Photo taken by UP Mindanao PRO/Yas D. Ocampo
"Our Daily Fish" Fisheries in the Philippines - Past, Present, and Future
Written by Joey P. Cabasan
Uploaded on Feb. 24, 2023
The UP Mindanao Office of Research in partnership with the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies (CRREST) Laboratory organized an afternoon of fruitful discussions on the historical records, status, and future directions of reef fish diversity in the Philippines. The discussions were led by renowned experts: Dr. Kent Carpenter of the Old Dominion University, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Dr. Richard Muallil of the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, and Academician Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.
The event was attended by students, partner institutions, and government agencies in Mindanao which are hoped to continue the efforts of acquiring new information and knowledge transfer in the region through collaborative research endeavors. As an initiative to this collaboration, we had a soft launching of the book — “Data Collection and Analyses for Reef Fish Biology” which was edited by our lab head Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. and CRREST researcher Maybelle Fortaleza. The book will serve as an avenue to streamline protocols and methods on studying reef fish biology and to guide beginners in starting their own independent research.
Other Articles
Building Bridges: MSU-Naawan Faculty Visits UP Mindanao Research Facilities
On April 23, 2024, faculty and staff from the School of Marine and Fisheries Technology of Mindanao State University (MSU)-Naawan embarked on a productive site visit to UP Mindanao’s laboratories and ongoing research projects. This visit highlighted collaborative efforts in advancing marine science research and technology in the region. One of the key projects explored during the visit was the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project. The MABIDA Project presented its cutting-edge unified information system, which serves as an open-access storage platform for marine biology researchers not only in Mindanao but around the globe. This comprehensive system offers an organized and accessible repository of vital marine data that supports scientists, educators, and decision-makers in their research and conservation efforts. In addition to learning about MABIDA’s digital resources, the MSU-Naawan team had a unique opportunity to engage with the project’s advanced 3D scanners and printers. These technologies play an essential role in enhancing the visualization and study of marine specimens, providing precise, 3D-printed models for research and educational purposes. This visit solidified ongoing relationships between Mindanao’s academic institutions, fostering a spirit of collaboration in marine research, and underscored the importance of sharing knowledge, tools, and innovations to address the growing challenges faced by our marine ecosystems.
Breaking Barriers and Igniting Innovation at the Araw ng Sulop S&T Exhibit
On April 22, 2024, Sulop, Davao del Sur, hosted an inspiring event as the Araw ng Sulop S&T Exhibit showcased advancements in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI). The MABIDA Project conducted a distinguished exhibit, presenting its cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing technology and offering visitors a chance to experience its remarkable capabilities firsthand. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to explore the transformative capabilities of MABIDA, which included interactive experiences with its comprehensive marine biodiversity database for fauna and flora in Mindanao. Visitors marveled at the detailed 3D visualizations of marine life, bringing to life the rich biodiversity of the region. The MABIDA website, described as a treasure trove of marine biodiversity data, offered participants insights into its powerful tools for research and conservation. The exhibit, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) PSTO Davao del Sur, was officially opened by Vice Mayor Willie Villegas, alongside local government officials from LGU Sulop and esteemed faculty members from Davao del Sur State College. Their collective presence underscored the crucial role that collaboration and innovation play in advancing science and technology within the local community. The event not only showcased technological advancements but also inspired future initiatives aimed at empowering researchers and conservationists in the preservation of Mindanao’s diverse marine ecosystems.
