TUBBATAHA RP’s largest coral reef

PALAWAN – Marine tourism lovers as well as the seasoned local and foreign travelers continue to swarm the jewel of Palawan, that is, the Tubbataha Reef.

Derived from the two Samal words meaning “long reef” exposed at a low tide, Tubbataha is the largest coral reef and first national park in the Philippines – and the first natural World Heritage Site of the country.

The Tubbataha Reef covers some 33,200-hectare community of diverse corals, fishes and other forms of aquatic life. It is a dream destination for divers and marine scientists. It is home to more than 300 coral species, at least eight species of marine mammals, 380 species of fish, seven species of sea grass and 71 species of marine algae.

The Tubbataha Reef and surrounding waters were declared a National Marine Park by Proclamation No. 306 in August 1998. Five years later in December 1993, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the reefs as a World Heritage Site.

Because of its rich and diverse underwater world, Tubbataha is a must-see destination for serious diverse even if getting there would entail virtually living on a boat for a few days and for a steep fee. Tubbataha-Sulu Sea live-aboard trips cost between R30,000 to R40,000 depending on the boat and length of stay.

The north and south reefs of Tubbataha have the biggest concentration of fish in the country. The landmark of the South Tubbataha is the solar-powered lighthouse that stands on a tree-covered islet.

To the east of the lighthouse is the steel remains of the Delsan wreck, sitting atop the reef. There are also sandy clays that extend 5 km. in length and 3 km. in width. It is separated from the north reef by an 8 km. channel.

Everything in Tubbataha is huge. Jacks and trevallies, groupers, triggerfish, Napoleon Wrasse, turtles, even the lionfish and sharks were all bigger than those seen in other divingsites. The fish also often move in shoals, meaning hundreds and even thousands, making them appear like one large animal to protect them from bigger predators like sharks.

If you have seen the “WOW Philippines” TV advertisement on CNN and BBC, which shows a school of small orange fish swimming diagonally atop a coral with the caption “More than the usual rush hour,” it is exactly the same.

The north coral atoll is bigger than the south reef, extending 16 km. in length and 3 km. in width. It has a sandy slope, which, after around 15m, drops to a wall with caves and crevices where sharks and lobsters like to sleep.

The coral garden in the north reef at just 25 ft. under is colorful and teeming with fish. The coral formation is like a sculpture, some corals tower as high as 3 ft., which was unusual since corals only grow between 1 and 10 cm. every year.

North Tubbataha is an easy, worryfree dive – no strong currents, good visibility, and no technical problems.

Tubbataha’s twin atolls are epicenter of marine life and also serve as fish nurseries for the greater Sulu Sea and the surrounding islands. Tubbataha thus contributes significantly to the country’s food security.

Tourism wise, the Reef’s value increase yearly contributing to the national and local economy. As a World Heritage Site, it is valued by people everywhere who knows that they exist and are being maintained for the employment of present and future generations. The preservation of this biodiversity, comparing favorably with the richest and most abundant marine areas in the tropical world contributes immensely to the long-term maintenance of the marine species and their genetic diversity in this part of the world.

Still despite the Reef’s remoteness, its amazing underwater gardens and diverse wildlife were not spared from destruction. Illegal fishing using dynamite, sodium cyanide and other environment-unfriendly methods became rampant in the 80s, but were brought under control with the presence of the Philippine Navy in the Park.

In July 1995, the Ramos Administration created the Task Force for the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park which developed action plans to reverse environmental degradation in the area and started sustained patrol operations.

For the past five years, the Philippine Navy and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines have been working hand in hand to patrol the area against illegal activities. Rangers are assigned to protect the area as well as tohelp tourists and divers who visit the reef.

Together with the province of Palawan, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and other local nongovernment organizations, the WWFPhilippines continues to campaign for the park’s protection.

The DENR, WWF-Philippines and UN Development Program also signed an agreement for a four-year GEF mediumsized project grant ($750,000) to continue conservation activities in Tubbataha Reef.

In addition, Tubbataha’s park authorities are now charging park user’s or conservation fee for all visitors ($25 for locals and $50 for foreigners). The fees help in the future research and conservation activities for the area.