PCG joins research efforts, mapping of reef restoration sites in West PH Sea

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has joined other agencies and institutions in their biodiversity research efforts over Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in a bid to “identify and map priority reef restoration sites.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said that its Marine Science Group (MSG) joined the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau research project in the region, which will run until February 28.

“This is also an opportunity to identify and map priority reef restoration sites for the PCG MSG,” it stated.

“The said activity was a prelude to upcoming series of activities of the PCG in its efforts of rehabilitating the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems of the West Philippine Sea that has faced degradation over the years,” it added.

According to PCG, the project mainly focuses on establishing “baseline biodiversity data” at the Kalayaan Island Group.

READ: Experts say global effort needed to protect ecosystem in West PH Sea

During the expedition, the agency said that MSG has so far conducted an assessment of the diversity and community structure of seaweeds, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates; distribution of seagrasses on the reef flat of Pagasa Island; and the conduct of mollusk surveys to better understand habitat interactions, among others.

The PCG likewise noted that the activity complied with its “mandate on marine environment protection and in recognition of the immeasurable importance of the marine environment and resources to the Filipino people.”