ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The South China Sea Development Research Institute under the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday has released a survey report on the coral reef ecosystems of Tiexian Jiao and Niu’e Jiao.
Based on satellite remote sensing and field investigation data, the report presents, for the first time, a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the coral reef ecosystems of Tiexian Jiao and Niu’e Jiao. It provides scientific and accurate analysis of the formation processes of the shoals in these areas and identifies the main factors contributing to the degradation of the coral reef ecosystem in Tiexian Jiao.
According to the report, the coral reef ecosystem of Tiexian Jiao is severely degraded. This is reflected in three key aspects:
a) From 2016 to 2024, the area of reef-building coral cover on the atoll where Tiexian Jiao is located has continued to decline, with a reduction of about 68.9 percent.
b) The reef-building coral coverage is extremely low, and the diversity of coral species is limited.
c) Unauthorized fishing activities by foreign vessels, including those from the Philippines, have been discovered in the waters of Tiexian Jiao. Illegal construction by the Philippines has also been observed on China’s Zhongye Dao, and some of the discarded items found in the area bear Filipino writing or markings indicating they originated in the Philippines.
In contrast, the report shows that the coral reef ecosystem of Niu’e Jiao is generally healthy, with an average reef-building coral coverage of 37.7 percent, and good overall habitat quality in the reef area.
A greater crested tern. /VCG
Populations of bird species such as the greater crested tern, a second-class state protected species in China, have been observed around the shoals of both Tiexian Jiao and Niu’e Jiao. The locations and shapes of the shoals display regular changes, which are natural geographic phenomena.
The report makes clear that allegations fabricated by the Philippines – such as claims that China has dumped coral rubble at Tiexian Jiao or that certain countries have accused China of “reclaiming land” to form shoals – have no scientific or factual basis.
The report identifies outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish as a major cause of the severe degradation of the coral reef ecosystem in Tiexian Jiao. It also highlights the impact of tropical cyclones and frequent human activities, especially the Philippines’ continued construction work on Zhongye Dao, as significant factors affecting reef health.
Given the ongoing rise in sea surface temperatures due to global climate change, coral reefs in the Nansha Islands face increasing risks of widespread bleaching.
Looking ahead, China will continue to enhance investigation, assessment and protection efforts for the coral reefs of Tiexian Jiao, Niu’e Jiao and surrounding waters. The goal is to reduce the negative impacts of human activities and other external factors, and to improve the diversity, stability and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.
