A report published by a Washington-based think-tank says China has caused the most ecological damage in vast areas in the South China Sea through destructive dredging and fishing methods.
Using satellite imagery on 180 occupied and non-occupied features in the South China Sea, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that at least 4,500 acres of coral reefs have been destroyed by China’s artificial island-building in the disputed waters through dredging and landfill.
An additional 16,300 acres of coral reefs were damaged due to giant clam harvesting by Chinese fishermen, the American policy group said.
Greg Poling, CSIS senior fellow and director of AMTI, said it may take decades for the reefs to come back given the current extent of damage.