Where is benham rise

By Benjamin Pulta May 9, , pm. May 16 next week marks one year since President Rodrigo R. The area has been termed a "natural submarine prolongation" of the Luzon island. It is 3, meters to 3, meters below sea level, except for the Benham Bank -- its shallowest point -- which is 48 meters to 70 meters below sea level. Philippine marine scientists say it is home to at least fish species, among them surgeonfish, hawk fish, and damselfish, and large predators such as the tiger shark, along with soft and hard corals, algae, and sponges.

The Philippine Rise can potentially yield the highest catch rate of tuna species, including big-eye, yellowfin tuna and albacore. Studies conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR also indicate large deposits of methane in solid form, making it a potential rich source of natural gas.

Some sources say though that geologists named it after Admiral Andrew E. In any case, Sec. In an article on The Diplomat, writer Steven Stashwick pointed out that control of the area could be of potential importance in international geopolitics, as it is near the Luzon Strait, between Taiwan and the Philippines, which in turn is of strategic importance to any navy moving towards the South China Sea from the Western Pacific Ocean, as well as for navies going the opposite direction.

It remains an important fishing ground for tuna fishermen from Infanta and Real in Quezon; Baler, Aurora; Catanduanes; and other adjacent provinces along the northern tip of the Philippines. The extended continental shelf, which is what most of the Philippine Rise is, extends nautical miles from the territorial baseline. While China confirmed that survey ships passed through the area in , it claims that the vessels were exercising innocent passage.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, however, said the activities of the Chinese ship spotted in the area belied this. Napakabagal eh. Tapos tumitigil sa isang lugar. Magtagal doon ng ilang araw. Lipat naman sa kabilang lugar.

So that is not innocent passage," he said. We know innocent passage, it's Point A to Point B. But the Chinese ship was very slow. It was stopping in one area to stay there for a few days. And then it would transfer to another area.

So that is not innocent passage. Lorenzana said the Philippines will increase patrols in the area and may even build structures in Benham Rise. Katerina Francisco. UN confirmation: PH's extended continental shelf. Sovereign rights, yes, but not PH territory. Innocent passage or survey?