Although the land of the Philippines is only made up of one biome, the rainforest, this does not mean that the ocean surrounding the archipelago is not anything special, in fact, it is one of the world’s most diverse and rich coral reefs. The Philippines is inside of the Coral Triangle, an area the world that is home to the lushest coral reefs.
Climate
Temperature and salinity is a large factor in regards to the quality of the water in coral reefs. As it is near the equator, the temperature of the Philippines coral reefs can be anywhere from 20°C to 30°C, however, depending on where you are the temperature is usually between 27°C and 30°C. The salinity in the Philippines coral reefs is also between 34 and 37 ppt (parts per thousand).
Flora and Fauna
Many of the marine life, both plants and animals, found in the Philippines coral reefs are different to any other in the world. In fact, a ‘100 scientists have declared the Philippines as the world’s centre of marine biodiversity because of its vast species of marine and coastal resources’ (Unicoconservationfoundation.org.au, n.d.), this being said as the Philippines has the highest level of marine biodiversity in the world. Over 3,000 fish species can be found in the coral reefs and over 65 of those fish species are endemic to that area. Some of the most well-known marine animals in the Philippines are the Pawikan (Philippine Sea Turtle) and the Butanding (Whale Shark). Not only are the coral reefs of the Philippines home to many marine species, but also plant species. Over 500 coral and 40 mangrove species can be found in these coral reefs.
Climate
Temperature and salinity is a large factor in regards to the quality of the water in coral reefs. As it is near the equator, the temperature of the Philippines coral reefs can be anywhere from 20°C to 30°C, however, depending on where you are the temperature is usually between 27°C and 30°C. The salinity in the Philippines coral reefs is also between 34 and 37 ppt (parts per thousand).
Flora and Fauna
Many of the marine life, both plants and animals, found in the Philippines coral reefs are different to any other in the world. In fact, a ‘100 scientists have declared the Philippines as the world’s centre of marine biodiversity because of its vast species of marine and coastal resources’ (Unicoconservationfoundation.org.au, n.d.), this being said as the Philippines has the highest level of marine biodiversity in the world. Over 3,000 fish species can be found in the coral reefs and over 65 of those fish species are endemic to that area. Some of the most well-known marine animals in the Philippines are the Pawikan (Philippine Sea Turtle) and the Butanding (Whale Shark). Not only are the coral reefs of the Philippines home to many marine species, but also plant species. Over 500 coral and 40 mangrove species can be found in these coral reefs.