Home of corals, marine life

The presence of marine turtles (or 'pawikan') and the variety of marine life resurging (revival) in the underwater landscapes are strong indicators of Anvaya Cove's inherent (present in something) natural attraction. Both indicate that the coastal and marine life in this portion of the Bataan shoreline have remained unspoiled despite the fact that it is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Metro Manila in the Philippines.

According to Chen Mencias, a consultant on sustainable tourism planning and environmental management, marine turtles will not breed in areas that have lost their natural integrity. In Anvaya Cove, turtles still come ashore to lay their eggs.

Mencias observed that the Anvaya Cove beach is endowed (blessed) with coral gardens that may one day be declared a marine protected area. These coral havens will be enhanced for activities such as snorkelling, diving and glass bottom boat tours.

Just five minutes from the Anvaya shoreline, divers report the presence of large coral formations. During the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, these reefs, like any other reef in Luzon, were covered by ash. A recent exploratory dive, however, revealed that the coral reef had bounced back to life.

Soft and hard corals are more abundant and creatures such as shells, reef fishes, star-fish and even the multi-coloured nudibranchs are present. To hasten the recovery of the reef, Mencias said, enhancement activities such as coral transplantation and giant clam restocking may be done.

These methods had been proven to help restore damaged reef areas.

The coral gardens of Anvaya Cove, with the protection from destructive human activities and the implementation of reef enhancement, have great potential to increase fishery in the area and enhance tourism. Accordingly, development plans for the Cove's residential area and Beach and Nature Club would be low-impact and respectful of the natural terrain and ecosystems.

Khaleej Times