Conservation and management of our freshwater ecosystems
1991
Guerrero, R.D. III (Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines))
The Philippines has various freshwater ecosystems consisting of lakes, swamps, rivers, reservoirs and ponds with an aggregate area of more than 370,000 hectares. These resources are valuable for the economy and biodiversity. Reservoirs provide over 40 percent of the country's power requirements in the form of hydroelectricity while supplying water for irrigation, industries and domestic needs. There are known 43 indigenous freshwater fishes in the country in addition to numerous aquatic invertebrates and plants present in our lakes, swamps and rivers. The major problems affecting the conservation of our freshwater ecosystems are pollution, siltation and overfishing. Enforcement of the existing anti-pollution and fishing laws and regulations, is weak in regions outside of Metro Manila. Heavy erosion of watershed areas and unabated release of mine tailings and other wastes into rivers have contributed much to their deterioration in may areas of the country particularly in Luzon [Philippines]. Use of illegal fishing gear has resulted in the depletion of many endemic fishes. Accidental stocking and indiscriminate introduction of exotic species have also threatened the existence of our endemic species. An eight-point agenda for action on conservation of our freshwater ecosystems is presented
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