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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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

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Boosting Marine Research Efforts: JRMSU Participates in MABIDA Capacity-Building Workshop

Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) recently participated in a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA), organized by the UP Mindanao ABRAHAM MABIDA Project. The event, “Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website,” was held on June 26, 2024, at the CNAHS Audio-Visual Hall, Main Campus, Dapitan City. The workshop aimed to equip JRMSU faculty members, researchers, and students with the necessary skills to effectively navigate and utilize the MABIDA website, a vital tool for managing and accessing marine biodiversity data. University President Dr. Maria Rio A. Naguit and Dr. Junnasir Sakilan, Chair of the BS Biology Program, actively participated in the training sessions, highlighting the importance of this initiative to the university’s ongoing marine research and conservation projects. As an institution situated in an archipelagic region renowned for its rich marine ecosystems, JRMSU recognizes the immense value the MABIDA database brings to marine research and conservation efforts. The knowledge gained during the workshop is expected to bolster JRMSU’s engagement in cutting-edge marine science and further its commitment to using advanced technologies for the conservation of marine ecosystems. This initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort between JRMSU, UP Mindanao, and other partners to strengthen marine biodiversity research across the Philippines. The MABIDA database is poised to become a cornerstone for knowledge-sharing and environmental stewardship, supporting both national and regional conservation efforts.

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