Asia?s Reefs at risk from over-fishing and pollution!

Asian reefs are known to be one of the most bio-diverse, rich and extensive reefs in the world, however over 88 per cent of Southeast Asia?s coral reefs are in danger of facing destruction from over-fishing and pollution. These reefs are a substantial portion of Asian life, with majority of the population relying on it for food.

The most threatened reefs are in our own back-yards! Philippine and Indonesian reefs hold 77 per cent of the regions coral reefs. We are at the epicenter of marine diversity, with a single island yielding a higher variety of reef-building coral.

Philippine waters are still hounded by illegal fishing methods. Proper education of these fishing villages, or alternative livelihood programs will help our environment and our countrymen. Other threats are coastal development, marine pollution and sedimentation. Our waters also supply nearly all of the world?s live reef fish that are sold as food, exceeding over US$1 billion per year.

There is no other time than now for us to join together and petition governments around this portion of the world to expand the network of protected areas. Additional regulations in the trade of live reef organisms should also be implemented.