Philippine Reef Damaged by US Ship
Nature is full of precious resources. When those resources are damaged by humans, someone ought to be held accountable. However, because nature does not operate on the budgets and time-tables of governments or corporations, it can be difficult to determine how best to repair damaged natural resources. Right now, a controversy is brewing in the south Pacific. The USS Guardian, a minesweeper ship under the flag of the United States Navy was conducting an operation near the Philippines. During the operation, the ship ran into a corral reef. This caused damaged to an estimated 25,000 square foot area. This is more than half the size of the entire reef. The underwater body, which is home to a diverse array of sea-life, is not supposed to be off-limits to any ship without special permission. Question are being raised, because it does not seem that the USS Guardian had such permission. Questions are also being raised about if and how compensation can be made for what has occurred. The United States has issued multiple apologies and paid for the removal of the ship from the reef. Of course, the damage is already done and money can only repair so much. Consider what the perspectives focus on- whether it is money or nature. Which is more important?
