By Rommel Q. Pascua, StratCom Correspondent

Venturing on a collaborative underwater research expedition, the University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), and Holy Name University (HNU) in Bohol are exploring the mesophotic coral reef ecosystems in Region I.

With a Php 2.8 million fund from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, the three-year research project aims to discover the ecological factors affecting the coral ecosystems, and their potentials as refuges from disturbances. 

Dr. Patrick C. Cabaitan, associate professor of UP-MSI and program leader, said the study is expected to provide inputs to address the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of mesophotic coral reef ecosystems in the Ilocos region.

A research team from the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), led by Prof. Rhea Espiritu, and key personnel from UP-MSI and HNU have started the exploration in the sea reefs of Badoc and Currimao in Ilocos Norte, and San Esteban in Ilocos Sur on May 22-26. 

The team collaborated with concerned local government units to further facilitate the implementation of the project. Members also aim to foster knowledge sharing among local officials and stakeholders. 

“By doing this project, we hope to contribute to the formulation of effective conservation strategies that safeguard these fragile ecosystems from potential threats,” said Prof. Ernesto De Rosario, Jr., CASAT OIC-dean. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed support to the project, with high hopes that it would help secure the marine resources in the region. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are found in tropical and subtropical regions, at depths ranging from almost 100 feet to over 490 feet below the ocean’s surface. These serve as an essential habitat for spawning, breeding, feeding, and growing fish species. 

Aside from this, MMSU and UP Los Baños are also implementing the Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans for Eel project which is also funded by the DOST-PCAARRD. This project aims to develop protocols for eel aquaculture, thereby helping build and sustaining the eel industry in the country. (HLY/JVBT/DPT, StratCom)