AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People expresses grave concern on the ongoing dredging, seabed quarrying and reclamation activities in Cavite, particularly in the towns of Ternate, Naic, and Rosario.

“Dredging activities in Cavite are closely related to ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay as filling materials dumped into our coasts are obtained from San Nicholas Shoal in Cavite, which had already affected the coastal ecosystems and the livelihood of the fisherfolk,” explained Jerwin Baure, resident marine scientist of AGHAM. Fisherfolk from the coastal communities in Cavite have recently claimed that these quarrying operations are driving away fishes in the area due to associated pollution and noise in the bay [1].

“Manila Bay is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country,” Baure added. A study by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute previously found that the northern and eastern parts of Manila Bay, which includes Bulacan, Metro Manila and Cavite, are known to have high biomass of fish eggs and larvae [2]. These areas still have mangrove ecosystems that serve as nursery grounds for fish. “If dredging and reclamation activities in Manila Bay continue, coastal ecosystems that serve as fish nurseries will be affected, which can eventually affect our fisheries production,” Baure lamented.

Amid a worsening climate crisis, environmental conservation must be given top priority. “We are deeply concerned that these destructive activities are still being allowed by the government despite warnings from scientists and fisherfolk regarding their negative effects,” Baure said. “We call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to grant the request of fisherfolk, scientists and environmental organizations to hold a dialogue regarding these activities [3]. We also call on the DENR to issue a moratorium on dredging and reclamation projects until issues concerning these projects are addressed.” ###

References:

[1] Adverse impact of Manila Bay dredging, reclamation bared. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1732590/adverse-impact-of-manila-bay-dredging-reclamation-bared 

[2] Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Ichthyoplankton in Manila Bay in Relation to Oceanographic Conditions. https://doi.org/10.31398/tpjf/24.1.2016A0005 

[3] Fishers’ group seeks dialogue with BFAR on Manila Bay dredging activities. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1732434/fishers-group-seeks-dialogue-with-bfar-on-manila-bay-dredging-activities 


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