Chinese Fishing Vessel damages coral reef near PAG-ASA, PCSD seeks P11-M penalty

The Chinese vessel, marked with bow number “16868,” dropped a parachute anchor on Pag-asa Cay 1 in early June.

The incident was initially reported by the Philippine Navy as a case of grounding, but marine experts from the PCSD later clarified that no grounding occurred.

“The absence of flattened reef structures indicates the vessel did not run aground on the reef,” said Mark Ace Dela Cruz, chief of the PCSD’s Habitat Management System.

“Instead, the observed damages such as broken fragments of branching hard and soft corals and massive corals were caused by the dragging of the sea anchor and/or anchor line.”

The parachute anchor was found submerged nine meters underwater, covering 307 square meters of live coral.

According to the assessment, approximately 30 percent of the coral in that area was damaged. Combined with surrounding impact, the total damage area was recorded at 464 square meters.

The PCSD said the parachute anchor could not be retrieved due to its weight. Dr. Benjamin Gonzales, the marine scientist who led the assessment, warned that if left in place, the parachute would continue to block sunlight from reaching the corals, causing their death.

He also warned of the possibility of the anchor shifting during storms or surges, which could worsen the damage.

“This may spark a series of unfortunate events that may lead to an environmental catastrophe,” Gonzales said.

He noted that the reef near Pag-asa Island supports thousands of marine species, including fish, lobsters, octopuses, and giant clams. Coral reef systems in the area are estimated to produce 32 tons of fish annually. Gonzales said the loss of these corals would have direct consequences for Filipino fishers.

“This has implication sa ating mga fishermen who fish in the West Philippine Sea. Kung wala ng corals, wala na ring fish,” he said.

He also raised concern over microplastic pollution, saying that contact between coral and synthetic materials from the parachute may result in microplastics entering marine food chains, including fish consumed by humans.

Board Member Ferdinand Zaballa, Vice-Chairman of the PCSD expressed frustration over the repeated environmental violations occurring within Philippine waters, especially by foreign vessels.

“This is not just a scientific issue,it’s a matter of national sovereignty and environmental justice,” Zaballa said.

“We will not let this pass without proper accountability. The damaged reefs may not speak, but we must speak for them.”

The PCSD is recommending the collection of P11,159,040 in environmental penalties from the foreign vessel, citing damage to the reef and ecosystem loss within Philippine waters.

The NTF-WPS supports the recommendation, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard for the West Philippine Sea.

“We remain committed to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, preserving our marine ecosystems, and upholding the well-being of the communities that depend on them,” he said.