Tubbataha Reef Postcards

Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef located in the Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles (181 km) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 1993. It is also nominated in the new 7 wonders of nature.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Life Postcard 1

The word “tubbataha” is a combination of two Samal words which means “a long reef exposed at low tide”. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 km (5 miles) wide.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Life Postcard 2

Over one thousand species can be found in the reef; many are already endangered species. Animal species found include manta rays, lionfish, pawikan or 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.

SOURCE:
Tubbataha Reef Wikipedia Entry