WITH the worsening of climate change, there’s a snowballing move in the two-chamber Congress to bolster the campaign to preserve the country’s marine ecosystem.

(Global warming is seen to destroy many of the remaining coral reefs. Experts and specialists said the loss coral reefs would have untold consequences for fisheries).

In the Upper House of Congress, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito seek to address the declining number of sharks, rays and chimaeras in our seas.

In fact, Senators Hontiveros and Ejercito, through Senate Bill (SB) Nos. 1193 and 1554, want to protect the three endangered marine species.

Both proposed pieces of legislation seek to “regulate the catching, sale, purchase, possession, transportation and exportation of sharks, rays and chimaeras.”

Of the 200 species of shark, only 25 are nationally protected through the Convention on the International Trade Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna,” said SB No. 1554.

The conservation of sharks and creation of shark sanctuaries will serve as an example that can be replicated in various parts of the country.

Despite the lack of understanding on the sharks’ various roles in the ecosystem, it is clear that they are key players in structuring food webs, according to SB No. 1193.

In the view of many, there’s now that urgent need to prevent the extinction of our remaining wildlife by coming up with laws designed to protect our biodiversity.

Ler’s act now – and fast.

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