JCI Manila, in
partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, launches the first and official underwater
exhibition that will become artificial coral reefs.
Gold Seas Tuna Chunks’ dedication to
responsible and sustainable fishing practices, which has enabled it to be
certified dolphin-safe, has expanded this commitment to help rehabilitate
Philippine coral reefs and revive the rich marine ecosystem.
2018 Sea of Life Museum, the underwater artificial reef exhibition built on a Philippine neutrally balance, environmentally, friendly formulation that will promote marine life.
Artwork with a Purpose
The Philippines is considered a center of
marine biodiversity in the world, with coral reefs stretching 26,000 kms
nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on
earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral
bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have
affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs
remain in good condition.
It can take thousands of years for natural
coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and
faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive
balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural
coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from
erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and provide jobs in a green
economy.
Supporting Marine Life
In 2011, Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Manila launched project Sea of Life. It is a marine environment awareness
effort through artificial reefs deployment, coral transplantation, mangrove
planting, coastal clean-up, and marine environmental awareness seminars.
Since then, Sea of Life has made a positive
environmental impact in marine ecosystems in Batangas, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro,
Davao, Cebu, and Iloilo. This month, Sea of Life is set to launch the first ever underwater exhibition
that aims to rehabilitate corals.
It has taken the exhibition almost two years
to fully be installed in order to ensure that best practices are applied
according to all government and environmental compliance requirements.
JCI Manila has been closely working with
various government and environmental agencies to ensure feasibility of this
project. With the support and guidance of the Department of Environment and
Resources (DENR), the Philippine Navy, and LGUs, JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna
Chunks will deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as
artificial reefs.
Travel to Drop Site
In coordination with the Philippine Navy, the BRP
Gregorio Velasquez or AGR 702, an impressive 279 feet long vessel with hydrographic
survey and maritime research capabilities, will transport the sculptures
to the installation site. From Pier 13 at Port Area, Manila, the AGR702,
complete with a crew of mariners, will set off for the waters of Tingloy,
Batangas.
In close coordination with DENR's
Biodiversity Management Bureau, the project was given the go-signal to cover
less than 1,000 sqm in land area. Safety and accessibility were the key factors
in identifying the location. The site must be safe from strong currents, must
not disrupt or destroy existing corals, and must be accessible for easy
monitoring and analysis.
A site off the shores of Tingloy, Batangas
was identified as an ideal site, with flat and sandy bottom so sculptures are
kept stable on the seabed, with 40 feet in depth so the corals can benefit from
sunlight and be accessible to both leisure snorkelers and professional divers.
A Professional Dive Team
Planning the dive
logistics was a challenge, having to work with factors such as the weight of
the sculptures. Underwater, the installation will be carried out by the dive
team composed of 20 divers, a combination of the country’s Naval Special
Operations Group (NAVSOG) and
certified dive masters and underwater photographers from JCI Manila.
The team will use the
AGR 702, two outrigger boats, two rubber boats and five naval lift bags in
order to safely drop the sculptures. The team also made sure to incorporate the
Green Fins approach in the plan. Green Fins is a recognized environmental set
of standards with a comprehensive management approach to provide guidance and
support for any diving and snorkeling activity.
Creating an Underwater Museum
The sculptures will be dropped in the waters on
November 20, 2018. Six sculptures will be installed featuring JCI luminaries
who exemplify
outstanding corporate citizenship and passion for nation-building, namely, Kofi A. Anan, Ramon V. Del
Rosario, Sr., Henry Giessenbier, Washington Z. Sycip, Artemio L. Vergel De
Dios, and Alfonso T. Yuchengco. Each sculpture is 3-4 ft tall and weigh 370-400 kgs.
To create the
sculptures, the committee consulted marine scientists and the Reef Ball
Foundation (reefball.org), an international non-profit foundation that
introduced a formulation of globally recognized artificial reef modules.
The
sculptures are made of pH-neutral cement that is not harmful to the sea and at
the same time will protect and promote marine life. The concrete features
10,000 micro silica to create a high strength, abrasion resistant concrete that
has a pH similar to natural seawater, which has a pH of 8.3. This is unlike
regular concrete which has a surface pH as high as 12, and can inhibit the
settlement and growth of many species of marine life, including larval corals.
Micro
silica gives the sculpture an expected life of 500 years or more. A
variety of surface textures that enhance the settlement of marine life will
also applied so corals can easily grow.
A Living Coral Reef
Artificial reefs tend to develop in
predictable stages. First, where an ocean current encounters a vertical
structure, it creates a plankton-rich upwelling that provides a reliable
feeding spot for small fish such as sardines and minnows, which draw in pelagic
predators such as the tuna and shark. Next come creatures seeking protection
from the ocean's lethal openness—hole and crevice dwellers such as the grouper,
snapper, squirrelfish, eel, and triggerfish. Predators such as the jack and
barracuda also appear. Over months and years, the reef structure becomes
encrusted with algae, tunicates, hard and soft corals, and sponges as the
ecosystem grows.
Artificial reefs can show quick increases in
local fish population, coral reef and algae growth in the first 1.5 years, and
a complete reef structure covered in corals after its third year. In fact, the Sea of Life Barangay Saimsim, Batangas leg
last 2015 has had encouraging results. The team returned to the site after three
years and saw colorful marine fauna flourishing on all 30 underwater dome
sculptures.
The installation of the first sculptures is just Phase
1. Every
year, Sea of Life Museum will drop more sculptures at the same site until a
total of 50 sculptures is completed within four to five years. Each batch deployed
will be closely coordinated with DENR Calabarzon and Provincial Environment and
Natural Resources Office-Batangas.
The 2018 Sea of Life Museum is
presented by JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chucks, supported by Chivas Regal,
and in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
the Philippine Navy, and the Municipality of Tingloy, Batangas.
About JCI Manila
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila
is the oldest leadership development organization in Asia. Since its initiation
in 1947, the Jaycees has branched out to more than 300 chapters all over the
Philippines with over 10,000 members from various sectors and industries. Some
of the most illustrious names in government, business, entertainment, and
socio-civic circles have belonged to the ranks of JCI Manila.
About Gold Seas Tuna Chunks
Gold Seas Tuna Chunks is the first Philippine canned tuna brand to offer
exciting gourmet flavors. Every can of tuna chunks is responsibly fished,
dolphin-safe, and Halal-certified. Like @goldseastunachunks on Facebook. #TasteMatters
#HealthyChunkyGoodness
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