Amid growing environmental and territorial challenges, the Philippines is intensifying efforts to rehabilitate coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), aiming to protect its rich biodiversity from further destruction.

Experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the University of the Philippines (UP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are leading the initiative.

Since February 22, members of the PCG’s Marine Science Group have been working with scientists and environmentalists from the UP Marine Science Institute and the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau to conduct a research expedition in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

The team aims to complete the weeklong project by February 28, establishing baseline biodiversity data in the area.

Scientists identify reef restoration sites  

As part of the initiative, the team is identifying and mapping priority reef restoration sites by assessing the diversity and community structure of seaweeds, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

They are also documenting the biodiversity and distribution of seagrass on the reef flats of Pagasa (Thitu) Island and studying mollusk species to better understand their habitat interactions.

The PCG described the initiative as “a prelude to a series of activities to rehabilitate the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems” in the West Philippine Sea.

The agency also emphasized that the project aligns with its “mandate on marine environment protection and in recognition of the immeasurable importance of the marine environment and resources to the Filipino people.”

The PCG previously raised concerns about significant coral reef destruction in Sabina Shoal and Rozul Reef, where suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels have frequently operated.

During an underwater survey in 2023, the PCG found “extensive” damage on the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

“The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem in these WPS features appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life,” PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said at the time.

Tarriela also noted that surveys in Escoda Shoal revealed visible seabed discoloration, indicating deliberate human activity had altered the underwater landscape.

According to Tarriela, the presence of crushed corals strongly suggested a potential act of dumping, possibly involving the same dead corals that were previously processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed.

He warned that the continued presence of the Chinese maritime militia in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal for illegal and destructive fishing activities may have directly contributed to environmental degradation in the disputed waters. 

Researchers from the Philippine Coast Guard, University of the Philippines and Department of Environment and National Resources conduct studies at Pag-asa Island and nearby waters in the Kalayaan Island Group to gather baseline data for marine ecosystem rehabilitation in the West Philippine Sea. The project runs from February 22 to February 28, 2025. 

Reduced Chinese presence during military drills 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy has observed fewer illegal and coercive activities by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy whenever the Philippines conducts military exercises with other countries.

“Actions of the government to bring in other nations to observe and protect the rules-based international order are very much welcome, and we have noted a marked decrease in the illegal and coercive actions of the PLA Navy each time there is a multilateral or bilateral maritime cooperative activity,” Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said. 

He added that the government would continue to work with allied nations to help protect the rules-based international order. “Expect that there will be more of these activities to come in the future.”

The most recent maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the disputed waters took place on February 21, when the Philippines held joint exercises with the French Navy.

“During the conduct of the MCA with the French Navy and the Armed Forces, there were no PLA Navy, Coast Guard, or maritime militia (vessels) noted within close proximity. They were at a distance of more than 120 nautical miles away,” Trinidad said.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas west of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, Beijing continues to assert control over the region.

Since January, the PCG has monitored Chinese Coast Guard vessels unlawfully operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone and near Zambales, highlighting ongoing tensions in Philippine waters.

All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard

Top photo: PCG personnel and researchers from UP and DENR on a biodiversity expedition in the Kalayaan Island Group as part of efforts to rehabilitate coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea.