New sardine species discovered in Manila Bay, other parts of the PHL

A new species of sardines, Sardinella pacifica, has been discovered in the waters of Manila Bay and other parts of the country, non-profit group Oceana said.

According to a journal article by Japanese taxonomists Harukata Hata and Hiroyuki Motomura, Sardinella pacifica revealed characteristics that are distinct from other sardine species.

Aside from the Manila Bay, samples had been collected from Quezon, Sorsogon, and Samar.

The species is only currently found in the Philippines.

From the peer-reviewed article

The discovery made Oceana's resolve stronger in calling to stop all reclamation projects lined up in Manila Bay, and appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to review and assess projects submitted to the Philippine Reclamation Authority "that will result in irreversible damage to our marine habitats."

“We appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop all reclamation projects lined up in Manila Bay. This can be the legacy of your administration – that you were able to save the rich ecosystem of Manila Bay that carries national and natural heritage significance, especially with the discovery of this new sardine species in the Philippine waters,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo, Vice President of Oceana in the Philippines.

“These projects violate our Constitutional right to balanced and healthful ecology, as well as our fisheries and environmental laws. We are hoping that our government will listen to the people. They will be facing even more harm and danger than they are experiencing now as consequences of flooding, subsidence of our coastal communities and the climate crisis,” Ramos added.

Ramos also called to help artisanal fisherfolk "earn decent livelihood to feed their families from our rich marine resources that are known all over the world." — LA, GMA News