Diving experts in this resort island have expressed amazement to the so-called blue acropora as they are now considering the fact that it is only endemic to this resort island.
Jojo Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said that they have been diving to different diving destinations in the country but they could not find similar coral species elsewhere.
The Acropora (Acropora sp) are found in a variety of shapes but are most commonly seen in the traditional elongated branch form. It is a hermatypic (reef-building) coral that forms large structures in the wild. It requires high lighting levels and high water flow.
"We had found some blue acropora. Others are a natural recruit while some are asexually reproduced,"said Rodriguez, adding that they still continue to explore possibilities that similar blue Acropora can be found in other diving sites.
The SPC had partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the so-called "Filipinovation" together with other sectors to build highly resilient corals in Boracay, Camiguin, Zamboanga and Subic.
In Zamboanga, the SPC had also partnered with the Western Command and Mega Sardines to assist in the rehabilitation and re-establishment of its tourism industry.
"Prior to the crisis, Zamboanga had a growth rate of 12 percent the highest in the Philippines. The task force will rehabilitate the damaged coral reefs of the top tourists destination- the pink island of Sta. Cruz," said Rodriguez.
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