Mining silt killing Semirara coral reefs

SEMIRARA ISLAND, Antique – Heavy silt from coal mining here is slowly killing coral reefs around the island, two expert divers said.

"There are patterns of death and destruction in the area," said Jim Flint, a British ecosystem specialist. In fact, he said 75 percent of reefs around the island have already been damaged.

Flint and Mike Labatiao, an instructor of the Red Coral Diving School in Boracay, made an underwater survey last Sunday to check the effects of coal mining in this island and the potential damage the planned sanitary landfill for Metro Manila’s garbage could wreak on the local marine environment.

Flint bewailed that if damage from siltation continues, it would take 10 to 30 years for the corals to grow again.

"I have seen still living corals in the area, but they won’t last long," he said.

He said: "This silt blocks the light where the corals needed it most. Drifting of silt is common in places where there are rivers. However, I found out that there is not a single river in the area. I suspect that siltation came from the mining site."

The Semirara Coal Corp. has been allowed to undertake coal mining in the island.

Flint and Labatiao took videos and photographs during their dive off Sitio Casay in the island’s northern portion. The 20-hectare proposed sanitary landfill is located in the village.

Malacañang has trashed the landfill project following public outcry over the environmental risks it poses to this island as well as to Boracay Island.