Coral bleaching in Bicolthreatens nat’l food security

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

The country’s fish production and food security are at risk due to alarming levels of coral bleaching in the Bicol Region, according to Rhoneil Estevez, technical coordinator of the Marine Eco Diver Project for coral rehabilitation in the Albay Gulf. Estevez, an environmentalist and sea guardian for over a decade, reported extensive damage to coral reefs in the Albay Gulf, particularly in the coastal areas of Legazpi City. The situation is exacerbated by crown-of-thorns starfish infestations and an outbreak of Drupella rock snails.

Estevez, along with volunteer divers, ICRM employees, fishermen, and this reporter, inspected Pasig Reef to assess the extent of the damage. Under the shadow of Mayon Volcano, the corals—ranging from the smallest to the largest, including new coral colonies—were found to be bleached and on the verge of dying due to ongoing heat stress caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Estevez described the coral bleaching as unprecedented, attributing it to the significant rise in sea temperatures. He noted that temperatures in Legazpi City had already exceeded 50°C during the height of El Niño, with sustained heat leading to extensive coral bleaching since May. Normally, temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C, but this year saw them soar between 45°C and 52°C.

He emphasized that climate change is the root cause, triggering ocean warming, acidification, and rising greenhouse gas levels. Estevez highlighted the devastating impact on marine life, with fish populations likely to decline as corals die off, leaving marine species without habitats to spawn.

Estevez and his team, including volunteers from the Integrated Coastal Resource Management of Legazpi City and divers from Divine Word College of Legazpi, have been working to combat crown-of-thorns infestations at Pasig Reef. However, coral bleaching remains a significant challenge. Estevez classified the coral bleaching as catastrophic and warned of its severe implications for food security, particularly in rural areas where communities heavily rely on marine resources.

Ran Basquinas, another environmentalist and a Department of Education-Albay division employee, corroborated Estevez’s concerns, stating that the Philippines is part of the fourth wave of global coral bleaching. He emphasized the urgent need for awareness and action, pointing out that coral reefs are vital for marine life, and their destruction could lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems.

Eduardson Maceda Arena, a fisherman and Bantay Dagat member in Legazpi City, shared his alarm, noting that this year’s coral bleaching is the worst in the city’s history. He expressed concerns over the potential long-term impact on marine resources, particularly fish populations that rely on healthy coral reefs to spawn.

Volunteer divers Varvara Chigrin from Germany and Mariona Arnau from Spain also participated in the inspection, noting that while coral bleaching is occurring in other areas, Pasig Reef is the most severely affected. Estevez’s team has been employing vinegar injections as an environmentally friendly solution to combat the crown-of-thorns starfish infestation, which has been a persistent threat to the reef.

Nonie Enolva, the former BFAR Bicol spokesperson and current officer in charge of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, Enforcement and Support Services Division, explained that coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues due to stress, often caused by elevated sea temperatures. This causes the corals to turn white and, if the stress continues, can lead to coral death. Enolva emphasized the importance of involving local fishermen in monitoring coral bleaching as part of ground surveillance efforts.

When asked about the possibility of coral recovery, Enolva stated that corals could recover if ocean temperatures return to normal. She also highlighted the ongoing Drupella rock snails’ outbreak as a contributing factor to coral decline in Legazpi City.

Engineer Benigno Redito, officer-in-charge of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM), provided an overview of Pasig Reef, which spans approximately eight hectares and is a popular diving site. He stressed the importance of protecting coral reefs to ensure food security and a steady protein supply for Legazpi’s growing population. Restoration efforts include coral replanting and the regeneration of fish shelters to expand marine habitats.

Legazpi City boasts 16 dive sites, including Pasig Reef, which are key marine tourism destinations and crucial to the local economy. Albay Gulf, renowned for its rich marine life, serves as a significant fishing ground and occasionally attracts the world’s gentle giants for feeding.

Redito’s office continues to collaborate with NGOs, volunteers, environmentalists, and government agencies on year-round initiatives, including removal of crown-of-thorns starfish, clean-up drives, and coral replanting, to protect and restore the city’s marine resources.

The coral reef in Legazpi City is affected extensively by coral bleaching due to heat stress brought by climate change and aggravated by the El Nino phenomenon. Environmentalists in Legazpi City expressed alarm for massive coral bleaching as it affects the food sustainably of the Albayanos and the country.