IN plain and simple words, Chinese fishing vessels have no right whatsoever to harvest giant clams found in Panatag Shoal.
As explained by Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS), the overexploitation of the so-called Taklobo back in the 1980s rendered it scarce and its species declared endangered.
In the latter part of that decade, Dr. Edgardo Gomez of the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) invented a process for the breeding or seeding of these world’s largest bivalve mollusks. When his process succeeded, the institute brought these shells back to Panatag.
In 2012, scientists were surprised to learn the existence of a Taklobo trade in China. Each shell is reportedly worth at least US$500 and used for carving and in jewelry-making as a substitute for ivory or elephant tusks. A Taklobo shell carving could reportedly be sold easily for thousands of dollars.
Batongbacal added that the Chinese harvesters would only take the shells and throw away the meat.
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These giant clams help keep the oceans clean. Apart from the buildup of reefs, they provide food for marine organisms such as crustaceans, flatworms, and fishes.
While their species are once again threatened by overexploitation, the Chinese activity in Panatag also damages the ecosystem in the traditional fishing ground off the coast of Zambales.
Furthermore, it negates the hard work and success of our scientists in repopulating Panatag with Taklobo.
Seemingly, there is no end to the reported abuses committed by Chinese fishermen or their Coast Guard who shoo our fishermen out of our traditional fishing grounds.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out earlier that the Chinese activity in Panatag is a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty.
If China really considers the Philippines a friend, it should order these harvesters to withdraw from the area. Philippine authorities should also make an effort to prevent the further destruction of its ecosystem.
This corner hopes and prays for a peaceful solution to this issue. The reality is our government remains powerless and lacks foreign support in order to implement the country’s victory in the United Nations-backed arbitral ruling that crushed China’s supposed historical claim.
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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email [email protected] or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.tempo.com.ph/category/opinion/firing-line/
