Located in the Pacific Ocean off the Southeast Asian mainland, the Philippines are comprised of over 7,000 islands. Of these islands, only about 900 are inhabited (Grossholtz, 1989). This island nation is in the tropics, with temperatures seldom below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spanish explorers colonized the Philippines in the 1500's. Named after King Philip II of Spain, the Spaniards brought Christianity. To this day, the Philippines have more Christians than any other nation of Asia. Subsequently, Spain gave this group of islands over to the United States in 1898 as part of a treaty that ended the Spanish-American War. The United States then ruled until the Philippines became a self-sustaining Commonwealth. However, Japanese forces controlled the area during World War II. This ended after the war, and the Philippines once again became under control of the United States. Eventually, they were given independence and became a new nation with a government similar to those of the United States. Thus, the Philippines has a wide variety of languages, customs, and ways of life due to different nations that have taken part in their history (Grossholtz, 1989).
The Situation
As an island nation, the ocean plays a vital role in sustaining the life on the islands. Although roughly 50% of the Filipino people make a living through farming, a large number of people also rely heavily on the use of the ocean for supplemental resources. The Lingayen Gulf, situated on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, holds some of the most diverse habitats in its waters. However, there are tremendous problems affecting the ocean. This is especially evident in the Lingayen Gulf, as man is single-handedly destroying the coastal area.
Goodland and Daly define sustainability as "development without growth in throughput of matter and energy beyond regenerative or absorptive capacities" (Goodland and Daly, 1996). This is to say that in the Lingayen Gulf, efforts must be made to slow down the destruction and depletion of the many organisms that live there. There is a certain limit to which the ocean can absorb pollution, as well as a limit to fishing before certain species become extinct. Goodland and Daly believe that sustainability cannot be attained until there is a decrease in the gap between the rich and poor. Dovers and Handmer also provide contradictions to sustainability that apply to the Lingayen Gulf. They break it down into various areas. For example, they mention adaptability vs. resistance as a constraint (Dovers and Handmer, 1992). This is particularly true for the Lingayen Gulf area as the people are accustomed to fishing as their livelihood. They would not be too willing if sustainability could be reached, but their profits would be low. The people must strive to feed their families first.
Overfishing is one of the most destructive things man is doing to the Lingayen Gulf. There are many methods that are being used to deplete the stock of fish. Two significant areas of destruction are the use of cyanide and dynamite fishing. These not only claim the life of fish, but also destroy the coral reefs in the process. It is said that only 23% of the coral reefs remain in fairly good conditions (Cybercity, n.d.). This is a far cry from their natural state. Also, there are many illegal fisheries that take out far too many fish to replenish themselves in an adequate amount of time.
Pollution is also destroying the Lingayen Gulf as well as exhausting the fish population. Non-point pollution such as runoff from agricultural areas, sewage wastes, and subsequent eutrophication of coastal waters are some of the problems faced by the coast. Polluted waters cannot sustain life, and are a great threat to all of life.
Social Aspects
Social concerns affect greatly the possibility of making a sustainable Lingayen Gulf. The lack of sustainability derives from the human beings themselves. Being a less developed country, the Philippines has poverty. Poverty in the Philippines is defined by the fact that they lack many of the resources and items found in developed countries. "In some countries, fishing communities are among the poorest groups of society; people living in the fishing villages around Santiago Island at the mouth of the Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines lead a hand-to-mouth existence" (Wells, 1992). This is a principle reason that the gulf is being overfished and the coral reefs are being destroyed. As previously stated, there needs to be a smaller gap between the poor and the wealthy in order to sustain the gulf. With the ocean is right at their doorstep, fishing is seen as an easy way to make a living. Fishing is what the people around the Lingayen Gulf have grown up doing. Many fishermen who catch reef fish are living below the poverty line (Dayton, 1995). Also, a lack of alternative opportunities weighs heavily upon the people of the Philippines. Not everyone can own a company, and thus must resort to simpler methods of acquiring money.
People vs. Environment
The question of environmental awareness comes up. Do the people of the Philippines know what harm they are inflicting to their coastal region? If so, what can they do about it? Unfortunately, many do not know the consequences of their actions. Otherwise, they would not be destroying their own home. There are also people who, on the wealthy side of the spectrum, stand only to gain money without any thought of protecting the gulf. In a less developed country, the people with money do indeed have a lot of power. Environmental awareness is not a priority to people living in the area. However, certain organizations are trying to make Filipinos aware of what is going on. For example, the Lingayen Gulf Coastal Area Management Commission (LGCAMC) is responsible for testing the water in the gulf, and reporting anything harmful to the proper authorities (PNA, 1997).
In the Philippines, education is highly valued with about 30% of the people attending college (Grossholtz, 1989). Although education is highly stressed, there is little being done to save the Lingayen Gulf, its fish and its coral reefs. People are thinking only of today, and the benefits to them in the present. They must realize that areas such as the Lingayen Gulf are immensely important to the ecosystem that is earth. The thought process must turn to the necessity of better water quality. The people of the Lingayen Gulf area should acknowledge the problem in order to ameliorate the deplorable conditions in the coastal waters. With adherence to the Input-Output rules as defined by Goodland and Daly, the Lingayen Gulf has a chance to become sustainable.
Natural Capital (Coral Reefs)
Goodland and Daly define natural capital as, "the stock of environmentally provided assets" (Goodland and Daly, 1996). Natural capital consists of natural environments that make up the earth. These include forests, clean water areas, and other ecosystems. Natural capital provides what are known as "ecosystem services." Nutrient cycling, climate regulation, biological control, food production, and sediment retention are just a few of the services provided (Goodland and Daly, 1996). In terms of the Philippines, one of the most important natural capitals is the surrounding coral reef. Coral reefs provide all of the ecosystem services. However, there are ominous circumstances that are greatly affecting the health of coral reefs worldwide.
One of the many locations in which the coral reefs are in poor health is in the Philippines. To find out the problems associated with the coral reef, we must first understand the ecosystem and the benefits derived from them. What embodies a coral reef setting? The majority of coral reefs are found in warm, shallow, and tropical waters. Favorable light and temperature conditions to sustain the reefs are usually found between the latitudes of 30° N and 30° S (Delbeek et al., 1994). Coral is "a limestone formation formed in the sea by millions of tiny animals" (Muscatine, 1989). These animals, of which there are many different species, grow in areas with this ideal condition. Light is very important to corals, as many contain symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae are found in their tissues. Since corals are found in relatively nutrient poor areas, these algal cells produce energy that is used by the coral (Delbeek et al., 1994).
Coral reefs are classified into two types, shelf reefs and oceanic reefs. Shelf reefs grow on the continental shelf surrounding major continents, while oceanic reefs grow in deeper waters past the continental shelf. Various types of reefs occur in both regions and may include the following:
The Value of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are a valuable part of the marine ecosystem. They provide habitat - food, shelter, and protection - for many species of marine plants and animals. For example, Hawaiian monk seals rely on reef fish for 90% of their diet (Coral Forest, n.d.). Coral reefs, a very important natural capital to this planet, help to benefit and sustain marine life.
However, coral reefs not only benefit marine life, but people as well. Coral reefs help to protect shorelines from erosion, and keep coastal communities intact. Coral reefs also supply fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms upon which many economies depend. These include commercial aspects (food exported for the world market), recreation (providing jobs through fishing and tourism), and ornamental goods (providing jobs and income for tropical fish exporters) (Coral Forest, n.d.). All of these aspects are especially evident in the Philippines where a large portion of their industry is related to the coral reef. In the 70’s, the Philippines was known as the leading coral exporting country with over 52 tons exported yearly (Cybercity, n.d.).
Furthermore, coral reefs hold vast secrets that can be proved beneficial to humankind. For example, compounds derived from Caribbean sponges are being used in the treatment of cancer and Herpes simplex (Coral Forest, n.d.). Other organisms found in coral reefs are used in treating a multitude of diseases throughout the world.
Threats To Coral Reefs
Studies conducted by the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippine have come to the conclusion that only five percent of the reefs are in excellent condition while seventy percent are either destroyed or on the verge of destruction (Cybercity, n.d.). Coral reefs are damaged in two ways; naturally and human-caused. Natural threats to coral reefs include strong weather phenomena (hurricanes, storms, etc.), salinity changes do to rain/drought, and organisms that consume the corals that make up the reef such as the spiny urchin (Coral Forest, n.d.). Human-caused threats to coral reefs are many, and far more damaging than natural threats. For example, man-made pollutants (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons) are building up in the atmosphere, trapping in heat from the sun. The subsequent increase in ocean temperatures, sea levels, and disturbances in the normal weather patterns negatively affect the corals. The corals become more susceptible to diseases, such as bleaching. Temperature is a major driving factor in coral bleaching events. "Temperatures of 30-31 degrees Celsius (86-87.8 degrees F.) are common triggers," said Causey. "If these elevated temperatures continue for 1-2 months, the results can be lethal" (Florida Keys, n.d.).
Pollution
It is said that 40% of marine pollution derives from the land (Wells, 1992). Sewage and fertilizers can have disastrous effects when dumped into the ocean. They bring increased nutrients to an environment that is not accustomed to it. Dredging, which disturbs the sea floor, causes massive amounts of silt which can destroy the organisms in the reefs. Corals expend a lot of energy removing silt, and too much sediment can smother the corals. Loss of oxygen and vital nutrients can quickly follow. Also, silt allows much less light to penetrate, which can harm corals with zooxanthellae.
Overfishing
In the Philippines, overfishing is very prominent. Although pollutants are and inherent threat to coral reefs, the major source of destruction to the coral reef in the Philippines is due to overfishing. Reef fish, freshly killed and cooked, are so popular that restaurants cannot get enough of them (Dayton, 1995). There are two methods of fishing that are disastrous to every aspect of the reef, with no benefits whatsoever (except for the people who hope to make a profit from the fish).
Cyanide
Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is a chemical used to stun reef fish, thus making them easier to catch. NaCN has been used by fish collectors in the Philippines since 1962 (Maclean, et al. 1986). This toxic chemical stuns fish, and makes them easier to catch. The fish that were given sublethal doses of NaCN did not show any signs of illness until a week or two later (Maclean et al., 1986).
The effects from cyanide show that it is indeed a toxic substance. NaCN can cause interference with oxygen metabolism by blocking key enzyme systems such as cytochrome oxidase, thus reducing the capacity of hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood. This blocks enzymatic pathways in the liver, and can lead to the death of the fish (Maclean et al. 1986).
When NaCN is dissolved in water, it dissociates to HCN (hydrocyanic acid), which is quickly taken up by the fish. Very soon after the exposure, an enzyme called rhodanase (thiosulfate sulfur transferase) converts the HCN to SCN- (thiocyanate). SCN- is then slowly excreted in the urine. Stress is then a major factor after being exposed to NaCN. Stress can cause a decrease in blood pH, and in turn, causes SCN to be converted back to HCN. With HCN in the blood, the fish may die due to the chemical acting on the neurological centers in the brain (Maclean et al., 1986).
Not only does sodium cyanide affect fish, but the residue also does a great deal of damage to corals and other organisms (Coral Forest, n.d.). With all of the affects to marine organisms, one must expect it to have some bearing on human beings as well. Although eating fish caught by way of sodium cyanide does not appear harmful to adults, it may harm children (Robinson, 1983). Sodium cyanide poses a great threat to coral reefs and humans. Action must be taken to control and prohibit the usage of this chemical.
Dynamite
Another great threat to coral reefs, is the use of dynamite for collecting fish. Dynamite, or any other form of explosive, is used in capturing fish by rupturing their air bladders. When the fish float up to the surface, the fishermen can just scoop them up. However, these explosions destroy reef formations, kill non-target species, and can even claim the lives of the fishermen themselves (Coral Forest, n.d.). One of many incidents that happens with explosives is as follows; "One day a man actually got killed from using dynamite/home made explosives as fishing tools" (United Nations, n.d.). This is nothing new, and as long as people still play with these weapons of mass destruction, many more are likely to pay the ultimate price just for fish.
The Time To Change Is Now
A great deal can be learned from coral reefs. This is why it is considered important natural capital. An effort must be made to ensure the survival of these types of ecosystems. Laws must be enforced, and the people must be educated. Using nets instead of sodium cyanide or dynamite will keep the coral reefs intact. Preserving what little coral reefs we have left is to our benefit. These ecosystems, acting in unison, keep the earth as a sustainable environment for all life.
Problems
There are setbacks, however, to providing a sustainable environment in the Lingayen Gulf and protecting its coral reefs. For instance, pollution will continue to build up as long as there is society. People will continue to farm, produce items in factories, and dump nutrients into the ocean.
Initially, the people in the Philippines are looking out for their own best interests. Being in a less-developed country, it is harder to make ends meet. Thus, the people are living for today as opposed to the future. "They have coconuts, coral reefs, and little else" (Baskin, 1998). Fishers are thinking about putting food on the table for their families. It is estimated that dealers shift between 20,000 and 25,000 tons of live fish a year, and worth more than $1 billion (Dayton, 1995). It would be hard pressed to find someone who would put the environment ahead of his or her own flesh and blood. It would be impossible to shut down the fish trade completely. Nobody wants to close down what many people rely on for their livelihood (Dayton, 1995).
The importance of coral reefs cannot be stressed enough. About 71% of Philippine reefs are in poor to fair condition. It is indicated that of 1,000 collectors, NaCN is covering about 11 million coral heads per year (Maclean et al., 1986). This chemical is, in turn, killing off corals. The coral heads turn a bleached white color and later become encrusted with algae (Maclean et al., 1986). The algae will not let the coral grow back over its skeleton. Dynamite is also destroying the coral reefs as the corals themselves are broken apart.
Another major factor that contributes to the degradation of the Lingayen Gulf is the lack of government action. The wealthy people (company owners) have the most control over government officials. Thus, they are the ones able to persuade the poor fishers into making large catches using unsustainable means. Commercial fisheries also play a major role, in that they monopolize the private fishers. With better equipment due to better funding, the commercial fisheries catch far more. This can lead to dwindled numbers of fish, and no profit for the private fishers.
Opportunities
Although the constraints to sustainability seem overwhelming, there are many options available to help ameliorate them. These options must ensure that ecosystems are left intact, and that people are not left without their livelihood. Because fishing is so important to economic sustainability in the Lingayen Gulf, one cannot simply tell the people to stop harvesting fish. However there are appropriate alternatives that should be looked at with great invocation.
Education Through Organizations
First and foremost, if the people are to learn new methods of sustainability education is the key. Educating people, however, is not an easy task. There is a great monetary expense incurred, as teachers and teaching supplies would be needed. However, training seems to be a viable option in order to stop the destruction towards the coral reef.
So far, I have discussed individual organizations, but what about the Philippine government and their role in sustaining the Lingayen Gulf? Let it be known that in the Philippines, enforcing laws in a country with such need is almost impossible. The Philippine Coast Guard does not have the manpower, boats, or finance to enforce illegal fishing (Robinson, 1998). This does not paint a pretty picture for the Lingayen Gulf. However, there are some cases in which government officials have helped. In another area of the Philippines, Mayor Alicia Pulido helped rid Pangasinan of illegal fishpens and fishcages. She stated that, "only through a strong political will of local executives can the problem of illegal fishpens and fishcages be finally solved" (Mucua, 1997). Action such as this is needed desperately from officials. Other opportunities to educate the government could come from surveys conducted by organizations. These surveys and/or water quality analyses would show the deplorable condition that the waters are in. Government officials are more likely to act based off of facts as opposed to speculation. With effort from the government combined with people’s willingness to change, it could be a formula for success in the Lingayen Gulf.
People
Ultimately, it is the people that must change. The
nets and equipment are just tools. Without the knowledge and willingness
of people to use them, they remain inanimate objects that serve no purpose.
To bring about change, people must value what a great natural resource
they have in their seas. They are the only ones that can change the current
conditions of the Lingayen Gulf into a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
All of these proposed plans to make the Lingayen Gulf sustainable must be thoroughly researched. For it is when the benefits outweigh the consequences that people will look at the land as a precious commodity. First, the people in the Philippines need to be taught the importance of the coral reefs. Once they learn that, they will appreciate all that the coral reefs have to offer. Next, harmful practices such as cyanide/dynamite fishing, dumping of pollutants into their waters, and a blatant disregard for their environment must not be condoned. Organizations should then be employed to help train people to form a "sustainable fishing" attitude. These organizations will teach people to avoid by-catch, not to overfish, and how to use new equipment. Also, the government should play a major role in the change over to sustainability. New and stricter laws need to be enacted in order to save the Lingayen Gulf. Without change, the Lingayen Gulf will just continue to deteriorate. We must plan for the present, in order to live in a sustainable environment of the future.
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