Report Reveals Damage to Ren'ai Reef Coral Ecosystem

A new report, titled "Report of Illegally Grounded Military Vessel Destroying Coral Reef Ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao," has shed light on the significant damage caused to the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands of China.

The report, jointly released by the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Development Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources, provides the first comprehensive assessment of the reef's condition. It reveals that the long-term illegal grounding of a Philippine warship has severely impacted the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Direct physical damage: The grounding process itself caused significant harm to the coral reef, inhibiting the growth and recovery of corals in the surrounding area.

Rust and damage to the warship have led to the leaching of heavy metals, while the presence of personnel on board has resulted in the discharge of household waste and sewage, both of which have negatively impacted the health of the corals.

Abandoned fishing nets and lines from Philippine fishing vessels have further contributed to the degradation of the ecosystem.

The report calls for the removal of the illegally grounded warship and the elimination of all pollution sources to prevent further harm to the coral reef ecosystem at Ren'ai Reef.