MABIDA and FishDive Teams Advance Marine Conservation Research in Talicud Island MPAs | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

Photo taken by Carabao Dive Center

MABIDA and FishDive Teams Advance Marine Conservation Research in Talicud Island MPAs

Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on Sept. 9, 2024

The MABIDA and FishDive Projects have successfully completed another underwater data collection expedition in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Conducted on September 9, 2024, this activity was a key component of the ongoing ABRAHAM Program under the University of the Philippines Mindanao.

The primary objective was to gather in-situ data for benthic habitat mapping and fish visual census. This data is essential for assessing the health and biodiversity of the marine ecosystems within these MPAs, helping to inform sustainable management practices.

The collaboration between MABIDA and FishDive highlights their shared commitment to marine conservation and scientific research in the region. The successful completion of this expedition marks a significant milestone in their joint efforts to protect and preserve the rich marine biodiversity of Talicud Island.

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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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