CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project

Written by Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan
Uploaded on Feb. 24, 2023

The UP Mindanao Office of Research, in partnership with the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies (CRREST) Laboratory, organized a successful afternoon of discussions on reef fish diversity in the Philippines. The event was held on February 24, 2023, and attended by students, partner institutions, and government agencies in Mindanao. Led by renowned experts in the field, the discussions covered the historical records, status, and future directions of reef fish diversity in the Philippines.

As an initiative towards collaboration, the event also featured a soft launching of the book titled "Data Collection and Analyses for Reef Fish Biology." Edited by CRREST researcher Maybelle A. Fortaleza and laboratory head Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., the book aims to guide beginners in conducting independent research and streamline protocols and methods in studying reef fish biology.

The event also marked a significant milestone for the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project. The project held a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing with partner higher education institutions during the event, signifying the commitment of partner institutions to support the project and collaborate in its implementation. The MABIDA Project aims to create a comprehensive database of marine biodiversity in the Philippines, providing critical information for conservation and management efforts. The event was a significant step towards the development of collaborative research endeavors and knowledge transfer in the region, and the organizers hope to continue their efforts in acquiring new information and conducting further research on reef fish diversity and marine biodiversity in the Philippines.

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ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA Proposes Collaboration with ZSCMST

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program visited and presented the proposal for collaboration with the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) on 28 June 2022. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. ZSCMST and other higher education institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to populate marine data into the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities. The program, represented by Kevin L. Labrador (FishDive), Joemarie L. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA), was received by the Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Oliver Tito, Mr. Angelo Macario, and other officials. The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Officer-in-Charge President of ZSCMST before proceeding with the discussion. Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., ABRAHAM Program Head and Project Leader, and Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader, attended the meeting via Zoom. Dr. Maribelle T. Hanani of MSU-Sulu was also present during the meeting. Highlights of the meeting were the presentation of the two project components of the program, the official invitation for scientific collaboration, and the planned trainings to be initiated by the program.

ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA Collaborates with JRMSU on Marine Biodiversity Database

DAPITAN CITY - The researchers of the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program visited Jose Rizal Memorial State University on 23 June 2022 to present the program executive brief. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to collaborate with JRMSU to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. JRMSU and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will participate in populating marine data to the database. Dr. Cleto L. Nanola, Jr., ABRAHAM Program Head and Project Leader, and Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estana, Project Leader, attended the meeting via Zoom. At the same time, researchers Kevin L. Labrador (FishDive), Joemarie L. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA) represented the program. JRMSU was represented by Dr. Maria Rio A. Naguit, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OIC). Furthermore, some faculty, staff, and students were also present during the discussion. Essential highlights of the meeting were the presentation of the MABIDA website being developed, planned trainings to be initiated by the program, and the official invitation to JRMSU to collaborate with the MABIDA Project.

DNSC and UPMin Researchers Gear Up for Training on Scientific Diving

Two batches of researchers from Davao del Norte State College and UP Mindanao received a week-long training to reinforce underwater skills necessary for safe and scientific diving. Additionally, a two-day fish visual census training was conducted to apply the underwater skills gained in actual scientific diving work. Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. (Project Leader) and Dr. Girley S. Gumanao (DNSC Project Staff) are looking forward to future collaborations with other universities and institutions to further the involvement of researchers in monitoring marine biodiversity in the country, especially in Mindanao. We thank Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao, PhD of UP Mindanao, DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa, PhD, and DNSC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Girley S. Gumanao for their support to this activity. We also thank the mentors Mr. Medel R. Silvosa, Ms. Rezelle B. Sobradil, Mr. Xavier N. Lopez, and the rest of the DNSC Marine Reserve Park staff for assisting the participants tirelessly throughout the training duration.

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