Coral Reefs Off Siasi Island, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines
8 April 2004

Note: The area of coverage in this SPOT-5 image is approximately 12 km x 12 km.
The reduced resolution image on display has undergone compression and so does not represent the true resolution of the original satellite image.

This image in false colour (vegetation red) displays the eastern part of the island of Siasi and offshore coral reefs that teem with marine life. The reefs have developed within an area protected by a curved spit and also as fringing reefs towards north and northwest. This part of the island is well farmed. Communication with inland areas is by a road that connects with boats offshore via a pier that runs across a coastal wetland. Similar wetlands, probably mangroves, also occur in patches along the coast. Reefs of various sizes and shapes occur at different depths inside the lagoon enclosed by the curved spit, even forming vegetated islands. A line of fringing reefs occur seaward of the spit that continues beyond it, almost enclosing the lagoon.