Campaign: Strengthen Coral-Rich Marine Protected Areas

Submassive coral surrounded by a harem of Red-cheeked fairy basslets (Pseudanthias huchtii). © Oceana/Danny Ocampo

Planning the safety and health protocols was crucial to making the Panaon expedition possible. Let’s learn how measures were kept in place and followed strictly through Dr. Marisse Nepomuceno, medical consultant for the safety of the expedition team against COVID-19 threats.  Is this your first time supporting an expedition? If yes, how is it different from other situations where you provide … Read more

  This post was written by Alvin Simon, Oceana Marine Scientist. Corals are living organisms; in fact, they are colonies of animals that build up most reefs. They are made up of hundreds to thousands of tiny creatures called polyps. These polyps excrete calcium carbonate which surrounds their soft bodies and create the rock-like structure … Read more

October 18  Excited for my first dive in Panaon Island. We have with us a team of scientists who will do the coral and fish survey. They are known for their work in the field for gathering data to support the establishment and management of marine protected areas. We also have with us a documentation team composed of well-known underwater photographers, videographers, and … Read more

Dive deep into the minds and hearts of our scientists on board MV Discovery Palawan. For our second issue, we are featuring the Expedition Team’s coral reef specialist, Dr. Vic Ticzon.  Dr. Victor S. Ticzon BS Biology, University of the Philippines – Los Baños MS Environmental Science, University of the Philippines – Los Baños PhD Marine Science, University of the Philippines – Diliman   What made you decide to be a marine scientist?   I have logged … Read more

October 22 (Thursday)   When the team came up after their dive, I was delighted to hear them said that Panaon is their favorite site, so far. They were so happy with the diversity of corals in the area.  October 23 (Friday)   Today was a perfect day to dive. Sunny. Very calm waters. Light breeze.   We started in Barangay Punta’s sanctuary. There were a few small fishing boats … Read more

A member of the Oceana team swims by an isolated tabulate (Acropora) surrounded by the sandy bottom. © Oceana/Danny Ocampo

Dive deep into the minds and hearts of our scientists on board MV Discovery Palawan. We are featuring the Expedition Team’s Assessment Leader, Dr. Badi Samaniego, for our maiden issue.   Dr. Badi R. Samaniego   UPLB BS Agriculture (Major in Horticulture) UPLB MS Zoology (Minor in Environmental Science) UPLB PhD Environmental Science   What made you decide to be a marine scientist?   … Read more

October 16: COVID-19 Safety Measures Aboard the Expedition Ship   To ensure everyone’s health and safety aboard the expedition ship (MV Discovery Palawan) bound for Panaon, strict COVID-19 health protocols are being implemented at every stage of the journey. Beforehand, all crew and members of the expedition team have undergone COVID-19 testing procedures. Onboard, regular disinfection procedures … Read more