The trend for typhoons to hit the lower latitudes of the country in recent times has serious implications on reef fisheries. This question is being asked because most of the best coral reefs are situated in the southern half of the Philippines. If the trend continues, reef fisheries are expected to decline, causing serious problems in food security, especially among coastal populations, as coral reefs supply about 20-30% of the total fish catch. Our observations on two coral reef areas, Apo Island and the Bantayan Group of Islands, showed extensive damage by typhoons. The Apo marine sanctuary was completely devastated by two recent typhoons, Sendong and Pablo.

Alcala, A. C. (2014, April 11). Typhoons and coral reef fisheries. Malaya Business Insights, p. B5.