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Halimeda – Species Splash
Halimeda species are remarkable green seaweeds easily identified by their compressed or cylindrical segments that contain a very high percentage of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), often ranging from 40% to 90% of their entire bodies.
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Family Portunidae – Species Splash
The Family Portunidae is no stranger to Filipinos as some of them are already familiar to us, including alimasag (blue swimming crabs) and alimango (mangrove crabs)!
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Toxopneustes pileolus – Species Splash
Toxopneustes pileolus, also called the flower urchin, is known as the most venomous sea urchin in the world. Its common name comes from the flower-like appearance of its pedicellariae: the tiny circles and triangles around its body, with a reddish dot in the center.
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Conus rolani – Species Splash
The Conus rolani (cone snails) may look small, but don’t underestimate them—they’re members of the Conus genus, the largest group of marine invertebrates with over 800 known species. Typically found in deep-water habitats (60 – 250m), these snails use venom packed with hundreds of peptides to hunt and defend themselves. However, C. rolani and the Asprella group remain understudied.
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PH’s first metallomics research facility opens in UP Marine Science Institute
The UP Marine Science Institute opened the first metallomics facility in the Philippines last Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Led by Balik Scientist Dr. Irene B. Rodriguez, the establishment of the metallomics facility will help advance research on trace metals, macronutrients, and their interactive effects on marine biogeochemical cycles.
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PH’s best-managed MPAs recognized in Para El MAR 2025
ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES— “Let Para el MAR be a space for collaboration, learning, and renewed hope.” These were the words of Ms. Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of the Zoological Society of London-Philippines to officially open the 2025 Para el MAR celebration themed, Bantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future. The 10th Para el MAR (MPA Awards & Recognition), organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN) and coinciding with the network’s 20th anniversary, was held on September 17–18, 2025, at the Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City, drawing over 200 participants.
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UP MSI, UPLB-INREM, and UP IMLOS advance natural capital accounting efforts through the RE-INVEST WPS Program Workshop
Featured photo: Attendees of the “Laying the Foundation for Natural Capital Accounting for the West Philippine Sea” workshop. “We measure what matters so that we can defend what lasts.” – Senior Associate…
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Leptoseris kalayaanensis – Species Splash
The coral Leptoseris kalayaanensis, nicknamed the “durian coral,” is easily recognizable by its spiky surface and blunt, white-tipped spines.
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International Whale Shark Day – Species Splash
This International Whale Shark Day, we shed light on what draws the beloved butanding to Donsol! A big part of it is the seasonal changes that influence diatom blooms — a special group of phytoplankton.
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UP MSI to establish PH’s first coral cryobank facility for coral restoration
Featured photo: FOR CORAL RESTORATION. Pocillopora is one of the Pocilloporid corals that is targeted for larvae cryopreservation. As coral reefs face increasing threats from climate change and human activity, UP Marine…
