US ready to pay for Tubbataha reef damage

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 6): US ready to pay for Tubbataha reef damage

The United States government yesterday reiterated its readiness to pay the damages incurred in the grounding of USS Guardian on the World Heritage Site-listed Tubbataha Reef as final ecological assessments are now being done on the reef to determine the actual destruction.

In his speech during the formal opening of the RP-US Exercise Balaikatan 2013 in Camp Aguinaldo, US Ambassador Harry Thomas cited the “careful” approach of US authorities during the extrication of USS Guardian from the Tubbataha Reef where it ran aground last Jan. 17.

Thomas said that while the salvage operation was “complex,” the process was a success, minimizing further damage to the world famous dive site.

“I would like to thank the Philippine government for its support during the salvage operation of USS Guardian…I am greatly in particular to the Coast Guard, Department of Transportation and Communications, the Philippine Navy and the Tubbataha Management Office for their leadership and assistance throughout the salvage process,” said Thomas.

“The complex, carefully (done) operation ensured that further damage to the reef was minimized,” he added.

Ecological assessment was conducted on Tuesday for the final assessment of the actual damage to the reef.

“Now that the Guardian has completely been removed from the reef, a marine ecological assessment is being conducted to determine the extent of the damage. We are working with the Philippine government on this effort,” said Thomas.

“As we have stated in the past, we regret this incident and the United States is prepared to pay compensation for the damage to the reef,” he added.

Salvage operations for USS Guardian were completed last Saturday, or more than two months after the minesweeper was grounded.

Initial assessment conducted while the salvage operations were ongoing showed that at least 4,000 square meters of the reef were damaged by the grounding of USS Guardian.

There has been no final word yet as to the actual damages to the reef.

Based on existing Philippine laws, fine of P12,000 per square meter of damaged reef and additional P12,000 for its rehabilitation.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/12525-us-ready-to-pay-for-tubbataha-reef-damage