Coral reefs and sea grasses in Cagayan are in good condition, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 yesterday said.

On initial assessment in the province’s protected marine biodiversity areas, Rodante Galamay II, Palaui Island Protected Area superintendent, said 90 percent of the 400 hectares of coral reefs and 75 percent on the areas covered by sea grasses in the protected marine biodiversity sites in Sta. Ana and Gonzaga towns were already assessed.

He said the assessment was aimed at determining how healthy the marine resources are and the possible threats that may cause harm to them in the eight protected area sites.

An assessment will also be conducted by a DENR team in the protected areas in the towns of Sta. Praxedes, Claveria and Penablanca.

Aside from checking the conditions of the coral reefs and the sea grasses, Galamay said the areas are blessed with plenty of fish species and other marine resources.

For her part, Mae de Guzman, environment management specialist, said the project is part of the “Agos ng Buhay” or the DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program, which is aimed at reducing drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystem.

“We need to achieve and promote sustainability of our ecosystem services, food security and climate change resiliency for the benefit of the present and future generations,” de Guzman said.

Last Friday, DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu urged government to invest more in scientific research for the conservation and protection of the world’s coral reefs.

“We recognize that science is pivotal in shaping plans, policies and programs for coral reefs and associated ecosystems. It is thus imperative that we continue to support scientists and provide investment to generate more relevant researches,” Cimatu said in his speech at the closing of the 4th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium held in Cebu City.