Environmental catastrophe in the South China Sea

Intense geopolitical conflicts over the resource-rich South China Sea have led to widespread environmental degradation, particularly of coral reefs. New research from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and China Ocean Institute, using satellite monitoring and fisheries data highlights significant ecological damage due to overfishing, aggressive island-building, and unsustainable giant clam harvesting. These activities, primarily by China and Vietnam, have devastated coral reefs, crucial to marine biodiversity and fisheries. The destruction threatens the spawning grounds of various marine species, impacting regional fisheries dependent on these habitats. The report calls for cooperative regional action to halt further damage and prioritise ecological preservation in maritime policies. (Mongabay)