The island-building activities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in 2015 could potentially affect the marine ecosystem of the Philippines, even after several decades or centuries, according to a renowned marine biologist. Kent Carpenter, in his presentation "Environmental Atrocities in the West Philippine Sea: The Science Behind Environmental Recourse" during the recent 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) at Manila Hotel, said the construction activities resulted in the destruction of 62 square kilometers of offshore reefs in the area which could affect the reef productivity throughout the region - including the adjacent Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

Sadongdong, M. A. (2017, July 14). 'WPS island-building hazardous to ecosystem'. Manila Bulletin, p. 5.