Having 7,107 islands in the Philippines means having vast coastlines. We sit on what some consider the “center of global marine biodiversity.” And to this, dive enthusiasts agree.
The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot in its entirety of abundance of wildlife. It is also one of six whose waters comprise the richest collection of marine life anywhere on the planet - the Coral Triangle.
We have the world’s most diverse array of corals and reef fish. Three-fourths of all coral species and over 2,000 varieties of fish populate our seas. The array of wildlife includes dolphins to crustaceans, sea slugs to eels, and more.
Biologists have been finding new creatures here consistently in recent years, both those thought to exist only elsewhere in the world and entirely new species altogether. Significant species include the pawikan (sea turtle) and Sorsogon’s enormous butanding (whale shark). For macro photographers, the small creatures of the sea gets the most attention.
However, challenges posed by pollution, dangerous fishing practices and climate change, among others, persists. This is where collaborative conservation efforts among stakeholders should step up.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) hosts this year's 1st Philippine Dive Seafari and puts the Philippines’ marine marvels on show this summer. Familiarization tours shall be conducted at four of the country’s top dive spots – Anilao, Bohol, Samal Island and Coron. They will be led by top international underwater lensmen Bob Whorton, Robert Yin, Dave Allen, Alex Wu, and our very own Gutsy Tuazon.
“With this event, we hope not only to establish the Philippines as a world-class marine macro photography destination, but to build appreciation for the beauty and fragility of marine life as well,” said Secretary Alberto A. Lim.
The 1st Philippine Dive Seafari will run from April 25 to May 5, 2011. It is sponsored in part by STI-Tanauan & Lipa, Acacia Resort in Anilao, Batangas, Davao Pearl Farm, Bohol Divers Lodge, Balicasag Dive Resort,Peacock Garden Resort in Baclayon, Bohol, Calamianes Expeditions, and Davao Dive Guides Association Sonny Dizon of the Davao City Government.
There will also be an underwater photo shootout entitled Marine Awareness through Annual Digital Underwater Shootout (Mad about Us). Each of the the four areas (Anilao, Mabini; Coron, Palawan; Davao; Panglao, Bohol) will have a winner in each skill level (Special Beginners, intermediate and open). These three will compete in the National Mad about Us Special Edition and one picture will be chosen to represent the Philippines in the yearly promotion for Macro Photography. For more information, check out the FACEBOOK page of SEAFARiI
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