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V<br />
erde Island Passage is a strait that separates the<br />
islands of Luzon and Mindoro, connecting the<br />
South China Sea with the Tayabas Bay and the<br />
Sibuyan Sea beyond. It is one of the busiest sea<br />
lanes in the Philippines because it is the main shipping<br />
route between the Port of Manila and the Visayas and<br />
Mindanao in the south. Also, many ferries navigate<br />
the waters, connecting the surrounding provinces of<br />
Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental<br />
Mindoro and Romblon. The 1.14 million hectare passage<br />
is extremely rich in marine biodiversity, the richest area in<br />
the entire Coral Triangle. It is famous for its scientificallybacked<br />
title as the Centre of the Centre of Marine Shore<br />
fish Biodiversity and as the Centre of the Centre of the<br />
Marine Biodiversity of the World. Various conservation<br />
groups have been pushing for its nomination as a<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
Verde Islan<br />
Words by BARRY DAWSON<br />
Photographs as Credited<br />
It is famous for its scientificallybacked<br />
title as the Centre of<br />
the Centre of Marine Shore fish<br />
Biodiversity and as the Centre<br />
of the Centre of the Marine<br />
Biodiversity of the World. Various<br />
conservation groups have been<br />
pushing for its nomination as a<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
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