April 17, 2008

Aquaculture disaster imminent as global warming intensifies

Disaster is staring on the Philippines and Southeast Asia's aquaculture as rising sea levels and temperatures are starting to ascend above its normal scope and magnitude.

This is according to a scientific study presented by Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros office chief Allan Francis Dara-ug based on the findings of Dr. Rafael Guerrero III, executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

PCAMRD -- a sectoral council of the DOST-- works with the country's fish sector to help it adapt to the changes brought about by global warming.

In his paper, Guerrero also explained "extreme climatic events such as droughts, severe cyclones, and floods" would affect the entire region considering that fish is a staple food and millions depend on it for livelihood.

Guerrero explained that in key areas in the Philippines, coral reefs are already threatened by carbon dioxide concentration resulting in acidification of seawater.

Guerrero's paper also claimed that Philippine sea surface temperature had been increasing, causing "bleaching in corals and deleterious effects on reef accretion, exterminating sea biodiversity."

In other studies by Dara-ug, the decrease in the productivity of the seas surrounding the archipelago is co-related to sudden changes in temperatures.

The "alarm bells" were sounded, Dara-ug said, and the solutions based on Guerrero's paper stated primarily, among others, a 100-meter mangrove plantation from the shoreline going inland.

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) head Achim Steiner said sea temperature can affect 2.6 billion people dependent on fish for protein needs.