30/07/2026
HABAGAT: A Season of Healing Beneath the Waves π
As Puerto Galera embraces the Habagat season, Medio Island Trails also enters a time of recuperation and renewal. While many consider this the "lean season" for tourism, nature tells a different story. Habagat is a season of healingβa period when our forests breathe, our waters recover, and our marine ecosystems quietly rebuild their strength.
Taking advantage of this natural recovery period, the Medio Island Trails Team, led by our Marine Biologist, Sir Daniel, conducted a marine ecosystem assessment on July 24, 2026, to evaluate the condition of the waters surrounding Tangalan (Third Plateau) and Paniquian.
π The underwater assessment revealed a flourishing reef community in both Tangalan (Third Plateau) and Paniquian. Schools of clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish were recorded swimming among coral colonies, while extensive seagrass beds stretched across both areas. Seagrasses play a critical role in marine ecosystems by stabilizing the seabed, improving water quality, storing carbon, and serving as nursery grounds for juvenile fish and feeding areas for marine turtles. Their abundance reflects the excellent ecological condition of these coastal habitats.
β Healthy populations of Blue Linckia Sea Stars were documented, an encouraging indicator of clean, well-balanced marine environments with good water circulation. Several portions of Paniquian have also become a haven for Chocolate Chip Sea Stars, highlighting the richness and diversity of the area's marine life.
β οΈ A small population of Taeng Kalabaw (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish) was observed during the assessment. While naturally occurring, this species can become destructive to coral reefs when populations increase. Medio Island Trails Team will soon conduct a targeted management activity to prevent its spread and help protect our coral ecosystems.
πͺΈ Signs of coral bleaching were observed, but only in minimal amounts. More encouragingly, young hard corals are flourishing across several portions of Paniquian, a promising sign that the reef is actively recovering and maintaining its resilience despite seasonal changes.
π’ Our assessment also confirmed the continued presence of both the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas-italicized) and the Critically Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata-italicized). Their continued visits remind us that these waters remain an important refuge for some of the ocean's most iconic marine species.
Every healthy coral colony, every thriving seagrass meadow, every sea turtle, and every school of fish tells the same story: our marine ecosystems are still alive, resilient, and worth protecting.
As caretakers of these waters, we all share the responsibility of ensuring their future. Let us continue protecting our seas from illegal fishing, poaching, destructive coastal practices, marine pollution, and irresponsible tourism, so that future generations may still witness the incredible beauty hidden beneath the waves.
Because conservation is not only about protecting nature todayβit's about leaving behind a living legacy for tomorrow.
For the Environment. For the Community. For the Future. πΏ
