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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NEMSU and MABIDA Team Explore Collaborative Opportunities for Marine Biodiversity and Data Sharing

Lianga, Surigao del Sur — During the visit to Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) on August 22, 2024, the MABIDA team was warmly welcomed by Professor Amor Rojas-Salinas, Chair of the Marine Biology Program. The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations and future opportunities to enhance marine research and conservation efforts in the region. NEMSU-Lianga, recognized for its specialized Fisheries and Marine Sciences programs, expressed a strong interest in partnering with the MABIDA project. A key outcome of the discussion was the shared objective of contributing data from Surigao del Sur to the MABIDA platform. Professor Rojas-Salinas highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that sharing marine biodiversity data from the region is crucial, especially given the current lack of sufficient studies or data. This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to elevate the recognition of Surigao del Sur's marine ecosystems, which are rich yet under-researched. The collaboration with MABIDA aims not only to spotlight the area's biodiversity but also to underscore the role of innovation and technology in facilitating access to essential data. By making marine data more accessible, the partnership seeks to inspire further research and conservation initiatives, benefiting both local and international scientific communities.

Aerial Surveys Conducted in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape

Last July 29-31, Mr. Norjan Charls Cabanalan and Ms Irene Faith Makinano of the MABIDA Project assisted the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies Laboratory in conducting aerial surveys in selected Marine Protected Areas within Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. These surveys aimed to map the extent of coastal and marine habitats in the study areas, contributing valuable data for conservation and management efforts. The initiatives were made possible through the support of the DENR Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay, led by PASu Cirilio A. Lagnason, Jr., and with assistance from Mr. Ronald Earl B. Reyes, Mr. Aslanie Macabando, Mr. Marx Hazir T. Saraboquez, and Ms. Crissa Mae De Vera.

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