ILOILO CITY – Marine scientists have called for revisions in the country's mining laws to prevent further degradation of the coastal resources and conserve marine biodiversity.

In a resolution issued at the conclusion of the 9th National Symposium in Marine Science held on October 24-26 in Iloilo City, the marine scientists also called for stricter monitoring of mining projects.

The resolution, signed by at least 120 marine scientists, said that coastal areas are facing threats because of increased sedimentation due to strip mining, mine tailings and acidification due to acid mine drainage.

The scientists said sedimentation and acidification will ultimately lead to the decline of fish supply due to the reduction of the productivity of the water, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

They called for stricter measures in the granting of environmental permits for projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The construction of roads, ports, and other infrastructure “pose an equal threat to the coastal environment,“ according to the scientists.

The resolution also called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to consistently monitor the impacts of selected mining operations in the country regardless of size and scale of operation.

The scientists said local government units where mining operations and projects are present should ensure the transparent dissemination of information to the public based on scientific assessment and impact studies in the affected areas.

The call was issued amid a reported massive fish kill in Rapu-Rapu, Albay that was blamed by environmentalists to the mining firm Lafayette Philippines Inc.

Residents had reported the fishkill in the five barangays last Sunday, after days of heavy rain, and suspected that these came from the vicinity of the mining site.

The DENR has, however, cleared the mining firm of any involvement, saying that the site of the fishkill was far from the polymetallic mine site of Lafayette on the island.*NPB

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