Manila Bay

Manila Bay is a natural harbor for the Port of Manila. It is on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. This bay has been important for trade and travel for a very long time, even before Spanish times.

The bay covers an area of 1,994 km². Its coastline is 190 km long. The bay is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.

Many rivers flow into the bay. The Pampanga River brings almost half of the fresh water to the bay. The bay is about 17 meters deep on average. The entrance to the bay is nearly 19 km wide and widens to 48 km. Islands such as Corregidor and Caballo divide the entrance into two channels.

The shores of the bay have volcanic peaks covered in tropical plants. There are also several important harbors used by many ships for travel both nearby and far away.

History

Manila Bay was connected to Laguna de Bay about 3,000 years ago. Over time, natural changes made the two separate. Now, they only connect through the Pasig River. The bay has been important in history, like during the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898.

During the Russo-Japanese War, three Russian ships visited Manila for repairs and stayed until the war ended. In World War II, the area was used by Japanese forces. Today, Manila Bay is important for trade and fishing. It is also a popular spot for visitors, especially to watch the sunset. In 2011, strong winds from Typhoon Pedring caused flooding, but the sea walls were repaired and reopened to the public in 2012.

Ecosystem

The area around Manila Bay has many different kinds of plants and animals. You can find forests, mangroves, mudflats, sandy beaches, seagrass, and coral reefs.

There are many birds in the area, including some that are in danger of disappearing. The waters once had lots of fish, but now there are more squid, shrimp, and small fish. Mangroves help protect the land from strong storms and winds. They give homes to many plants and animals. Sadly, most of the mangroves that used to grow here are gone today.

Wetlands around the bay help keep water clean, give homes to fish and birds, and protect land from flooding. Coral reefs give homes to many fish. When these reefs disappear, it affects how many fish there are. Seagrass beds give shelter to fish and other sea creatures. Forests give food and materials to people and help keep the soil and water healthy.

Key developments

Land reclamation

Main article: Land reclamation in Metro Manila

Projects have created new land around Manila Bay for homes and factories. These projects have reduced areas with mangroves and shortened the shoreline. Between 1944 and 1991, the shoreline grew by about 600 meters in the northern part. There are plans to expand a naval base using more than 7,000 hectares of shallow water and coastland.

Land conversion

Changing mangrove and mudflat areas into fish farms has changed the shape of the bay. What was once an irregular shoreline in 1944 became more straight by 1977. Most of the bay, except near ports, is used for fishing, which provides jobs for people living along the coast.

Waterfront development

In 2002, the city began improving the area along the water to create a public space called Baywalk. This 2 km area is used for walking, fishing, and social activities. Statues of important local figures like Arsenio Lacson, Ninoy Aquino, and Evelio Javier are placed there. Though funds were low at first, the Baywalk became a lively place for people to enjoy the waterfront.

Legislation

Manila Bay is important for protecting the environment. The 1987 Constitution says the government must protect nature. In 2001, Manila Bay was recognized for providing food, jobs, and tourism. International rules to protect harmful chemicals were also put in place.

Rehabilitation

Efforts to improve Manila Bay’s environment are growing. In 2011, the Supreme Court asked authorities to remove illegal buildings near the water to help reduce pollution. Community events like the “Manila Bay Clean Up Run” help raise money and awareness.

In January 2019, the government began a program to restore the bay. This led to moving a big fireworks show from February 2019 to a different location.

Beach nourishment

Main article: Manila Dolomite Beach

In September 2020, work began to create a new beach using a process called beach nourishment. This is part of efforts to protect the coast and improve the environment. Some people had concerns about the timing during the COVID-19 pandemic and possible environmental effects. Officials say the beach will help tourism, protect buildings from waves, and improve water quality. The new beach has already attracted birds and improved water safety.

Bridges

Plans for a bridge or bridge-tunnel crossing Manila Bay have existed since 1987. In January 2020, officials approved building the Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge, also called the Manila Bay Bridge. This bridge will connect the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. Design work and surveys are ongoing before construction starts.

Water quality

Manila Bay's water quality has been changing because of factories, more people living nearby, and many human activities. These things hurt the environment and the water in the bay. Many factories and shipyards are around the bay. About 30,000 ships come and go each year, carrying people and goods. Waste from factories and homes flows into the bay, making the water dirty and harming sea life.

The salt level in Manila Bay changes depending on where you are and the season. Near rivers, the water is less salty. Soil erosion, where land washes away, also changes the shape of the bay's shore. Some places have walls to stop this from happening.

Pollution from ships and boats adds oil and other harmful substances to the water. Oil spills have happened in the past, and traces of metals like copper and zinc are found in the water. Pesticides used on farms also end up in the bay through rivers. These pollutants hurt the plants and animals that live in the bay.

Future

Sea level rise

Global warming is a big worry for Manila Bay and the cities close to it. The sea level might go up by about 0.75 to 1.9 meters by the year 2100. This could affect many places and people near the bay.

In 2010, a Dutch ambassador talked about closing Manila Bay and building walls to keep the water out. This would help protect the area from rising seas caused by climate change. But it would also mean finding a new spot for the Port of Manila.

Challenges

Taking care of the environment is very important. Learning about and getting ready for global warming is already a big help. To protect Manila Bay better, more research is needed. This could include building walls, making laws to save nature, and teaching people about saving the environment. Long-term goals are to cut down pollution, improve water quality, and make better rules for throwing away waste.

Notable events

Manila Bay has been the site of important historical battles. In 1646, Spanish forces fought off Dutch attempts to invade Manila in a series of naval battles.

Later, on May 1, 1898, the Battle of Manila Bay took place, ending Spanish rule in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, the area has also seen sad events. In 2007, a young woman named Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez went missing during a family visit in Navotas, part of Metro Manila. Her body was found later.