Environmental Protection
blooms, which serve as indicators of water quality; coral rehabilitation and
restoration; and maintaining a giant clam nursery to help increase the population
of the species in Philippine waters.
Using the output of the research conducted at the facility, the BML holds training
workshops on mariculture and resource management technologies for fishing
communities, the tourism industry, and the local government. At present, the lab
is hoping to institutionalize its training courses in order to expand its activities
regionally and internationally. It is also applying to become a regional training
center for reef restoration and management.
Lastly, the BML works closely with local communities. In addition to providing
crucial information to fisherfolk on where to fish, as well as legal limitations on
fishing, the lab assists fishing communities in becoming formally organized and
recognized by local governments as partners in the protection of coastal areas and
the conservation of marine resources. For the general public, the BML also hosts
field trips and apprenticeships for science education and conducts public talks to
spread awareness on ocean-related issues. The BML has opened its doors to the
public so that students and others can learn about ongoing research on various
marine organisms and be inspired to become future marine scientists and ocean
advocates.
Funded by: UP Diliman OVCRD
A Tale of Two Tools: From Underwater Assessment
to Virtual Larvae
Aletta T. Yñiguez | Patrick Lawrence Cadeliña | Patrick Pata
Marine Science Institute
E-mail: [email protected]
The Philippines is home to extensive coastal habitats like coral reefs that harbor
the highest biodiversity in the world. Unfortunately, due to the country’s long
coastline and limited technical expertise, it is difficult to map out and monitor
these coastal habitats. Information on the ecological connections between
different coral reefs across the nation, which is critical for science-based
environmental assessments and conservation efforts, is also scarce.
22 | UP Diliman SALIKSIKHAY