Visiting scientists from the California Academy of Sciences have sounded the alarm over dredging activities in the West Philippine Sea, as Chinese construction of artificial islets would likely damage coral reefs and inflict serious harm to the ecosystem. Marine scientists Terrence Gosliner and Margaret Burke were in Verde Island Passage off Batangas last week for coral reef monitoring along with a team of local divers and volunteers as well as academy senior adviser Kent Carpenter, who had described the passage as “the center of the center of biodiversity.” They were interviewed by media days before a case against China’s leaders was brought before the International Criminal Court by former Philippine government officials regarding the destruction of the environment in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has territorial claims along with other countries including China.

Marine scientists express concern over Chinese activities in WPS. (2019, March 28). The Philippine Star, p. B6.