UP, DENR-BMB, and NAVMETOC conduct research at the West Philippine Sea

May 26, 2025

Press Releases, Mandaragat News, Stories, Tales From the Sails

Reef wall at Rizal Reef. Photo by Eena Nuevas.

**Science and Ship Crew.** From left to right: IS1 Morvin Margaja (NAVMETOC), Dr. Maria Celia Malay, John Michael Lastimoso, Marjorie del Mundo, Sophia Therese Pamati-an, Janell Carmina A Sihay, Chloie Mae Libatog, Dr. Cesar Villanoy (Chief Scientist), Dr. Rene Abesamis, Dr. Hazel Arceo (UP Cebu), Jaryl Joy Sarker, Capt. Reyan Maalihan (M/V Panata Captain), Edgardo Parce, Lee Arraby Desabelle, Eena Marie Nuevas (DENR-BMB), Mark Rosal, Emilio Anguera, John Rey Nepumoceno, Marcell Joshua Reserva, Rolan Bertulfo, Ricardo Fernandez, Reggie Benantolis, Leonardo Bagtong, Lheonardo Ferrer, Jeffrey Idor, and Charlene Mae Olsim (DENR-BMB)

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, current profiles, and conducting seismic and sonar assessments. Seaweeds and marine invertebrates were collected and documented as part of the biodiversity inventory. Coral reef assessment was done through fish visual census and benthic photoquadrat survey, complemented with baited remote underwater video surveys (BRUVS).

This research forms part of the DENR-BMB-funded Integrated Research for Biodiversity Conservation and Carbon Sequestration in the West Philippine Sea (BioConSeq-WPS), led by Project Leaders Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo and Fernando P. Siringan.

The team thanks the Coordinated National Marine Scientific Research Initiatives and Related Activities in the Philippine Waters (CONMIRA), Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC), and the UP MSI National Academic Research Fleet Coordination and Management Office (NARFleet CMO) for their invaluable support and assistance.