I have just come across this article about a reef far out in the middle of the South China Sea that has left me shocked.

Chinese fishermen are deliberately destroying reefs near a group of Philippine-controlled atolls in the Spratly Islands.

At least a dozen boats were anchored on a nearby reef. Long plumes of sand and gravel were trailing out behind them.  They had chained their boats to the reef and were revving their engines hard. Clouds of black diesel smoke poured into the air.

The result was clear, though. Complete devastation.

This place had once been a rich coral ecosystem. Now the sea floor was covered in a thick layer of debris, millions of smashed fragments of coral, white and dead like bits of bone.

Poachers, wearing masks and trailing long breathing hoses behind them were manhandling something heavy - a massive giant clam, at least 1m (3ft) across. They dropped it on to a pile near their boat. Next to it lay three others they had pulled out earlier.

Clams of this size are probably 100 years old, and can sell for between $1,000 (£665) and $2,000 a pair.

Please take a look at the disturbing report and video here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35106631