The Philippines recently protected 61,204-hectares (151,200-acres) of the seas around Panaon Island, home to some of the healthiest and most climate-resilient coral reefs in the world. The waters are also rich in fish and host several threatened species such as the endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the endangered Philippine duck (Anas luzonica). The island and its waters are also threatened by climate change, overfishing and plastic pollution.
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Sam Lee Editor
