How is climate change affecting Tubbataha Reef?
Human-induced climate change is perhaps the single biggest threat to the future of Tubbataha. Under stress, such as increased water temperatures and ocean acidification, corals may expel their zooxanthellae, which leads to a lighter or completely white appearance, termed ‘bleached’.
What makes Tubbataha Reef beautiful?
It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.
What is the problem of Tubbataha Reef?
Field surveys at Tubbataha Reef in 1984 and 1989 have revealed a dramatic decline in the coral-reef quality from the incidence of dynamite fishing, the use of sodium cyanide for the aquarium and live-food fish trades, and the dropping of large anchors. Sea-turtles and seabirds are also endangered.
What is Tubbataha reefs known for?
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a marine protected area and world-renowned scuba diving site. It is home to more than 1,200 marine species, including sea grasses and algae, corals, sharks, rays, fishes, sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals.
Who protects Tubbataha Reef?
The Tubbataha Act The Republic Act 10067, known as the TRNP Act, provides the legal and institutional framework for enforcement in the Tubbataha Reefs. The statute defines the authority of the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) to impose sanctions against violators.
Where is Tubbataha Reef located?
Palawan
Tubbataha reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 50km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province of the Philippines.
How does Philippines benefit from Tubbataha reefs?
The Tubbataha reefs serve as a habitat for a multitude of species and genetic diversity (Habitat for Species and Genetic Diversity) (Dygico 2006). In addition the Tubbataha Reefs are believed to provide the Sulu Sea and eastern coastline of Palawan with fish and invertebrate larvae (Provisioning of Food).
Is Tubbataha Reef an island?
It is located 150 kilometres (93 mi) southeast of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. The uninhabited islands and reefs are part of the island municipality of Cagayancillo, located roughly 130 kilometers (81 mi) to the northeast of the reef.
How does Philippines benefit from Tubbataha Reefs?
What plants live in the Tubbataha Reef?
Benthic marine vegetation of Tubbataha Reefs consist of four (4) species of seagrasses and about 43 species of algae. Both seagrasses and algae form extensive beds in shallow areas in both North and South Islets. The dominant macroalgae are Caulerpa urvilliana and Turbinaria.
What region is Tubbataha Reef?
Where is Tubbataha Reef? Tubbataha reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 50km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province of the Philippines.