Before and After Bagyong Sendong in Dauin Poblacion I

The Philippines was recently hit with a terrible typhoon named "Bagyong Sendong" this past December 2011. I, along with the marine lab crew, was safe in Davao Oriental conducting our assessments, however many citizens in Cagayan de Oro and Dumaguete City lost their lives and homes to the unmerciful storm. It left behind a whopping 400+ death toll with many more still missing. Thank God my family in Cagayan de Oro was safe with no injuries (as far as I know) although their water supply was cut off for quite some time. My family's home in Duma wasn't even touched although the streets were flooded. 

http://www.philippinecanadianfoundation.com

One month later, my classmate Jean informed us graduate students about possibly doing an assessment of one of our local marine sanctuaries. We were asked by a local businessman and close friend, Harold of Harold's Mansion, to voluntarily do an assessment of Dauin Poblacion I. Dauin is a hotspot for diving/snorkeling enthusiasts attracting many locals and tourists thereby generating revenue for the local barangay. Apparently the coral reef has suffered noticeable damage after Bagyong Sendong. A handful of us from the marine lab (Jean, Ting, Mark, Fanny, Padi, ate Ching, Jared and I) decided to take a look for ourselves.

The "Non-Marine Lab" Dive Crew ;)

Fortunately a few of us grad students went snorkeling in Dauin this past September and saw the reef in its original glory. The reef was healthy, full of color and life with damsels dancing on top of table coral, parrotfish and rabbitfish nibbling on algae covered coral, goatfish rummaging through the sandy bottom, clownfish hiding in their anemone home, while the more larger snappers and groupers roam about. Not too far were the shy garden eels followed by a neighboring reef. 

But sadly, not even our beautiful marine sanctuary could escape Sendong.

Despite the rubble left behind, signs of life along with a hope for recovery are found in the present marine community. This is their home. Where else can they go?

School of jacks

New Species: Marklorurus Depazis

Needless to say, our spirits were down after witnessing the extensive reef damaged left behind by Sendong. There is nothing much we can do but place fallen corals upright and let the reef recover on its own. It comes to show you that nature is an unpredictable force that can't be fought. As residents of this planet, we need to take charge and become good stewards of our ecosystems and resources before they all disappear. Wouldn't you want your children to see all of these beautiful creatures under the sea?