Marine Resources Research Division - Pcaarrd

LOOK | Recently the PCAARRD’s Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) conducted an Inception Meeting on the three (3) newly approved projects on Sea Cucumber funded through the PCAARRD-GIA.

The activity was hosted by Mindanao State University at Naawan in Misamis Oriental. The first project entitled "Piloting Sea Cucumber Fisheries Management through Species-Specific Size Regulation and Sustainable Trade in Selected Areas in Mindanao" is under the leadership of Prof. Elgen M. Arriesgado. Another project of which the project leader is Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado is entitled "Refinement and pilot testing of technology for the White Teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva (Cherbonnier 1980) hatchery for sustainable and adaptive management". Lastly, the project entitled "Enhancing production of the sandfish, Holothuria scabra (Jaeger, 1833) through Pond Culture and Sea Pen Farming" is under the leadership of Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy.

These projects are offshoots of the outputs generated by the Niche Center for Sea Cucumber R&D in the Region (NICER) of the DOST which was implemented by MSU at Naawan.

The meeting was graced by MSU at Naawan Chancellor, Dr. Elnor C. Roa. She highlighted in her welcome remarks that "the activity serves as a venue for the continued collaboration of MSU at Naawan and DOST-PCAARRD".

Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director shared a message commending the MSU at Naawan for being the NICHE CENTER OF SEA CUCUMBER R&D and for its active partnership in research through the efforts of researchers/scientists, especially the Chancellor for her support in such research endeavors.

Present in the activity were Project Leaders; Project Staff; Officials of MSU at Naawan from the Budget, Accounting and Procurement units and Dr. Acedera together with the technical staff. In addition, representatives from DOST-PCARRD Accounting and Office of Executive Director for R&D were virtually present.

The activity became an avenue to guide Project Leaders and project staff for a successful implementation of the project through a set of established DOST guidelines. The team was given an opportunity to visit the laboratories and facilities being used in the conduct of the projects, including the hatcheries for Sandfish and Teatfish, Molecular Genomics Laboratory, Water Quality and the Sea Cucumber Museum.

An inception meeting for two PCAARRD-GIA projects was conducted by PCAARRD and UPD on 21 June 2024 at UPD MSI headquarters. These two projects are “Diversity, prevalence and virulence of the Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) to enhance sustainability of oyster production in the Philippines (VirOys)” being led by Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda of UPD MSI and “Prevalence and genetic diversity of cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) in cetaceans stranded in the Philippines”
being led by Dr. Marie Christine M. Obusan of UPD IB.

Dr. Laura T. David, Director of UPD MSI in her message highlighted the importance of conducting this activity to discuss the administrative, financial as well as the technical concerns of the projects.

Also, the Director of UPD IB, Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla expressed his gratitude for the continued support of PCAARRD on the programs/projects of UPD and delighted that this activity provided a venue for fruitful discussions.

Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director, presented the rationale of the inception meeting. This was followed by the presentation, discussion and clarification on the Technical/Financial Guidelines governing DOST/PCAARRD-GIA projects’ implementation as well as the roles and responsibilities of the researchers and implementing agency for the duration of the projects.

The two project leaders, Dr. Onda and Dr. Obusan presented the workplan and plan of activities of their respective projects.

The said meeting was also joined by the project staff, research assistants, book keepers, accounting personnel and collaborating agencies namely, the UST and BFAR. PCAARRD attendees was led by the MRRD Director, Dr. Acedera, together with the MRRD technical staff, FAD-Accounting and OED-RD representatives.

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) joined the Institution Development Division (IDD) of the DOST-PCAARRD in the conduct of the "2nd Meet and Greet with UP Diliman-based GREAT Scholars".

This activity is part of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) to gauge the status of the GREAT scholars. This is also to ensure that the grantees will finish their degree within a given assistantship duration.

Dr. Laura T. David, Director of the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) gave an opening remarks emphasizing the partnership of DOST PCAARRD and UPD MSI in attaining the national goal of having an adequate number of Marine Scientists in the country.

Seven (7) GREAT scholars pursuing Master (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees were able to present their study including the initial results and their workplan. This also became an avenue to address scholars’ concerns, Re-orientation of Guidelines and sharing of experience as a GREAT scholar completer.

Present in the said activity were: Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of MRRD; Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Director of IDD; Project Leaders; UPD GREAT Scholars, and MRRD and IDD staff.

Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) together with her team conducted an Inception Meeting of the newly approved project “Stock Assessment and Reproductive Biology of Siganids in Calatagan, Batangas: Inputs to Species Management Plan” on 27 June 2024 at the Batangas State University ARASOF-Nasugbu, Batangas.

The MRRD received a warm welcome from the BatStateU ARASOF Nasugbu through Dr. Maria Luisa A. Valdez, the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences followed by the message from Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera which highlights the strong partnership of the DOST PCAARRD and BatStateU in implementing R&D Programs relevant to the Industry Strategic S&T Programs for seaweeds, marine biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture commodities. Dr. Acedera also commended the BatStateU for its leadership, efforts and support in conducting research and extension services particularly in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) which is known to be the world’s center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity and also for hosting our Balik Scientists. Dr. Acedera also provided the rationale of the meeting.

The activity served as a venue for a very fruitful discussion as the team of PCAARRD and BatStateU discussed and elucidated the concerned provisions of the DOST-GIA guidelines which will provide guidance for the smooth implementation, monitoring and timely reporting of the Siganid Project.

The Siganid project which is funded through PCAARRD-GIA will be implemented for 2 years under the leadership of Dr. Jonel M. Corral. This project aims to generate information on the present status of siganid fishery in the coast of Calatagan, Batangas which will be used to generate a science-based management strategy for sustainable harvest of siganid fish in the area. This initiative forms part of the efforts to conserve our marine diversity in the Verde Island Passage (VIP) which is considered a priority area for conservation in the Philippines.

PCAARRD attended the WESVAARRDEC’s 2nd Joint Executive Board and Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) meeting last 10 June 2024 hosted by the Aklan State University (AkSU) Main Campus in Banga, Aklan.

Various heads/representatives from the Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) and PCAARRD represented by Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director and the agency’s focal person for WESVAARRDEC attended the said meeting.

Dr. Emily Arangote, AkSU President warmly welcomed the members of the consortia.

It was led by the RRDCC Chair, Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, President of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU). The meeting discussed the accomplishments and activities on the 1st quarter of the year which was presented by the WESVAARRDEC Director, Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta.

Today, the United Nations invites everyone to unite in celebrating the World Oceans Day themed “Awaken New Depths,” aiming to emphasize the critical need for a fundamental shift in our relationship with the ocean. DOST-PCAARRD stands in solidarity with the call to compassion, collaboration, and commitment to protect and sustainably manage our oceans.

For the past 51 years, the Council has been relentless in leading the science and technology (S&T) innovation in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector in the Philippines.

The “Applied Biodiversity ReseArch for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao” or ABRAHAM is a three-year program funded by DOST, monitored by DOST-PCAARRD, and implemented by the University of the Philippines Mindanao. It targets to utilize contemporary tools and techniques to assess the reef fish biodiversity in the southern sea systems of the Philippines.

This World Oceans Day, let’s learn about some of the activities and accomplishments of Program ABRAHAM. Together, let us awaken new depths! 🌊

Image credit: UP Mindanao

Last 23 May 2024, the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of the DOST-PCAARRD conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of Project 2 entitled “Dietary Analysis and Feeding habits of 6 Philippine Tuna Species Using Metagenomics” which was implemented under the leadership of Dr. Donna Ria Josue-Canacan; and Project 4 entitled “Ichthyoplankton Resource Identification towards Replenishment of Tuna Species in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBSP) and Adjacent Waters” under the leadership of Prof. Julius Mingoc.

These projects form part of the four project components under the Program “Reproductive Biology Studies, Dietary Analysis, and Life-History of Philippine Tuna Species towards Sustainable Fishing Industry in Mindanao” under the program leadership of Dr. Edna P. Guevarra and Prof. Glenville Castrence which was implemented by the Mindanao State University General Santos City (MSU GSC).

During the M&E, Prof. Mingoc presented the highlights of accomplishments of the Project 4 while Dr. Canacan presented the Terminal Reports and supporting technical and financial reports for Project 2. This concludes the presentation of accomplishments of this Tuna Research Program as projects 1, 2, and 3 already presented the highlights of accomplishments in November 2023.

Present in the review were Dr. Jaime Namocatcat, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension and Innovation; Dr. Norman Ralph B. Isla, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD-Director; Dr. Edna P. Guevarra, Prof. Glenville Castrence, and Prof. Julius Mingoc, along with other Project Staff; DOST-PCAARRD technical staff; and MSU GSC Faculty and Staff.

The said activity aims to evaluate projects’ output/deliverables of the R&D initiatives and the contribution to the overall goal and expected outputs of the projects that have been initially targeted at the start of the project implementation.

22 May 2024—The DOST-PCAARRD through the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) and Institution Development Division (IDD) headed by Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera and Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, respectively, together with their technical staff, conducted an Inception Meeting at the Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU GSC), of the Project Tuna Research Exploring Keynotes (TREK): Charting the Health and Ecology of Tuna Species in Sarangani Bay. The said project has five components related to the Health and Ecology of Tuna.

This inception meeting marks the 1st uGREAT making the MSU GSC as the 1st recipient.

The underGraduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (uGREAT) program is the newest DOST-PCAARRD Human Resource Development Program extending its grant assistance to the undergraduate students pursuing research in the AANR sector.

Present in the meeting were JD. Usman D. Aragasi, Chancellor; Dr. Jaime Namocatcat, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension and Innovation; Dr. Norman Ralph B. Isla, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Dr. Christine Dawn Obemio, Project Leader; MSU GSC Staff; MSU GSC Accounting Office; and DOST-PCAARRD personnel.

The project, “Development of spawning and hatchery techniques for the (𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘢) for sustainable aquaculture,” studies the biology, spawning cycles, and environmental ranges of blood cockles to translate these into working technologies for both hatchery and grow-out efforts suitable for the condition in the Philippines.

UPV develops hatchery technique for blood cockles in Western Visayas Current aquaculture techniques on producing bivalves in the Philippines is mostly focused on farming oysters and mussels with lack of information on...

During the Inception meeting of the 1st project under PCAARRD's UGREAT Program

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) participated in the Regional Sea Cucumber Roadshow on May 8-11 at the UP Diliman Marine Science Institute, Bolinao Marine Laboratory in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

PCAARRD was requested to share its program/projects on Marine Resources R&D, particularly the Sea Cucumber ISP as well as its roadmap. Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director shared to the group the S&T initiatives of PCAARRD including the Harmonized R&D Agenda.

The three-day workshop aims to discuss the advances in different phases of sandfish culture production and innovations. The workshop-discussion also includes integration in ecosystem-based fishery management the nearshore invertebrate resources. Worth mentioning is the presentation of the ongoing research projects/initiatives on sea cucumber of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project “Development of macroalgal feeds to enhance production of sea cucumber culture” under the leadership of Dr. Marie Antonnette J. Meñez.

The event was attended by 36 participants coming from state colleges and universities, namely, Western Philippines University, Partido State University, Romblon State University, Mindoro State University, Central Bicol State University, Batangas State University, UP Los Banos, University of Rizal, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Cagayan State University, Central Luzon State University, International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Bolinao School of Fisheries; the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regions 1, 2, 3; and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Pangasinan, and the Bolinao and Anda LGUs. The sea cucumber roadshow was spearheaded by UPD Marine Science Institute.

𝗣𝗖𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗗 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗣𝗗 𝗠𝗦𝗜 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮

https://www.aciar.gov.au/media-search/blogs/expanding-partnerships-protect-and-restore-coral-reefs-southeast-asia?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3qTWfbh7CfrYsd6z01bxcK0jPxtGjN4j4M1EDQWiktoHmC61xXHrS4Akc_aem_AbpC6yKbIN7wgxvxjbWU-QIntWNzMWUAkMA2M0_8EBnflwbhptp6WDnYAJ5XhidvYlaRqMJ_hGXsIS6zv5iuRoND

Expanding partnerships to protect and restore coral reefs in Southeast Asia ACIAR collaborations with partners in Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam to restore damaged coral reefs and protect communities that depend on aquatic resources

At the Moment:
DOST PCAARRD supports the 58th Biology Teachers’ Association (BIOTA) National Convention and Scientific Sessions being held from 18-20 April 2024 at the Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Boracay.

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, PCAARRD Executive Director, in his message, commends the organizers for successfully convening this activity which actively engages vital discussions to enhance the breadth and depth of knowledge about cutting-edge technologies for learning and studying science. He also conveyed DOST-PCAARRD’s full support to BIOTA and affirms its commitment to harnessing the potential of STI in biology education and research.

This year’s theme of BIOTA 58 is “Immersive Technologies: Transforming Biology and Biology Education.” The Convention serves as an avenue for meaningful engagement/discussions, workshops and sharing of insights for stakeholders in different sectors, to include educators from tertiary and secondary institutions, government institutions, students and experts who are interested in emerging immersive technologies used in the conduct of various researches and in teaching biology.

Dr. Maricar S. Prudente of DLSU Manila and President of BIOTA Phils. Inc., gave the welcome remarks to more than 300 participants representing researchers, teachers, policy makers, students, and representatives from the government and industry sector.

Also present in this event is Dr. Marie Christine M. Obusan, Ex-Officio President, BIOTA Inc., Phils. and PCAARRD’s Project Leader on cetacean research. Representing PCAARRD in this Convention is Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of the Marine Resources Research Division, together with MRRD and LRD Technical Staff who attended as participants.

PCAARRD conveyed its warmest congratulations to the University of the Philippines Diliman UP Marine Science Institute in achieving its milestone as they celebrate their 50 years. MSI has been an active partner of PCAARRD having the same advocacy in empowering the marine sector by addressing various S&T research gaps and in promoting the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of PCAARRD together with Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director, Dr. Fezoil Luz C. Decena, IDD Director and Ms. Meliza F. Abeleda of SERD attended the Thanksgiving Dinner on 4 April 2024 held in MBRIS Building of UPD MSI.

Dr. Ebora delivered a message about the partnership and collaborative engagements of PCAARRD and MSI. He shared notable R&D initiatives on seaweeds, sea cucumber, corals, HABs, giant clams, marine biodiversity to include oceanographic and other related studies. In addition to these significant achievements were MSI scientists who were awarded as Most Outstanding Researchers/Scientists through the PANTAS Award (Dr. Nemesio Montaño in 2013, Dr. Rhodora Azanza in 2015 and Dr. Porfirio Aliño in 2017). DOST and PCAARRD have also provided support to MSI for capacity building which include 11 Balik Scientist awardees, 11 GREAT scholars, 42 publication incentive awards for journal publications, 1 GREAT re-entry project, several thesis/dissertation grants and 7 facilities enhancement/improvement projects.

The activity was a delightful celebration and a forward look to more fruitful years of partnership and collaborative engagements.

𝗣𝗖𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗗 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗣𝗗 𝗠𝗦𝗜 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮

Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera and Ms. Preciosa C. Samonte of DOST PCAARRD together with Dr. Maria Vanessa B. Rodriguez and Dr. Patrick C. Cabaitan of the UPD Marine Science Institute joined the ACIAR Study Visit to Australia on Corals and Related Topics on 24 February to 3 March 2024. The objectives of the study visit were to provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange among researchers, scientists and government officials from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam on marine ecosystems including coral reef restoration innovations; and to discuss the proposed Coral Reef Restoration Network in South East Asia. Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia also participated.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Center of Marine Science and Innovation University of New South Wales (CMSI-UNSW), and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Sydney; James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville and Cairns Campuses. In these universities/Institutions, the delegates and the host institutions had the opportunity to share research activities, tools, technologies and experiences not only on marine resources (e.g. corals, seaweeds, sea cucumbers, tuna), coral restoration, coastal ecosystems (corals, mangroves, seagrass), aquaculture and challenges brought about by climate change and adaptive mechanisms. The aquaculture facilities of JCU at Townsville and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at Cairns were also visited.

During the study visit, Dr. Acedera presented the 𝘋𝘖𝘚𝘛-𝘗𝘊𝘈𝘈𝘙𝘙𝘋 𝘙&𝘋 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘴 while Dr. Rodriguez presented the UPD MSI’s project on the 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘳-𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢 at the UNSW. Also Dr. Cabaitan, Dr. Rodriguez and Ms. Samonte were able to visit the 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 (𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘚𝘪𝘮), 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 (𝘈𝘐𝘔𝘚), the world’s most advance research aquarium facility in Townsville.

The Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (WESVAARRDEC) conducted its 1st Joint Executive Board and Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) meeting on 13 March 2024 which was hosted by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Main Campus in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, ISAT U Vice President for External Affairs warmly welcomed the members of the consortia.

The meeting was attended by various heads/representatives from the Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) together with Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, MRRD Director and focal person for WESVAARRDEC of DOST-PCAARRD. It was led by the RRDCC Chair, Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, President of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU). The meeting discussed the accomplishments for first quarter as well as the plans and activities for this year of the consortia which was presented by the WESVAARRDEC Director, Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta.

Panoorin ang bagong episode ng 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲: https://youtu.be/n2rMiHSqSto

Ang Tubbataha Natural Park ay hindi lamang isang premier diving spot, ito rin ay tahanan ng yamang dagat at coral reefs. Ngunit sa paglipas ng mga taon, nadiskubre na bumababa ang hard coral cover sa Tubbataha.

Kaya naman, pinangunahan ng DOST-PCAARRD at ni Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan ng De La Salle University at Bro. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center ang pagsusuri para malaman ang sanhi nito at upang mas mapangalagaan pa.

𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐧𝐚'𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲!🐟

--

Mag-subscribe para sa marami pang kwento ng ating saribuhay: https://tinyurl.com/DOSTPCAARRDYT
Panoorin ang iba pang episodes ng Saribuhay: https://tinyurl.com/SaribuhayYT
Manatiling updated sa mga proyekto at kaganapan sa DOST-PCAARRD.

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) represented by Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of MRRD and Ms. Eileen M. Redera, Sr. Science Research Specialist attended the National Stocktaking Symposium on 16 February 2024 at UP Marine Science Institute, to consolidate the Philippines’ Marine Scientific Research priorities in preparation for the proposed resumption of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Oceanographic and Marine Scientific Expedition (JOMSRE). The activity was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (DFA-MOAO) and UPD MSI. Dr. Laura David, Director of UPD MSI and Atty. Joel Peralta of Ocean Governance, Shipping and Seafaring Division of MOAO gave the Opening Remarks and Statement. The symposium highlights the presentation of the previous Philippines-Viet Nam research expeditions, as well as the results of the JOMSRE I-IV.

30 January 2024—Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of the DOST PCAARRD under the leadership of Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and field visit on the Project “Development of Spawning and Hatchery Techniques for the Blood Cockle (𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙖) for Sustainable Aquaculture” which is under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, being implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas.

Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, project leader, presented the accomplishments of the project (Year 2) including the first operational blood cockle hatchery constructed at Kalibo, Aklan, information on the g***d condition of broodstock and a success mapped sites for the culture beds for 𝘼. 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙖 are some of the highlights. The MRRD team visited the Laboratory where experimental set-ups to understand the biology, spawning cycles and environmental ranges of 𝘼. 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙖 were shown.

Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) together with her team conducted an Inception Meeting of the project “Seaweed Waste Biomass from the Carrageenan Industry (SWBC) as Phyco-biostimulants” on 30 January 2024 at Institute of Aquaculture, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo. The SWBC project is a newly PCAARRD-GIA funded project for 2 years under the leadership of Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlogan. This project will explore the potential of seaweed biorefinery concept integration considering the use of SWBC for biostimulant production.

Dr. Rex Ferdinand T. Traifalgar, outgoing Director of the Institute of Aquaculture welcome the participants, while Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (UPV) gave a message. Dr. Acedera, gave a brief rationale of the Meeting. Ms. Eileen M. Redera, Senior Science Research Specialist (MRRD-PCAARRD) discussed the PCAARRD-GIA Technical/Financial Monitoring Guidelines. The meeting were attended by the project personnel of SWBC, UPV-Accounting Office, and UPV-Supply and Property Services Office (SPSO) and the representatives from FAD-PCAARRD and OED-RD—PCAARRD (via Zoom platform), The meeting provided a venue for Dr. Borlogan, to present the objectives and the Workplan/Plan of Activities of the project.

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) team led by its Director, Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera visited the BFAR Region 1 - Regional Mariculture Technology Demonstration Center (RMATDEC) on 19 January 2024 in Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The team was warmly welcomed by Ms. Antonieta D. Evangelista, Senior Aquaculturist and Officer-in-Charge of the Center.

During the visit, Ms. Evangelista showcased their multi-species marine fish and invertebrate hatchery (oyster hatchery, abalone hatchery, siganid hatchery, sea cucumber hatchery and sea urchin hatchery). The team also visited their Seaweed Culture Laboratory, Natural Food Laboratory and the Marine Biotoxin Laboratory. The team had the opportunity to visit the RMATDEC-Satellite Station at Carias Island where other high-value marine resources hatcheries are located.

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) headed by its Director, Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera had a courtesy call to UP Visayas (UPV) Chancellor Clement Camposano prior to the conduct of the Inception Meeting of the PCAARRD-GIA new project on Seaweed Waste Biomass from the Carrageenan Industry (SWBC) as Phyco-biostimulants under the leadership of Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlongan. A Monitoring and Evaluation and Field Visit of the ongoing PCAARRD-GIA project on the Development of Spawning and Hatchery Techniques for the Blood Cockle (𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘢) for Sustainable Aquaculture under the leadership of Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols was also conducted. Both projects are being implemented by UPV.

As a part of the Training on Identification of fish-killing small dinoflagellates belonging to the Family Kareniacea conducted by CLSU through the DOST-GIA funded JSPS project Distribution and Diversity of Harmful Kareniacean Dinoflagellates in Philippine Coastal Waters, participants from BFAR Regions 1 and 3 joined the sampling collection at the near coastal area within the vicinity of BFAR-National Fisheries Development Center (NFDC). The training demonstrates the use of different mesh sizes of plankton nets (5 um, 10um and 20um), obtaining environmental parameters such as water salinity and temperature, and proper storing of collected samples for transport.

In addition, participants conducted hands-on training on viewing live specimens under the microscope from the collected water samples and the already prepared fixed cultures of Kareniacean dinoflagellates. Through this, participants were able to update their learning capacity to differentiate potential species that contributes to Harmful Algal Blooms.

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST PCAARRD provided the Welcome Remarks of the Symposium on Submarine Groundwater Discharge: Nature, Geochemistry, Coral and Microbial Communities. It is one of the activities of the on-going PCAARRD-GIA funded project " Biodiversity and Resilience of Coral Reefs and Associated Ecosystems in Submarine Groundwater Discharge Areas (BioRe CoARE SGD)" being jointly implemented by the UP Marine Science Institute (UPD MSI) and National Science and Research Institute (UPD NSRI) under the program leadership of Dr. Caroline Marie B. Jaraula. The SGD program developed sampling techniques and procedures, generated knowledge base for hydrothermally induced SGD, assisted graduate students, and trained project personnel. This symposium served as a venue to share lessons learned and to emphasize the need for interdisciplinary marine geological framework to project future scenarios of corals and marine organisms in and around hydrothermal vents. Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of the Marine Resources Research Division of PCAARRD gave the closing message during the symposium which was attended by more than 100 participants from various State Colleges and Universities, National Government Agencies and Resort Owners on site and via zoom.