Known for its pristine white sand and crystal clear blue water, Boracay Island remains a top destination for relaxation in the world. Once dubbed as the best island in the world, Boracay is in danger of losing its reputation as thick mats of green algae blanket its shores.
In a report by GMA News, several tourists have expressed dismay over the slimy beach.
Turned off by the appearance of the world-famous beach, one tourist said: “First time ko talaga dito sa Boracay. Ine-expect ko talagang makita 'yung green, blue water. Pero nagulat ako nang makita ko 'yung lumot. So first time ko, isang beses lang ako naligo. Hindi na ako bumalik. Personally, tingin ko lang, madumi.”
Residents assured that algal blooms occur between January and March. Come summertime, these algae will disappear.
But according to experts, such algal blooms are indication of pollution, increasing population as well as the lack of waste treatment facilities in Boracay.
Based on a 2015 study carried out by scientists from the University of the Philippines, algal blooms are directly linked to the discharge of untreated waste water near the shore. Algae thrive on human feces and other waste.
"Direct discharge of untreated waste water near the shore brings about poor water quality level that consequently results in frequent algal blooms and coral reef deterioration,” the study funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported.
In addition, the study showed that tourism-related activities in the island as well as the release of untreated waste water into the sea has caused the destruction of the coral reef system.
Moreover, Environmental Management Bureau 6-B has found that levels of coliform, a bacteria that usually come from human or animal waste, was high in several parts of Boracay in 2014. They clarified that it has not reached critical level at that time.
--Mini, The Summit Express
In a report by GMA News, several tourists have expressed dismay over the slimy beach.
Residents say the algae eventually disappears during the summer months. pic.twitter.com/c6FbicjKPA— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) March 5, 2017
Turned off by the appearance of the world-famous beach, one tourist said: “First time ko talaga dito sa Boracay. Ine-expect ko talagang makita 'yung green, blue water. Pero nagulat ako nang makita ko 'yung lumot. So first time ko, isang beses lang ako naligo. Hindi na ako bumalik. Personally, tingin ko lang, madumi.”
Residents assured that algal blooms occur between January and March. Come summertime, these algae will disappear.
But according to experts, such algal blooms are indication of pollution, increasing population as well as the lack of waste treatment facilities in Boracay.
Based on a 2015 study carried out by scientists from the University of the Philippines, algal blooms are directly linked to the discharge of untreated waste water near the shore. Algae thrive on human feces and other waste.
"Direct discharge of untreated waste water near the shore brings about poor water quality level that consequently results in frequent algal blooms and coral reef deterioration,” the study funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported.
In addition, the study showed that tourism-related activities in the island as well as the release of untreated waste water into the sea has caused the destruction of the coral reef system.
Moreover, Environmental Management Bureau 6-B has found that levels of coliform, a bacteria that usually come from human or animal waste, was high in several parts of Boracay in 2014. They clarified that it has not reached critical level at that time.
--Mini, The Summit Express
