Oceanographer Prof. Laura David has warned that the El Niño phenomenon could disrupt marine spawning cycles and lead to coral bleaching in Philippine waters. The warning comes as climate patterns show signs of strengthening, with rising sea temperatures expected to exacerbate the stress on marine ecosystems.
Prof. David, based at the University of the Philippines, emphasized that the current El Niño event is likely to last longer than usual, increasing the risk of prolonged heat stress on coral reefs. This could result in widespread bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, turning them white and leaving them vulnerable to disease and death.
The Philippine archipelago is home to some of the world's most diverse coral reefs, which support a vast array of marine life. However, these ecosystems have already faced multiple threats, including overfishing, coastal development, and pollution. The latest warning adds to growing concerns about the long-term sustainability of these vital habitats.
El Niño events are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which brings warmer ocean temperatures and altered weather patterns. In the Philippines, such events have historically led to extreme weather, including droughts and typhoons, which further strain natural resources. Scientists are now monitoring the situation closely, as the impact on marine biodiversity could have far-reaching consequences for local communities and global ocean health.
