Philippines' illegal activities damage Ren'ai Reef ecosystem

A recently released report has conducted an in-depth analysis of the reasons for the degradation of the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands of China.

Titled "Report of Illegally Grounded Military Vessel Destroying Coral Reef Ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao", the report was jointly released by the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Development Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The report assessed the status of the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef for the first time and found that the long-term illegal grounding of a Philippine warship at Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands of China has seriously damaged the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef.

The report pointed out that the illegal grounding process of the warship has caused fatal damage to the coral reef ecosystem, with its long-term grounding significantly inhibiting the growth and recovery of corals in the surrounding areas.

It also said the leaching of heavy metals due to the rust and damage of the warship, as well as the discharge of household waste and sewage from the personnel on board, has caused long-term harm to the healthy growth of corals.

Moreover, the report added that the fishing nets and fishing lines abandoned by Philippine fishing vessels and personnel during fishing activities has had a serious impact on the health of the coral reef ecosystem.

The report proposed that the Philippines should remove the illegally grounded warship, eliminate pollution sources and prevent further sustained and cumulative harm to the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef.