Marine Conservation Discussed in “Talakayan”

The UPLB Environmental Science Society, in cooperation with the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) held the 41st Talakayan Series on Environment and Development (TSED) last March 7, 2018 at SESAM Grounds. With the theme “Philippine Progress on Marine Conservation: Where are we now?” the UPLB Environmental Science Society invited three resource speakers from different sectors to discuss the pressing issues hounding our seas.

The first speaker, Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Scientist II at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (NFRDI-BFAR) spoke about the current state of Philippine fisheries. “Philippine Fisheries is one of the largest in the world, in terms of fish production” Dr. Santos said. He said that if the industry collapse, the world will also suffer because other countries depend also in our exports. Further, despite having the large commercial fishing vessels capable of fishing anywhere in the world, our ordinary fishermen are still considered as the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable sector due to climate change. He added “The catch is getting lower and small fishermen must go further to the sea in order to catch more”. Dr. Santos, a Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee and Editor of the Philippine Journal of Fisheries said that based on studies, the country is considered the center of marine biodiversity in the world. “There are many publications that can prove that” according to Dr. Santos.

The second resource speaker is Ms. Marianne P. Saniano, a marine scientist of Oceana Philippines. Ms. Saniano, a graduate of UPLB, stressed that bodies of water in the Philippines is severely affected by climate change. “Everything we do affects our seas since we are an archipelagic nation”. She also mentioned that Oceana continues to work with government agencies and the academe help the fishing industry. “We also advocate the protection of our waters, especially right now with the Philippine Rise issue and we will continue to monitor the congress and senate for the legislation on this matter”, she added.

The third speaker, Dr. Victor S. Ticzon, Associate Professor, Institute of Biological Science-College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB, discussed his projects related to coral reef sensing, monitoring of changes in the coral reefs and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites. “Coral reefs are good indicators of the changes in our environment” said Dr. Ticzon. He stressed that coral bleaching, acidification and sea level rise as well threatens our reefs. “If sea level rise continues, coral reefs will drown because they need sunlight to live” he added.  He also pointed out the garbage, mostly plastics and diapers in our seas are also destroying the ecosystem in the coral reefs.

Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean of SESAM thanked the speakers for spending time to educate students, faculty and staff of SESAM about marine conservation.  The “Talakayan” is a regular activity of the UPLB Environmental Science Society, which aims to inform about the latest trends in environmental science and to enhance a greater appreciation of the discipline.

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