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An
oil seismic survey in the northern coastlines of Bohol
will endanger Danajon Bank and its marine resources,
this is according to a fisherfolk development organization
opposing oil explorations in the Visayan seas.
Vince
Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk
Development Center (FIDEC) said in an interview with
the Chronicle that if the seismic oil exploration in
northern Bohol will push through, it could alter the
marine
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PROTEST. Fishermen conducted a
sea barricade to dramatize their objection to the seismic
survey of an oil exploration project between Bohol and
Cebu seawaters. |
biodiversity
of Danajon Bank, which is one of the rare double barrier reef
formations in the world and is said to be the source of marine
biodiversity in the Asia Pacific region.
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According
to Cinches, FIDEC is now organizing a multi-sectoral
team which includes marine biologists and experts to
gather data of marine life and resources at the Danajon
double barrier reefs before the seismic survey will
start.
The
Department of Energy (DOE) is said to have awarded an
oil exploration contract to Australian-based Otto Energy
Ltd. to explore Area 8 which is located between the
coastlines of Bohol, Cebu and Leyte.
Cinches
bared that Dr. Lemuel Aragones, a University of the
Philippines marine biologist is here to conduct initial
studies of the oil survey area.
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"Danajon
Bank is part of the country's marine biodiversity priorities,"
Cinches said, "the coral reefs are threatened of destruction
and its inhabitants may be driven away due to
the noise generated by the seismic exploration."
An
oil seismic survey near the area will likewise threaten the
local economy and food security, he said, while marginal fishermen
will be greatly affected.
Some
100 marine scientists have called to end the oil explorations
in the Visayas which includes the seismic survey of the Bohol
and Cebu Straits in June last year.
Provincial
and national conservation efforts has been made on Danajon
Bank as it has been the subject of extremely high fishing,
largely through illegal and destructive methods such as bottom
trawling and the use of dynamite and cyanide.
"Millions
of government funds have been spent for the protection and
rehabilitation of the marine biodiversity of Danajon,"
according to Cinches. However, these efforts may all go to
waste if oil exploration is allowed near the area.
Danajon
is known for its high degree of diversity in marine flora
and fauna, coral species and marine resources. It spans 130
kilometers with an area of about 271.7 square kilometers and
a total length of 381.5 kilometers.
Found
in the Danajon reef area is the Banacon mangrove plantation,
said to be the largest man-made forest in Southeast Asia,
and the sea horse sanctuary. Both are now under the close
monitoring of NGOs and government agencies.
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