A SIGNIFICANT ecological discovery has emerged from the coastal waters of Panabo City. Teams from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), the City Agriculture Office–Fisheries Development Section, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) have verified the presence of coral reef formations during their recent ground-truthing and local mapping activities.
The discovery underscores the city’s rich marine biodiversity and strengthens the call for heightened conservation measures to protect these vital underwater ecosystems.
Why the discovery matters
Finding coral reef structures in Panabo City is crucial because it confirms the presence of important marine habitats that support local fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism potential.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), newly identified reef areas allow local governments to map biodiversity hotspots, assess ecological status, and implement science-based coastal management programs.
Properly documented reefs also help LGUs integrate marine conservation into fisheries management and climate resilience planning.
Importance of coral reefs
Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” for their exceptional biodiversity. According to Unep and NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, globally, coral reefs support over 25% of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor
Their importance includes:
Fisheries and food security: Coral reefs provide spawning grounds, shelter, and feeding areas for fish species essential to coastal communities. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) notes that reefs contribute significantly to the country’s annual fish production.
Coastal protection: Multiple studies, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the World Resources Institute, show that healthy reefs act as natural barriers that reduce up to 97% of wave energy, protecting shorelines from storm surges, erosion, and flooding.
Livelihood and economy: Meanwhile, an economic study by the Asian Development Bank, entitled, Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, it stated that coral reefs support tourism, marine recreation, and coastal economies. In the Philippines, coral reef ecosystems generate an estimated US$1.35 billion per year in economic value.
What it means when coral reefs disappear
The loss of coral reefs often signals severe environmental decline. According to the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and global studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the disappearance of reefs means a collapse of local fisheries, as fish lose habitats necessary for breeding and survival. It could also result in higher coastal vulnerability, with increased risks of flooding and erosion, and at the same time, it also means loss of biodiversity, including species that depend on reefs for survival.
When coral reefs disappear, it would also result in economic losses, particularly for fishing communities and coastal tourism. It also indicates that there is water pollution or climate stress, such as ocean acidification, warming waters, and destructive human activities, when coral reefs disappear.
An area with no remaining coral reefs is often described as undergoing ecological collapse, where the balance of marine life is disrupted and long-term recovery becomes extremely difficult.
A call for protection
Local officials emphasized that the discovery is not only a scientific milestone but also a reminder of the city’s responsibility to safeguard its marine resources.
“Let’s protect our coral reefs — Bantayan nato ang atong bahura. They are the heart of our seas, the cradle of marine life, and the pride of Panabo,” the local government said.
With this newfound knowledge, Panabo City is expected to strengthen its marine conservation programs, enforce coastal regulations, and engage communities in protecting one of its most valuable natural assets. CEA