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
Biophysical Assessment: The Reefs of Panaon Coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine species. Under certain conditions, corals can live on indefinitely but they are sensitive to global warming. It also leads to coral bleaching which is a result of the sudden temperature change in the water. If the trend of global coral destruction continues, it is estimated that coral reefs may … 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
October 14 (Wednesday) We were supposed to sail today but the incoming Typhoon Ofel made the team decide to postpone the trip to Friday. Not disheartened though. My boys were happy that I got to spend another day with them, especially my little boy, Juancho, who has been giving me extra hugs and kisses since … Read more
The Province of Southern Leyte welcomes Oceana to our waters. Being a major coastal province, our marine areas and resources are vast and still unexplored. Moreover, our coastal communities are dependent on fishing as livelihood. More importantly, our marine areas have good number of marine protected areas gradually becoming diving and snorkeling destinations. In this context, … Read more
Exciting days ahead for the protection of Philippine reefs! Four years after the successful and historic expedition to the Benham Bank in the Philippine Rise and two years after its legal protection as a marine resource reserve through presidential proclamation, Oceana embarks on another scientific expedition to protect a rich coral site including 17 marine protected areas in Southern Leyte … Read more