National scientist Angel Alcala expressed concern over the damage to coral reefs, particularly marine protected areas, with the coming of the typhoon season in the Philippines. Alcala of the Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, said the southern Philippine area, which has the most number of no-take marine reserves in the world, has been hit by four typhoons between 2008 to 2013, compared to only two typhoons in the 24-year period, from 1983 to 2007. Two of the typhoons, “Sendong” and “Pablo”, that hit the country in December 2011 and December 2012, respectively, destroyed the no-take marine-protected area of Apo Island off the coast of Dauin town in southern Negros Oriental. “The coral reefs – the habitat of fish – were also destroyed,” he said. Continue reading...
