Conserving marine life
Photos of a dead hawksbill turtle with a wound in its neck made rounds on social media this week. The turtle was found in Barangay Basdiot, Moalboal, by divers. Its face was full of blood. The photos made an impact on not only those who were advocates of marine life but those who also felt sorry for the poor animal. Pawikans are protected by law under the Wildlife Act of the Philippines. Those who harm or kill the animals will be subject to a fine or imprisonment.
During my visit to Moalboal, the divers in the area said that spearfishing has become rampant not only among locals but also among foreign tourists as well. I remember also that one time in Negros Oriental, a Russian national killed a pawikan using a spear and explained to the police that he was not aware that it was against the law to touch the turtles. If an activity as such has become rampant, then it is already very alarming. Our seas have been frequently visited by tourists because of the vast marine life that could be found underneath it.
One time I was snorkeling in Zambales and I couldn't but help to be in awe of the schools of fish that I saw plus the colorful coral reefs. I also encountered a blue whale once, and I never thought I would see such a rare creature in my life.
The point is, the Philippines is a country blessed with not only agricultural land but also with waters abundant with fish and scenery. We are duty-bound to do our best to protect these treasures that have been bestowed on our jurisdiction. Other countries are landlocked, without water surrounding them. However, the strategic location of the archipelago of the Philippines made us apart from the rest. This is something that we must be proud of.
A lot of cause-oriented groups are now calling on to the public to stop harming these protected animals. Apart from spearfishing, there are still reports that rare sea animals are being captured to be sold off as exotic food. These animals are dwindling in number with the extreme conditions in the ocean due to climate change and harming them won't do any good.
From our end we can help conserve marine life if we do small steps in the daily things that we do. The main issue that affects sea creatures are the garbage that we throw. Too much use of plastic and irresponsible throwing of such will cause it to end up in the ocean, into the nostrils of turtles, stomachs of whales and other animals. We are contaminating their homes which should have been theirs only. For an ecosystem to flourish, we must take care of one another.
The photo of that pawikan has been too heartbreaking a way to end a week. I hope that we won't be able to see again photos of animals that have been maltreated.
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