Scarborough Shoal has become the focus of a new Chinese environmental report claiming that fishing and other activities linked to the Philippines are harming the reef’s fragile ecosystem in the South China Sea. Released amid rising tensions between the two countries, both of which claim rights over the area, the report says the reef remains in generally good condition but warns that increasing human activity is putting growing pressure on corals and marine life. Known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines, the shoal has emerged as one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the region, with environmental concerns now adding to an already complex political and security dispute.
Scarborough Shoal and why it matters
Scarborough Shoal is a ring-shaped coral reef located in the South China Sea, not far from the Philippine coast. It sits in waters that are rich in fish and other marine life. For many years, fishermen from nearby areas have depended on these waters for food and income. Because of this, control over the shoal is seen as both an economic and strategic issue.
China has controlled access to the reef since 2012 and has slowly increased its presence there. Patrol ships and monitoring activities have become more frequent over the years. The Philippines, however, continues to say the area falls within its maritime zone and that its fishermen have long-standing rights to operate there.
The dispute is not only about fishing. The shoal is also located along important sea routes used by ships from many countries. This makes it important for trade and security. As a result, actions taken at Scarborough Shoal often draw attention from other regional and global powers.
In recent months, tensions have risen again. Reports say authorities ordered aircraft away from the area, while ships from both sides came face to face. Against this backdrop, China’s decision to highlight environmental damage has added a new layer to the dispute.
China’s report on the reef’s health
The new report, released by Chinese authorities, focuses on the environmental condition of Scarborough Shoal. According to the findings, the coral reef is still in good overall shape. The report states that scientists recorded 135 different species of reef-building coral in the area. This level of diversity suggests that the reef continues to support a wide range of marine life.
The report also notes that coral coverage across the reef is relatively high. Coral coverage is a key measure of reef health, as corals form the base of the ecosystem. Healthy corals provide shelter and food for fish, shellfish, and many other sea creatures.
China has used these findings to support its earlier decision to designate the shoal as a nature reserve. China approved the designation earlier this year and presented it as a step to protect marine life and prevent further damage to the ecosystem. However, the Philippines strongly criticized the move, saying it was another way for China to strengthen its control over the area.
At the same time, the report raises concerns about threats to the reef. It says that “illegal fishing” and “frequent intrusive activities” by other countries have put pressure on the ecosystem in recent years. While the report does not directly name the Philippines in every instance, it clearly points to activities linked to Philippine fishermen and support programs.
Fishing, military activity, and environmental damage claims
One of the main concerns raised in the report is fishing activity. In recent years, the Philippine government has launched several programs to support its fishermen. These include fuel subsidies, food supplies, medicine, and fishing equipment. The goal of these programs is to encourage fishermen to continue operating in disputed waters, including around Scarborough Shoal.
China’s report suggests that this increased presence has led to more stress on the reef. It claims that certain fishing practices, especially those that involve direct contact with the seabed, can damage corals and disrupt marine habitats. China describes these activities as illegal because they take place in waters it says it controls.
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The report also mentions other human activities that may affect the reef. These include close-range operations by ships and aircraft, which can disturb marine life. Earlier this month, Chinese authorities said they had ordered several small aircraft away from the airspace above the shoal, calling their presence intrusive.
Environmental damage at Scarborough Shoal is not presented as a new issue. The report notes that military activities in the 1960s and 1970s caused serious harm to the reef. During that period, the area was used as a firing and bombing range. While the report does not name specific countries, it points to long-term damage that took decades to heal.
Climate change is another major factor highlighted in the findings. Rising sea temperatures, stronger cyclones, and unusual weather patterns have all placed stress on coral reefs across the world. Scarborough Shoal is no exception. Warmer waters can cause coral bleaching, a process that weakens corals and makes them more likely to die.
The research behind the report used several methods. Scientists carried out surveys from ships, studied satellite and aerial images, and collected data directly from divers. According to China, this combination of methods provides a clear picture of the reef’s current condition.
The Philippines, however, has repeatedly rejected claims that its fishermen are responsible for environmental damage. In the past, it has accused Chinese fishing activities, including the harvesting of giant clams, of destroying coral reefs in the same area. These competing claims show how environmental concerns have become another arena for the wider dispute.
The debate over Scarborough Shoal now includes questions of conservation, fishing rights, and military activity. Although the reef remains healthy for now, both sides continue to accuse each other of actions that could threaten it.