AS PART of efforts to restore degraded coral reefs in the country, the University of San Carlos (USC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) established a facility where corals can reproduce.
At the USC Multi-species Hatchery Facility in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, marine biologists reproduce corals and plant these in degraded coral reefs.
USC and DOST officials inaugurated the P2-million facility yesterday.
Located inside the 1.5-hectare USC Marine Research Station, the facility is one of the projects under the National Coral Reefs Restoration Program, said Dr. Anthony Ilano, head of the USC biology department.
The USC leads the initiative, which was launched last May and is funded by the DOST.
Responsibility
“Everyone knows that our coral reefs are degraded. We feel it is our responsibility as marine biologists to help restore our coral reefs,” said Ilano, who oversees the sexual reproduction of corals.
The initiative, also dubbed “Filipinnovation on Coral Restoration Program,” aims to restore degraded coral reefs through public-private-academe partnership.
“This is also in aid of legislation,” said Dr. Filipina Sotto, program leader of the restoration project. “The results of the project can be a basis for the amendment of the coral law.”
The project is being piloted in Baler, Aurora; Bagac, Bataan; Laiya and Anilao in Batangas; Ticao, Masbate; Panglao, Bohol; Malay and Tangalan in Aklan; Sogod, Southern Leyte; and Tawi-Tawi.
Sotto said the USC has partnered with schools, dive shops and dive resorts in these areas. They also work with the local government units, which provide logistical support.
Support
The project also gets financial support from some district representatives.
Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo was present during the inauguration of the facility.
In a speech, he pointed out that coral rehabilitation remains expensive, but more innovation and breakthroughs will address this problem.
The facility, he said, is a “step forward” in the restoration of degraded coral reefs.
The construction of the facility was completed last month. It has a wet laboratory and various tanks for the reproduction of corals, shells and fish.
“With this modest facility, we show our commitment to the preservation of our environment,” said Fr. Anthony Salas, USC vice president for academic affairs.
Ilano said the degradation of coral reefs in the country is alarming. Citing a study by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, he said only five percent of the country’s coral reefs can be considered “excellent” live corals.
Montejo said the DOST will propose to have a role in the restoration of the corals that were damaged by a US Navy ship in Tubbataha.