Manila Bay

Manila Bay (Filipino: Look ng Maynila) is a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila (on Luzon), in the Philippines. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighboring countries,[1] becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation. With an area of 1,994 km2 (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi), Manila Bay is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.[2] Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km2 (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx. With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic meters (28.9 cubic km). Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) at its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point.[2]

Manila Bay
A sunset from Manila Bay
Manila Bay
Location within the Philippines
Manila Bay
Manila Bay (Philippines)
LocationLuzon, Philippines
Coordinates14°31′00″N 120°46′00″E
River sources
Max. length19 km (12 mi)
Max. width48 km (30 mi)
Surface area2,000 km2 (770 sq mi)
Islands
Settlements

The islands of Corregidor and Caballo divides the entrance into two channels,[2] about 2 mi (3.2 km) towards the North and 6.5 mi (10.5 km) wide on the South side. Mariveles, in the province of Bataan, is an anchorage just inside the northern entrance and Sangley Point is the former location of Cavite Naval Base. On either side of the bay are volcanic peaks topped with tropical foliage: 40 km to the north is the Bataan Peninsula and to the south is the province of Cavite.

Across the entrance to Manila Bay are several islands, the largest of which is Corregidor, located 3 kilometers from Bataan and, along with the island of Caballo, separates the mouth of the bay into the North and South Channels. In the south channel is El Fraile Island and outside the entrance, and to the south, is Carabao Island. El Fraile, a rocky island some 4 acres (1.6 ha) in area, supports the massive concrete and steel ruins of Fort Drum, an island fortress constructed by the United States Army to defend the southern entrance of the bay. To the immediate north and south are additional harbors, upon which both local and international ports are situated. Large number of ships at the North and South harbors facilitate maritime activities in the bay.[1] Being smaller of the two harbors, the North Harbor is used for inter-island shipping while the South Harbor is used for large ocean-going vessels.[2]

History

Manila Bay was connected to Laguna de Bay (pronounced "bai") approximately 3,000 years ago.[2] Recurring episodic uplifts along the West Marikina Valley Fault[3] caused the two to break up. Interaction between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay today occurs only through the Pasig River. The bay was the setting for the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898, in which American troops led by Commodore George Dewey seized the area. This battle showcased the United States' naval strength. All major Spanish ships were destroyed and captured.[4] With its proud historic past and abundant marine life,[5] Manila Bay became the ocean portal and Filipino epicenter for government, economy and industry.[4] During the Russo-Japanese War at the close of the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, three surviving Russian protected cruisers (the Aurora, Zhemchug, and Oleg) managed to make port in then-United States-controlled Manila for repairs. However, because the US was neutral in this conflict, the trio of warships and their crews remained interned by the U.S. until the war officially came to an end in September 1905. During the World War II, Corregidor Island was annexed by the Japanese forces based in Manila Bay. Much earlier, various other battles were fought from this naval base, including the Battles of La Naval de Manila in 1646, which finally ended Dutch attempts to seize the Philippines.

The bay remains important for commerce and industry, including fishing, although rapid urban growth and industrialization are contributing to a decline in water quality and deteriorating marine habitats. It also serves a focus for recreation for Metro Manila and is a popular destination for walks and for viewing the sunset. Much of the land fronting the bay along Metro Manila is reclaimed land which now includes important sites such as the Philippine Senate and the Mall of Asia.

Satellite image of Manila Bay.

On September 27, 2011, the sea walls of Manila Bay were destroyed by the storm surge caused by Typhoon Pedring. Even the United States Embassy, Museo Pambata and Sofitel Philippine Plaza were submerged by the flooding. It was estimated that the damage would cost P30 million to repair.[6] On April 2012, the sea walls were once again opened to the public, having been redesigned to withstand a strong storm surge.

Ecosystem

Coastal and marine habitats in the area include upland forests, mangrove, mudflats, sandy beaches, sea grass and coral reefs.

Biodiversity
An egret in a mangrove area along Manila Bay.

A total of 19,139 birds belonging to 330 families and 99 species were observed at various monitoring sites along the bay area.[7] The endangered Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Black-winged cuckoo-shrike were sighted in the area. A large number of migratory birds, catfish and mackerels[8] were once abundant in these waters. Their decline ushered in the appearance of squid, shrimp, and small pelagic species such as herrings and anchovies.[1]

Mangroves
Mangrove trees along Manila Bay.

The mangrove ecosystem around Manila Bay has both ecological and socioeconomic uses with its association of unique plant and animal species. Of the original 54,000 hectares of mangroves existing at the turn of the 20th century, only 794 hectares are remaining as recorded in 1995.[9] A few of the mangrove swamps remaining in Pampanga Bay are of considerable value for research and conservation education.[10] As natural habitats, mangroves considerably help in acting as a protective buffer against cyclones and storms.

Predominant in the bay area are Avicennia marina (gray or white mangrove) together with 15 species of mangroves belonging to 9 families that grow there. In the Bataan area, species of mangrove swamps that are found thriving include:

Plantations of Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) co-exists with the mangroves found in these areas.

Wetlands

Covering about 4,600 hectares, wetlands[9] around Manila Bay are useful in:[11]

  • providing food and habitat for fish, shorebirds and wildlife;
  • maintaining and improving water quality of rivers, lakes and estuaries,
  • acting as reservoir for watersheds, and
  • protecting adjacent and downstream properties of the area from potential flood damage

Mudflats, sand flats, swamps, beaches and rocky shores form part of the wetlands in Manila Bay. Found mostly along the coast of Bataan and Pampanga, mudflats are suitable habitats for shellfish.

Coral Reefs

Contributing to the balanced functioning of the ecosystem[12] around Manila Bay, coral reefs in the area provide sanctuary for fishes. Consequently, its decline through the years has directly affected the fish yield.

Seagrass Beds

As a diverse ecosystem, seagrass beds provide shelter for fishes and other marine life forms. Like the coral reefs, most of the seagrass beds in Manila Bay are found near its mouth, most notably in the areas of Malolos, Orion, Mariveles, and Corregidor Island.[9]

Upland forests

Within the watershed of Manila Bay upland forests abound which are sources of food, timber, fuel wood and other products, as well as habitats for wildlife. These forests provide protection from soil erosion and help maintain the water levels and water quality in rivers and streams. Mount Makiling, Angat Dam watershed, La Mesa Dam watershed, Mounts Palay-Palay / Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape, Mount Arayat and other portions of national parks located in Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal and Tarlac form part of these upland forest ecosystem.

Key developments
Roxas Boulevard facing Manila Bay
The Baywalk.
Manila skyline from Manila Bay

Land reclamation

Largely intended for use in human settlement and industrial development, land reclamation projects contributed to the reduction of mangroves around the area, as well as significant reduction in Metro Manila's shoreline.[2] From 1944 to 1991, approximately 600 m of shoreline have been reclaimed in the northern part.[1] In 2009, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that there are 7,000 hectares of foreshore areas in Cavite and 5,000 hectares of shallow coastal waters to expand Sangley Point naval base as part of reclamation projects which are mostly funded by foreign investors.[13]

Land conversion

Conversion of mangrove and mudflat areas into fishponds have impacted the physical features of the bay whereby what used to be irregular shoreline in 1944 has become more linear by 1977.[2] Shoreline retreat continued as man-made structures such as fish pens occupied the coastal areas, with progradation dominant from 1977 to 1991. Most area of the bay, except those near the ports, are largely used as a major fishing ground, with fisheries and aquaculture as the dominant source of livelihood for the inhabitants in the coastal areas.[2]

From 1990, approximately 1,200 hectares of mangroves were cleared, with the land converted for aquaculture or used as salt beds.[7] In 1993 much of the fisheries resources steadily declined due to over-fishing and over-harvesting.

Waterfront development

With then Mayor Lito Atienza's program Buhayin ang Maynila (Revitalize Manila) in 2002, the local government made the initiative of enhancing the seaside promenade of Manila through urban renewal, upkeep and improvements. What later became known as Baywalk, the facelift of the 2 km strip of central public space aimed at creating a venue for social interaction and recreation.[14]

With reference to its colonial history,[14] Manila's waterfront expresses power through the dominant classes[15] which uses the Baywalk for exercise, fishing or socialization. The mix of land utilization and social activity provides public access to the edge of the sea, and counters vagrancy and mendicancy.[14] Reviving Manila's waterfront through the Baywalk injected vibrance and historic appreciation into the public space with the statues of Arsenio Lacson, Ninoy Aquino and Evelio Javier placed in key areas.

At the onset, lack of funds hampered the revival of the Baywalk.[14] Eventually, planning for the Baywalk means understanding and regulating diversity of functions with appropriate policy.[14]

Legislation

Manila Bay and its corresponding resources are considered critical recipients of environmental protection. As indicated in the 1987 Constitution (Article II, Section 16) there exists legal basis for environmental protection with the provision that: “the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”[16]

The Manila Bay Declaration 2001 recognized Manila Bay as a source of food, employment and income for the people as well as the gateway for tourism and recreation.[17]

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004.[18]

Water quality

Successive changes in and around Manila Bay are largely due to the intertwining impacts of continued industrialization, unrelenting increase in population, and the incessant human activities catering to livelihood and habitation. These factors are directly degrading the overall environment of Manila Bay and these impacts are manifested in the continued deterioration of the water quality within the bay. Several industries operate along the bay in the highly urbanized Metro Manila area, while there are shipyard facilities in Cavite and[19][20] in Bataan, several more heavy industries, refineries and a power plant are present. At the shipping ports and ferry terminals, an average of 30,000 ships arrive and depart annually to transport passengers, manufactured goods and raw materials.[17] Industrial waste discharges[19] and discharges of untreated domestic wastes from drainage and sewer outlets[21] have contributed to the severe decline in the quality of water and sediments in the bay as well as impacted on the existing marine habitats.[2]

Salinity

According to the study by Jacinto[22] Manila bay has an average surface salinity of 32.6 psu (practical salinity unit). Due to the river influx, the areas near the coasts have low salinity especially in the vicinity of the mouth of the Pasig River in the eastern part of the bay. The bay’s salinity is also affected by strong seasonal variations.[2]

Effects of soil erosion

As indicated by the exposed roots of the coconut trees, continuing soil erosion has been a major factor in the changing shoreline of Manila bay. Apart from soil erosion, other environmental processes such as siltation and sea level rise have also contributed to changing the bay’s coastline. In some parts of the bay, however, erosion are prevented by seawalls and breakers particularly in areas where land has been reclaimed.[2]

Pollution
Volunteers cleaning up trash along the coast of Manila Bay.

With the presence of ports, sea-based sources of pollution around the bay are from ships and motorized boats. Twelve oil spills were recorded in 1995, but it was in 1999 where the highest total volume of oil spill occurred in the Manila South Harbor and Limay, Bataan.[1] Increased presence of oil and grease in the waters are attributed to maritime activities at the harbors, together with the presence of oil terminals and the discharges from industries.[7] These factors directly impacted the health of Manila Bay's waters.

Aside from oil spills, trace metals such as copper, cadmium and zinc at the surface of the water[23] were found at the bay coming from sea-based and land-based (e.g., domestic sewage, industrial effluents, runoff, combustion emissions, and mining operations)[1] sources.

In 1996, concentrations of 16 commonly used pesticides in surface sediment[1] was found including dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in Manila Bay sediments have been influenced by human activities. PAH come principally from petrogenic sources (e.g., oil discharges from ships, refineries and industries) and pyrolytic sources (from combustion sources).[24]

Pesticide residues from rice paddy water draining into irrigation canals, which later on empty into river systems and eventually flowing into the surrounding lakes reaches the waters of Manila Bay.[25] Compounds from these pesticide residues find themselves in food items with metamidophos, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and diazinon among the common contaminants.[25] While chronic toxic effects on inhabitants of the bay are not found, impairment of marine biota[25] were more evident.

In 1997, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), compounds common in transformers, hydraulic fluids, paint additives and pesticides were determined in sediments and oysters sampled from Manila Bay.[18] The increase in the nutrient concentration and presence of nitrate, ammonia and phosphate in the bay,from the '80s, through to the '90s and beyond are not only attributed to agricultural runoff and river discharges but also on fertilizers from fishponds.[2]

Future

Rehabilitation

Despite the issues generally associated with developing countries, such as poverty, over-population and food security, there is surprisingly a growing concern for the environmental vitality of Manila Bay. Rehabilitation, which in this case refers to an attempt to improve an aquatic system and prevent further damage to the natural ecosystems,[26] is a responsibility assumed both by government and non-government organizations. The Supreme Court of the Philippines for example had issued the Metro Manila Development Authority an order to "demolish illegal structures and dwellings along riverbanks and waterways connected to Manila Bay by 2015" in March 2011[27] as an attempt to decrease mass occurrences of water pollution. Projects involving the wider communities include organization of the "Manila Bay Clean Up Run," which essentially supports the Philippine Environment Agencies with their objectives to raise funding and awareness towards the rehabilitation of Manila Bay’s natural environments.

In 2019, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has launched a rehabilitation program that will be administered by different government agencies.[28] [29] Due to this, the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition that will happen on February 16, 2019 at the SM Mall of Asia bayside area was postponed, however, the venue was moved at SM City Clark on February 23, 2019.[30]

Sea level rise

Global warming, which in its simplest context refers to an increase in the earth’s atmospheric temperature and the subsequent result of sea level rise, poses a great threat in the conservation of Manila Bay and its bordering cities. With recent studies predicting "the sea level could rise between .75 to 1.9 metres by 2100"[31] and considering the vast landscape of development, growing industries and overly-dense populations, the exponential assets exposed to flood-prone zones evidently become a dire issue. The Philippine Country Study to Address Climate Change has depicted a proactive approach to this environmental issue through governance of a detailed impact assessment covering the following elements:[32]

Physical Environment

  • Tidal regimes including low and high levels of water circulation
  • Outlining of seasons to depict periods of high and low rainfall

Habitat and Species

  • Identification of coral species, mangrove forests, ecosystems within the coastlines, as well as nearby agricultural land

Vulnerability Analysis

  • Vulnerability maps were drawn to outline townscape in accelerated sea level timelines. Using such resources pinpoints the populated areas and natural habitats most likely to be inundated as a result of global warming

In 2010, at the occasion of the first Inter-LGU Forum on Tidal Flooding in Manila, the Dutch ambassador Robert Brinks recommended to close Manila Bay and build dykes in order to protect Manila and the surrounding provinces from the sea level rise that is expected as a result of climate change, noting also that closing Manily Bay in by means of a dyke would require new harbor location to replace the Port of Manila.[33]

Challenges

Due to the low profile of environmentalism and its objectives within the nation of the Philippines, official awareness of global warming and the investment to applicable research is in itself triumphant. Further steps to meet the challenge of rehabilitation and sea-level rise within Manila Bay may include additional research to gain insight to the complex nature of existent ecosystems; investment to coastal protection means such as the implementation of concrete walls;[32] laws and policies dedicated to the protection of habitats and restriction or zoning of developments; as well as public educational programs to increase the intensity of conservation support. Long-term goals for Manila Bay would ideally include the decrease or termination of nearby highly polluting enterprises, implementation effective standards for waste-water discharge and an overall improved water quality.

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See also

References
  1. Jacinto, G.S., Azanza, R.V.,Velasquez,I.B. and Siringan, F.P.(2006)."Manila Bay:Environmental Challenges and Opportunities" in Wolanski, E.(ed.) The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours. Springer: Dordrecht, Netherlands. p309-328.
  2. Jacinto, G.S., Velasquez, I.B., San Diego-McGlone,M.L.,Villanoy, C.L. and Siringan,F.B.(2006)."Biophysical Environment of Manila Bay - Then and Now", in Wolanski, E.(ed.)The Environment in Asia Pacific Harbours. Springer: Dordrecht, Netherlands. p. 293-307.
  3. Jaraula, C.B., Siringan, F.P. (2004). Multi-proxy reconstruction of Late Quaternary evolution of Laguna de Bai, Philippines. (Submitted to Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology).
  4. de Castro, J.A.I. (2010). "Cleaning Up Manila Bay: Mandamus as a Tool for Environmental Protection". Ecology Law Quarterly. (37) pp 797-804
  5. MMDA-Metro Manila Development Authority versus Concerned Residents of Manila Bay. (2008) in de Castro, J.A.I. "Cleaning Up Manila Bay: Mandamus as a Tool for Environmental Protection." G.R. Nos. 171947-48, 574 SCRA 661, 665 Philippines.
  6. "Manila cleans up after typhoon 'Pedring'". GMA News Online. September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  7. PEMSEA. (2004) Manila Bay: Refined Risk Assessment. PEMSEA Technical Information Report No. 2004/01. Global Environment Facility / United Nations Development Programme / International Maritime Organization Regional Programme on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). Quezon City, Philippines.
  8. Martinez-Goss, M.L. (1999). Estimation of fish biomas in Laguna de Bay based on primary productivity- A special study of the National Statistical Coordination Board.
  9. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – BFAR. (1995). Fisheries Sector Program – Resources and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay. Final Report. BFAR- Department of Agriculture, Quezon City, Philippines.
  10. National Water Resources Council - NWRC. (1983). Framework Plan: Pampanga River Basins. Report No. 24-3A.
  11. Alonzo-Pasicolan, S. (1987). Status of Wetlands in Luzon. Paper presented at the Conference on Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation in Asia, Malacca, Malaysia, February 23–28, 1987. IWRB & Interwater.
  12. International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management - ICLARM (1996). Resource and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay Philippines: Results of Monitoring Activities (1995-1996).
  13. World Justice Project. (2009). "Eco-lawyer Presses Manila Bay Clean Up". Inquirer Company, Philippines accessed at "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 13, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. Gomez, J.E. (2008). "Waterfront design without policy? The actual uses of Manila's Baywalk." Cities. (25) pp 86-106
  15. De Barros, J., Myers, G.A., Harris, R. (Reviewer): Order and place: in a Colonial city. Patterns of struggle and resistance in Georgetown, British Guiana, 1889–1924. Verandahs of power: colonialism and space in urban Africa Urban History Review, 32(1). Fall, Toronto.
  16. Oposa, A. (1996). Legal Marketing of Environmental Law: The Philippine Experience. Proceedings Fourth International Conference on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement. United States Environmental Protection Agency National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).USA:Cincinnati. pp 405-418
  17. Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP).(2001). Manila Bay Coastal Strategy. Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP). Quezon City, Philippines.
  18. Villeneuve, J.P., Cattini, C., Bajet, C.M., Navarro-Calingacion, M. and Carvalho, F.P. (2010). PCBs in sediments and oysters of Manila Bay, the Philippines. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 20(4): pp 259-269
  19. Programme on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia-PEMSEA. (2001). Manila Bay: Initial risk assessment. PEMSEA Technical Information Report No. 2001/01, 112 p. Global Environment Facility/United Nations Development Programme/International Maritime Organization Regional PEMSEA, Quezon City, Philippines.
  20. Bajet, C.M. (2003). Ecotoxicology of pesticides in Philippine aquatic ecosystems. In: Taylor MD, Klaine SJ, Carvalho FP, Barcelo´ D, Everaarts J, editors. Pesticide residues in coastal tropical ecosystems. Distribution, fate and effects. London: Taylor & Francis/CRC Press. pp 271–310
  21. Acorda, L. (1985). "Manila Bay Study". EMB-DENR. Quezon City, Philippines.
  22. Jacinto, G., Sotto, L., Senal, M., San Diego-McGlone, M., Escobar. M., Amano. A. and Miller, T. (2011) Hypoxia in Manila Bay, Philippines during the northeast monsoon. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 63: pp 243–248.
  23. Velasquez I., Jacinto, G.S., and Valera, F.S., (2002). The speciation of dissolved copper, cadmium and zinc in Manila Bay, Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin 45, pp 210-217
  24. Santiago, E.C., (1997). The levels and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination in bottom sediment in Manila Bay. Science Diliman 9, pp 16-28
  25. Carvalho, F.P., Villeneuve,J.P., Cattini,C., Tolosa,I., Bajet, C.M. and Calingacion, M.N. (2009). Organic Contaminants in the Marine Environment of Manila Bay, Philippines. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 57:348-358
  26. G. Dennis Cooke (2005): Ecosystem Rehabilitation, Lake and Reservoir Management, 21:2, 218-221
  27. "SC wants concrete plan for Manila Bay cleanup". ABS-CBN News. March 4, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  28. Mayuga, Jonathan (January 14, 2019). "DENR, 12 agencies to craft Manila Bay rehab plan". BusinessMirror. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  29. Santos, Tina G. (February 1, 2019). "Manila Bay Still Unsafe For Bathers". Inquirer.net. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  30. "The Biggest and Greatest Pyromusical Show Moves to SM City Clark!". SM Supermalls. March 19, 2019.
  31. Fuchs,R., Conran, M. and Louis, E. (2011). Climate Change and Asia’s Coastal Urban Cities: Can They Meet the Challenge? Environment and Urbanization ASIA, 2:13, pp13-28
  32. Perez,R.T., Feir, R.B., Carandang, E. and Gonzalez, E.B. (1996). Potential Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Resrouces of Manila Bay: A Preliminary Vulnerability Assessment. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 92, pp137-147
  33. Balabo, Dino (October 11, 2010). "Dutch advice: Close Manila Bay, build dikes". Philstar. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
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