The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), in partnership with the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), conducted a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Program on October 16 at Currimao campus.

The program included presentation of initial results and a feedback workshop which was participated in by UPMSI MCE Program Team, students and faculty members from CASAT, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Philippine Coast Guard Ilocos Norte. tRepresentatives from the local government units of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, and Burgos and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte also joined the program.

During the workshop, program personnel presented their findings on the deeper extensions of shallow coral reefs or the mesophotic coral reef systems. These are found at depths of about 30 to 150 meters in tropical and subtropical waters. They discussed coral reef research methods, benthic composition, coral bleaching occurrence, reef fish communities, genetic diversity, adaptive capacity, and population connectivity.

Aside from sharing research findings, they also gathered responses from local stakeholders to further enhance coral reef management and strengthen their marine conservation initiatives with the findings, helping sustain coastal ecosystems.

With this, OIC Dean Pilar Carolyn Pascual expressed her appreciation to UPMSI and shared their interest in partnering with the institute to conduct marine research and promote conservation of marine biodiversity.

MMSU-CASAT