How would you describe Tubbataha Reef?
It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.
What is Tubbataha Reef known for?
Diving Tubbataha Reef is famous for its incredible marine biodiversity, dynamic underwater terrain, and a wide variety of large marine animals including sea turtles, manta rays, and various shark species.
What can we see in Tubbataha Reef?
Tubbataha attracts some of the biggest marine megafauna – whale sharks, manta rays and sharks. There are hundreds if not thousands of grey reef sharks at Tubbataha, seen on virtually every dive, and out in the blue, usually at depth, hammerheads and tiger sharks are often spotted, if only for a few fleeting seconds.
What type of diversity is Tubbataha Reef?
It is home to more than 1,200 marine species, including sea grasses and algae, corals, sharks, rays, fishes, sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals. The Park is an exceptionally healthy reef ecosystem and its strong no-take level protections ensure this biodiversity stays safe.
Why is Tubbataha Reef a World Heritage Site?
In 1993, Tubbataha was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was recognised as one of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems, containing excellent examples of pristine reefs and a high diversity of marine life. It is also an important habitat for internationally threatened and endangered marine species.
Where is Tubbataha Reef found?
Palawan
Tubbataha reef lies in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 50km southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the most western province of the Philippines.
How does scuba diving contribute to the social well being of an individual?
When you go diving, you will meet like-minded individuals who share a common passion and this make you feel being part of a community. Whenever you are on a liveaboard or diving from shore, it is always easy to make friends and meet new people.
How do you feel when scuba diving?
Weightlessness and Freedom of Movement: One of the best parts of scuba diving is the feeling of weightlessness. Scuba divers can fly up, down, left and right. The weightlessness of scuba diving is one of the most freeing sensations in the world. Divers can move easily in three dimensions.
Where is Tubbataha Reef?
Why are coral reefs important?
Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. They are also are a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.
Why is Tubbataha Reef A Asean Heritage park?
The declaration by the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) follows their recognition of the importance of their cooperation in conserving the Park due to its unique biodiversity, ecosystems, and wilderness, as well as its outstanding values.
How large is the Tubbataha Reef?
97,030 hectares
The marine and bird sanctuary consists of two huge atolls (named the North Atoll and South Atoll) and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef covering a total area of 97,030 hectares (239,800 acres; 374.6 sq mi).