The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) joins the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in a research project to establish a baseline biodiversity data at the Kalayaan Island Group.
During the expedition set on Feb. 22-28, the PCG Marine Science Group (MSG), the UP Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) and the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) will assess diversity and community structure of seaweeds, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates in the area.
The research will also document biodiversity, abundance of resources, and distribution of seaweeds on the reef flat of Pagasa Island, conduct mollusk surveys to better understand habitat
interactions, and identify and map priority reef restoration sites.
According to the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Marine Environmental Protection, the said initiative is a prelude to a series of activities to rehabilitate the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“This is also in line with the PCG’s mandate on marine environment protection and in recognition of the immeasurable importance of the marine environment and resources to the Filipino people,” the PCG furthered.