The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finally approved the Philippine application for the designation of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park as a particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA). The designation of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was approved with the adoption of the MEPC Resolution on the TRNP in the Sulu Sea PSSA. The MEPC 71 adopted earlier the recommendation of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee approving Tubbataha as an area to be avoided by all types of ships with at least 150 gross tonnage.

Lee-Brago, P. (2017, August 3). Tubbataha reefs designation as sensitive sea area approved. Philippine Star, p. B6.