A Survey Report on the Damage to Coral Reef Ecosystem by Illegally Grounded Military Vessel at Ren’ai Jiao, co-authored by the South China Sea Ecological Center and the South China Sea Development Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, was released on July 8, 2024. This report offers a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the coral reef ecosystem at Ren’ai Jiao, utilizing extensive data from satellite remote sensing and extensive field surveys. It provides an in-depth analysis on the factors contributing to the degradation of this vital marine ecosystem. 

The report reveals that the Philippine military vessel illegally grounded at Ren’ai Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands) has inflicted severe damage on the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the surrounding coral reef ecosystem. Specifically, there has been a drastic decrease in reef-building coral coverage on the reef flat and lagoon slope of Ren’ai Jiao, especially in the area surrounding the vessel. Numerous coral reef fragments and dead corals were also discovered around the vessel. The reef-building coral species and coverage on the lagoon slope were notably lower than those on the seaward slope of Ren’ai Jiao. Furthermore, the community structure of benthic organisms at Ren’ai Jiao has become imbalanced, especially in the vicinity of the vessel. The content of heavy metals, dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and oils, were all found to have exceeded historical records. Additionally, various anthropogenic disposals, including discarded fishing nets, were observed at Ren’ai Jiao.

The report highlights that the damage and degradation of the coral reef ecosystem at Ren’ai Jiao was primarily caused by the illegally grounded military vessel and associated human activities. Firstly, the grounding process inflicted fatal damage on the coral reef ecosystem, and its prolonged grounding state has greatly inhibited coral growth and recovery in adjacent areas. Secondly, heavy metal precipitation caused by the vessel’s corrosion, along with the discharge of wastes and sewage by the Philippine side, has brought lasting harm to the health of corals. Thirdly, the health of the coral reef ecosystem has been severely impacted by fishing wastes discarded by surrounding Philippine fishing boats and personnel on the vessel.

The report points out that it is imperative for the Philippine authorities to promptly remove the vessel, thereby eliminating the source of pollution, and preventing further sustained and cumulative damage to the coral reef ecosystem.