Quote:
Originally Posted by ZambeziKid  Can we post all articles/thoughts/opinions/links and arguments to support or counter this claim - "Philippines has the most bio-diverse marine life in the world".
Seems to be a claim of much interest, so post away! |
Howyadoing mate? Anyways I know for a fact that, regardless of how negative many of the things we say about Apo Island, it still is mainly the reason why most of the diver guests, except the hardcore photographers, come to Negros Oriental for. I, like any true-blooded Pilipino busero who have been diving the best of what the Philippines can offer for more than 30 years, can only say that except for sulu sea, which is not anymore that exciting but is still worth visiting, Apo Island and the rest of supposedly well-managed island marine sanctuaries, are a big letdown. It's frustrating to see fish traps, and gill nets, and garbage all mixing up with the still nice coral growth that still adorns Apo. Even more sickening is the fact that should anyone complain or protest, or initiate action against the way the islanders manage their sanctuary, he or she is threatened with being fined or forever banned from diving the area by the same guys who are supposed to ensure proper and effective management of marine sanctuaries. It's understandable that because of the lack of decent livelihood opportunities on the island, the people there really have no other choice but to catch fish to survive. But to do it in an indiscriminate manner, like setting up fish traps and nets within the protected area is one recipe for ecological disaster. I've seen places a lot better than Apo which got totally erased from the dive map by such idiotic practices in less than three years because there are hardly any more fish life left to see or even talk about.
I just hope that the Apo islanders themselves would see the big drop in biodiversity from a few years back and realize that unless they do something drastic towards better and sustainable management of their marine environment, and start adopting proper and effective family planning, there shall no longer be anything better for them to do there than lead miserable lives.