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West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank soft corals are among most diverse in the world
FEATURED PHOTO: The pulse coral Xenia sp. in Puerto Galera, Occidental Mindoro. Soft corals, which are members of the class Octocorallia, are major components of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. They are known to contribute to reef complexity and serve as habitats for many organisms. They also have potential economic benefits, such as being sources…
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Benham Bank—one of PH’s richest deep coral ecosystems
Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines, located 50 meters below the sea surface, is the Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than Mt. Apo. Benham Bank contains one of the richest mesophotic (or deep) coral ecosystems in the Philippines. One would not expect biodiversity to thrive here, considering the eastern coast of the Philippines…
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UP MSI participates in M/V DA-BFAR Demersal Stock Assessment and Oceanographic Survey in Visayan and Samar Sea
Researchers from the UP Marine Science Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) research vessel, M/V DA-BFAR, participated in the recently concluded Visayan and Samar Sea Demersal Stock Assessment and Oceanographic Survey on board M/V DA-BFAR from May 2 to 12, 2025. The stock assessment and…
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Message of Gratitude for Outgoing DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga
The UP Marine Science Institute expresses our gratitude to outgoing DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
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UP, DENR-BMB, and NAVMETOC conduct research at the West Philippine Sea
Reef wall at Rizal Reef. Photo by Eena Nuevas. A team of 15 researchers and staff from UP MSI, UP Cebu, DENR-BMB, and NAVMETOC conducted a research expedition aboard the UP MSI research vessel M/Y Panata at Rizal Reef (Commodore Reef) and Dalagang Bukid Shoal (Northeast Investigator Shoal). The expedition included oceanographic surveys—measuring temperature, salinity,…
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Biodiversity Research Continues in Pag-asa Island, West Philippine Sea
FEATURED PHOTO: The April 2025 Pag-asa Island Expedition Team. (Left to Right, Top to Bottom) Lorenz Cajilig, Hannah Grace Siena (DENR-BMB), Claude Michael G. Salva, Fernando Castrence, Jeffrey Munar, Aubrey Abadiano, Kametchi Anne Blancaflor, Gizelle A. Batomalaque, Fernando P. Siringan (Chief Scientist), and Dale Patrick Atup. A team of 10 researchers from the UP Marine…
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UP MSI showcases research in Arribada 2025
FEATURED PHOTO: THE FACES OF MARINE SCIENCE. The faculty, students, alumni, and staff of UP MSI at Arribada 2025. The UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) hosted a celebration of science and community in this year’s Arribada, which featured the research of UP MSI’s graduate students through oral presentations, poster presentations, and even memes. The…
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UP researchers conduct field survey in Pag-asa Island through DENR-BMB funded project
The Pag-asa Island Expedition Team. (Left to Right, Top to Bottom) Janell Sihay, Dr Gizelle Batomalaque, Maida Biguerras – Pedrosa (UPLB SESAM, Chloie Mae Libatog, Dr Maria Celia Malay, Dr Hildie Maria E. Nacorda (UPLB SESAM), Sophia Therese L. Pamati-an, Marjorie D. Del Mundo, Joan Catherine A. Chua, Raffi Asido (PIRS Caretaker) Fernando P. Siringan…
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UP MSI Opens Kanlungan at Kasarinlan: A West Philippine Sea Exhibit
FEATURED PHOTO: Attendees of the exhibit launch, with Dr. Charina Lyn A. Repollo leading the program QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), in collaboration with UP Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum, Daluyong Artists Network Center Inc., and the RE-INVEST WPS Program, opened Kanlungan at Kasarinlan: An…
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Kalalawdan Fellowship Program for marine science research and policy was launched
Featured image: THE FIRST BATCH. The 20 Lawod Fellows with their Lawod Advisers. They are joined by the Country Representative of the Philippines for the Asia Foundation, Sam Chittick; Dean for the UP Diliman College of Science, Dr. Giovanni Tapang; Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu; DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga; TESDA Director General…
