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  • 5/1/2025
A government-backed study confirms the fears of fisherfolk and civil groups: Manila Bay reclamation projects harm fishing areas and marine ecosystems.

Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/experts-say-reclamation-manila-bay-harms-fishers-marine-habitats/
Transcript
00:00A government-backed study confirms the fears of fisherfolk and civil groups, Manila Bay
00:05reclamation projects, harm fishing areas, and marine ecosystems. The projects aim to
00:10ease Metro Manila's congestion by adding more than 6,000 hectares of new land.
00:14Physical oceanographer Charina Repolio says this will put the same environmental pressure
00:18as building four business districts over the next 30 years. Repolio says, quote,
00:23Reclamation will block the natural flow of rivers into Manila Bay.
00:27The blockage triggers cascading physical, chemical, and biological changes affecting
00:31food resources, public health, and livelihoods. The study also found that the reclamation may
00:36increase flooding in lowland areas as it impedes the flow of water into Manila Bay.
00:41Experts also assessed water quality, noting pathogenic bacteria and toxic heavy metal.
00:46The study also shows dredging and land reclamation reduces fishing areas.
00:51Mangrove forests, which protect the coast and help fish grow, are also at risk.
00:55Environment Secretary Tony Yulo Loizaga says that the study provides the agency a starting point
01:00for Manila-based rehabilitation. Loizaga notes reclamation has helped development in other
01:05countries, but it should be done in a, quote, integrated and holistic manner.

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