time

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URL: https://philstarlife.com/geeky/929172-environmental-artist-endangered-species-art?page=6

TITLE: Saving Nature's Wonders Through Art

AUTHOR: John Patrick Magno Ranara

DATE PUBLISHED: November 30, 2022

KEY INFO: Featuring the two of the nation's environmental artists, AG Sao, who specializes in painting marine life, and Jean Raynell Bello, who concentrates on plants and birds, are working to raise awareness of environmental conservation.

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Recognizing that the extinction of fauna and flora is one of the critical issues plaguing the Philippines, some artists have decided to use their work to focus attention on this problem.

These environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time. Be it through painting, sculpture, or cinema, art has the capability to entertain, stimulate emotions, and move people to social action.

PhilSTAR L!fe features two such environmental artists in the country, AG Saño who paints marine life, and Jean Raynell Bello, who focuses on plants and birds to see how they are striving to shed light on environmental conservation.

In the art community, AG Saño is referred to as the "Whale Boy" for his striking murals that depict life underwater.

Nakita ko 'yung beauty nung movement nila, nung the way they live, 'yung value ng buhay nila as social groups.

The 2009 documentary film The Cove about dolphin hunting operations in Japan intensified his concern for marine life and moved him to start painting murals around many places in the Philippines.

The street artist chose walls as his canvas.

"I had this habit of looking at walls differently. Kapag may nakita akong wall na dinadaanan ng maraming tao, whether vehicular or pedestrian traffic, dinidesire ko nang ipaint 'yun. I try to envision what will the outcome be and then I tried to find a way to talk to the wall owner."

"Sa walls kasi parang iba 'yung happiness ko kasi 'yung kagandahan kasi sa street art, kahit wala na ako doon, since public wall siya, makikita siya ng mga taong dumadaan," he added.

Because of the continual support he had gotten from individuals and institutions alike, he managed to paint 982 murals in 16 countries. The journey to achieving this, however, was filled with many trials.

"Number one inspiration ko ay 'yung beauty talaga ng nature eh, tsaka 'yung desire to care for nature, to help save nature kasi sobrang laki na nung damage na ginawa ng tao sa nature. Inspired din ako sa mga tao na inaalay yung buhay nila para sa conservation work," he said.

It's in her 'nature'

Despite being relatively new to the art scene when it comes to conservation work, Jean Raynell Bello is determined to protect the environment as well.

Like most environmental artists, Bello was introduced to the wonders of nature when she was just a child, with her family's garden as her playground and haven. This love grew stronger as she learned more about how the Philippines is brimming with life.

"We have over 5,000 species of plants and animals here sa Pilipinas. This is just a small archipelago and yet it's teeming with life, so for that reason alone masasabi na natin na maganda na 'yung Pilipinas," Bello said.

She eventually channelled this love into artwork, and was encouraged by her art-driven family.

"I've been influenced by my family to appreciate these things, especially my dad kasi marami siyang iniintroduce sakin na mga bagay that arouses my scientific curiosity."

However, she gets her strong connection with nature from her mother, who is also a visual artist and whose works all revolve around nature.

Bello, who turned 30 years old last September, now juggles two occupations at the same time, as an instructor at the University of the Philippines Department of Chemical Engineering, and as an artist with a focus on nature and wildlife.

A work-in-progress. Jean Raynell Bello's acrylic painting gives spotlight to the white-bellied muna, a bird native to Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines.

It's a combination that seems incompatible. After all, science is designed to be objective and research-based while artists are free to use their imagination to evoke emotions through their work.

Bello, however, says that she balances her love for science and art.

"Itong animal and plant drawings and paintings ko, there's actually science behind there because of the attention to details. I strive to get the details right and that is the scientific aspect of what I'm doing," she said.

A collage of Jean Raynell Bello's works. On the right is a rosy-faced lovebird, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lovebird species.

In fact, the pandemic aided in the blossoming of Bello's passion for art.

"I pursued [making artworks] during this pandemic. I think being at home all the time has allowed me to reflect on things. I made a decision na maging full-time artist na talaga, and I'm learning a lot of things along the way," Bello shared.

Jean Raynell Bello's artwork focuses on the Medinilla magnifica or rose grape, a species of flowering plant native to the Philippines.

She recounted having recently joined a group online where other people plant and share information on Philippine native trees. There, she realized how she often overlooks her surroundings.

"I realized na mayroon din tayong mga endangered and rare trees and they also need our attention para dumami rin ang mga puno na ito. These trees are life givers sa ating mga animals, so yung habitat loss is synonymous to losing these trees. If they don't have these trees, wala na ring masisilungan ang mga birds natin and yung other animals. And that pushes me to focus on native species ng mga plants natin sa mga works ko," Bello said.

Aside from plants, birds are also a prominent subject of her canvases.

"I've always loved birds. If you're gonna ask me if I'm a dog or cat person, I'll say I'm a bird person," Bello shared. "'You often hear birds, but you don't see them. They're quite a mystery for us, so in my work I intend to put a spotlight to them, para ipakita sa tao na we have this kind of colorful bird."

Bello hopes that through her acrylic depictions of nature's beauties found only in our country, people would be motivated to protect them.

"I really hope that they become aware of these creatures as we try to promote them. I hope rin that the viewer will also share my sentiments towards these animals and plants make them a better person," she said.

"Filipinos can do their small part by simply increasing your awareness. I advise them actively take part in green activites, kahit maghike ka lang, go on parks more often, be more aware of what's around us, be more aware of the organic aspects dito sa Pilipinas," Bello advised.

Praise from conservationists

Center for Conservation Innovations President Neil Aldrin Mallari commended artists who are raising awareness through their works, noting the low appreciation for Philippine wildlife among Filipinos.

He suggested, "Aside from showcasing endangered species, mas maganda rin sana i-showcase 'yung habitat, because ang maiuuwing message ng mga parokyano na 'ah this species live in clean rivers, but the rivers are threatened by pollution.'"

"We will not be okay of nature is not okay, so protect nature at all costs because by protecting biodiversity, we are protecting ourselves and our children and our children's children," he added.

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Environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time

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Recognizing that the extinction of fauna and flora is one of the critical issues plaguing the Philippines, some artists have decided to use their work to focus attention on this problem. These environmental artists strive to save endangered creatures one artwork at a time.