PCG, UP, DENR hold underwater research in Kalayaan Island Group

The Philippine Coast Guard, University of the Philippines, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have conducted a research expedition for the establishment of a baseline biodiversity data at the Kalayaan Island Group from February 22 to 28.

In a Facebook post, the PCG said its Marine Science Group, together with UP Marine Science Institute and DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau will assess diversity and community structure of seaweeds, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates; document biodiversity, abundance, and distribution of seagrasses on the reef flat of Pagasa Island, conduct mollusk surveys to better understand habitat interactions, as well as identify and map priority reef restoration sites.

This would be a "prelude to a series of activities to rehabilitate the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea," according to Commodore May Marfil, PCG Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Marine Environmental Protection.

"This is also in line with the PCG’s mandate on marine environment protection and in recognition of the immeasurable importance of the marine environment and resources to the Filipino people," Marfil added.

China has been insisting ownership over nearly the entire South China Sea — a claim debunked by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016 following a lawsuit filed by the Philippines.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA Integrated News