Marine Species Died After Seafloor Rises Due to Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Sarangani
Several marine species were found dead after the seafloor rises following the strong earthquake in Sarangani.
Some marine species were found dead after a portion of the seafloor along the coast of Glan, Sarangani rose following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape Protected Area Management Office received reports from residents about an unexpected drop in sea level in parts of Glan. The unusual environmental change was first reported to authorities on June 10, two days after the earthquake
Concerned by the reports, a team from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Glan, together with protected area rangers, conducted a coastal inspection. During the survey, they discovered that long sections of shoreline had become exposed.
Coral reefs and seagrass beds that were once underwater could now be seen above the surface, especially in the Pangyan Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Pangyan.
As these important marine habitats remained exposed to the air and heat, signs of damage quickly appeared. Corals and seagrass beds began to die, affecting the many creatures that depend on them for food and shelter.
Dead reef fish, eels, clams, shells, and other marine organisms were found in the area.
Residents living near the shoreline also expressed concern about the strong odor coming from the decaying marine life. Some feared that the smell and the growing number of dead organisms could eventually create health and environmental problems if not addressed immediately.
Further investigation by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 12 confirmed that the earthquake caused the coastal area in Barangay Pangyan to rise by as much as two meters. The change also extended the shoreline by around 200 meters.
A similar incident was also reported in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, showing the impact of the powerful earthquake.
DENR Soccsksargen is set to organize a scientific assessment team that will conduct a detailed study of the affected coastline on June 16.
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