'Bleaching' threatens dive spots in the Philippines

Manila Bulletin 30 Oct 10;

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Sea corals found in some dive spots in Sarangani province have started to show signs of degradation due to a suspected phenomenon called “coral bleaching.”

American scuba diver John Heitz said about 20 percent of sea corals found off Barangay Kamanga in Maasim, Sarangani showed signs of color fading because of coral bleaching.

The area is considered as a world- class dive spot in this part of the country and is being visited by local and foreign divers all throughout the year.

Heitz said local divers have likewise noticed the fading color of the corals last month during a regular diving activity in the area.g

Coral bleaching is supposedly caused by global warming or the steady rise in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere.

Barangay Kamanga in Maasim is considered a world-class dive spot, where one need not go far from the shore to experience the dazzling beauty beneath the waves.

Heitz said he recorded temperatures of 86 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit in one of his recent diving expeditions he conducted in the area. “That’s pretty warm as I usually get a temperature of 84 degrees (Fahrenheit),” he added.

He said some of those affected by the bleaching are the acropora table corals, soft corals, and pink hydroids. (Nonoy E. Lacson)