Vote for Tubbataha Reef for New7Wonders of the World

I'm proud to be a Filipino, God has blessed our country with all the natural riches that is beyond magnificent. I'm asking every blogger out there to help us vote for Tubbataha Reef for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Voting for nominees will continue through 31.12.08. A New7Wonders Panel of Experts will then select the 21 finalists, from which voters worldwide will elect the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

According to the Lonely Planet guide, Tubbataha offers ‘some of the best diving you are ever likely to some across anywhere in the world’. The dive season is dependant on the weather and usually runs from March until June. This time of year usually gives outstanding diving conditions – clear skies, flat seas and excellent visibility (around 30 to 45 meters).



The name Tubbataha comes from the dialect of the Samal, seafaring people of the Sulu region, and means 'long reef exposed at low tide'. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park lies in the center of the Sulu Sea. Declared a World Heritage site by the World Conservation Union in 1993, the park is composed of 2 coral atolls seperated by an 8 km (5 mile) wide channel. These picturesque tropical atolls, known as North and South Tubbataha, host an amazing variety of reef tropicals, turtles and large pelagics. Manta and Eagle rays, white and black tip reef sharks,nurse, shovelnose, leopard and hammerhead sharks are common.

Biodiversity
The Philippines lies within the 'coral triangle' - the area with the highest marine biodiversity on earth. Tubbataha is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. The diversity of marine life found in Tubbataha is equal to or greater than any such reef of its size in the world.

Researchers have recorded 396 species of corals - 85 per cent of all hard coral species in the entire Philippines. There are 479 species of fish from 46 families. Manta rays are frequent visitors to the reef as are barracudas and large schools of jacks. Tubbataha is also home to six species of sharks - usually found cruising around the outskirts of the reef. There are two types of sea turtles and nine species of marine mammals found in these reefs.

Tubbataha is a big ecosystem containing a network of smaller ecosystems. From the largest fish (the whale shark) down to the tiniest organisms (marine plankton) the underwater flora and fauna depend on one another for survival. The islets are also part of this complex, life-giving network. Sea turtles are often seen around the shallow reef flats. During breeding, they lay their eggs on both the North and South Islets. The islets also serve as an important refuge for seabirds in Southeast Asia. Tubbataha's islets is believed to be one of the last breeding grounds for a host of endangered bird species.

Coral reefs are one of the earth's most ancient ecosystems. They date back to the Mesozoic period around 225 million years ago. Although they cover only 0.2 per cent of the ocean floor, they may produce up to 25 per cent of the fish catch of developing countries and 10 per cent of the total amount caught globally for human consumption. Tubbataha is one of the Philippines' oldest ecosystems. Scientists have suggested that the reefs' formation began around 15 million years ago with the eruption of the chain of volcanoes along the Cagayan Ridge.

Currently, Tubbataha Reef is ranked No. 21 on the list of 77 nominees along with Chocolate Hills, holding No. 18 spot which is also an entry the Philippines is very proud of. Help us increase the awareness and support for the reefs’ conservation by voting for Tubbataha Reef.