Tubbataha Reefs

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a unique example of pristine atoll reef, with a very high diversity of fish. The reef is made up of two coral atolls divided by an eight-kilometer (5 miles) wide channel.

Over 1000 species inhabit in the reef; many are already considered as endangered. Animal species found include manta rays, lionfish, tortoise, clownfish, and sharks.

Vivid corals cover more than two-thirds of the area and the waters around the reef are places of refuge for numerous marine lives. The seemingly diverse ecosystem of this sanctuary rivals the Great Barrier Reef – having 300 coral species and 400 fish species.

Aside from being a marine sanctuary, Tubbataha is also renowned for being a bird sanctuary.

Year Decision Comments
2009Extended
2009Name changeFrom "Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, Philippines", to "Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park"
1993 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Juan Antonio G. Menchaca (Philippines):
We arrived aboard the Liveaboard Diveboat Nautica.Great diversity of marine life. Turtles, we saw Pilot whales,lemon sharks and thresher sharks, Manta rays huge shoals of unicorn surgeon fish. Great quantity of sea birds with blue spotted eggs. There is the remains of a ship that had ran aground. Great sunsets. We stayed for a week. Spectacular diving.
Date posted: May 2006
Capt. Ingvar T. Swenson (Sweden):
The only experience I have had with Tubbataha Reef is when
I grounded there with a 6000.tons cargo ship in 1973.

The reef was very hard and tore a large hole in my ship.

We had to unload some of the cargo out there and then
proceeded to Iloilo for repairs,
 


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