According to the UN FAO study by Dr. Kent Carpenter, the Philippines is the center of the world's marine biodiversity. Central Philippines has the highest diversity. The top 2.5 percent of species richness is found in the central Philippines. Up to 1,736 species or nearly 60 percent of all species in the study are found in this area. However, destruction forms of fishing caused the collapse of many marine ecosystem in the country. To date, 16 rivers have already been considered biologically dead.

Arceo, M. (2010, March 12). Environment expert cites destruction of country's ecosystem. Manila Bulletin, p. 14.