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Challenge 04: Develop a sustainable and equitable ocean economy

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.unesco.gov.ph/handle/123456789/23

Ocean Decade


Challenge 04:
Develop a sustainable and equitable ocean economy



Generate knowledge, support innovation and multi-sectoral partnerships and develop solutions for equitable, resilient and sustainable development of the ocean economy under changing environmental, social and climate conditions.

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 16
  • Growth, nitrate uptake kinetics, and biofiltration potential of eucheumatoids with different thallus morphologies
    Narvarte, Bienson Ceasar V.; Genovia, Tom Gerald T.; Hinaloc, Lourie Ann R.; Roleda, Michael Y. (Wiley, 2021-12-30)
    The declining production of commercially important eucheumatoids related to serious problems like increasing susceptibility to ice‐ice disease and epiphytism may be ameliorated by nutrition. This ushered to an increasing interest in incorporating seaweeds into an integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) setup to take up excess inorganic nutrients produced by fish farms for their nourishment. In this regard, it is important to understand the nutrient uptake capacity of candidate seaweeds for incorporation in an IMTA system. Here, we examined the growth, nitrate (NO3‐) uptake kinetics and biofiltration potential of Eucheuma denticulatum and three strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii (G‐O2, TR‐C16 and SW‐13) with distinct thallus morphologies. The NO3‐ uptake rates of the samples were determined under a range of NO3‐ concentration (1‐ 48 µM) and uptake rates were fitted to the Michaelis‐Menten saturation equation. Among the examined eucheumatoids, only SW‐13 had a linear response to NO3‐ concentration while other strains had uptake rates that followed the Michaelis‐Menten saturation equation. Eucheuma denticulatum had the lowest Km (9.78 ± 1.48 µM) while G‐O2 had the highest Vmax (307 ± 79.3 µmol · g‐1 · min‐1). The efficiency in NO3‐ uptake (highest Vmax/Km and α) was translated into the highest growth rate (3.41± 0.58 % · d‐1) measured in E. denticulatum. Our study provided evidence that eucheumatoids could potentially take up large amount of NO3‐ and fix CO2 when cultivated proximate to a fish farm as one component of an IMTA system. During a 45‐d cultivation period of eucheumatoids, as much as 370 g NO3‐ can be sequestered by every 1 kg initial biomass E. denticulatum growing at 3% · d‐1. Furthermore, based on our unpublished photosynthetic measurements, the congeneric K. striatus can fix 27.5 g C · kg‐1 DW during a 12‐h daylight period.
  • A benefit-cost comparison of varying scales and methods of coral reef restoration in the Philippines
    Abrina, Tara Alessandra S.; Bennett, Jeff (Elsevier, 2021-12)
    The slow rate of recovery in some reefs around the Philippines has prompted the widespread investment in active reef restoration in the country. However, from the point of view of society, these different coral reef restoration investments have not yet been fully compared in a benefit-cost analysis. In this paper, the economic efficiencies of four coral reef investments are compared – at two different scales (local and national) and two different technologies (‘coral gardening’ and ‘mass larval enhancement’). The values are derived from a previous valuation study that used the Choice Modelling method of estimating non-market values of coral reef restoration. The capacity of these values to facilitate comparisons among reef investments is thus assessed in this paper. Based on predictions from reef restoration scientists the Philippines, the mass larval enhancement investments are estimated to produce higher net benefits and benefit-cost ratios compared to those of coral gardening. In terms of scale, higher net social outcomes for the local-scale investments support more localized approaches to coral restoration.
  • Sargassum sp. juice as an early juvenile supplemental feed for Stichopus cf. horrens
    Ibañez, Glaiza; Cabanayan-Soy, Rona; Baure, Jerwin; Juinio-Meñez, Marie Antonette (Springer, 2022-09-28)
    The development of an efficient and low-cost feed is important to reduce the production and maintenance costs of microalgae. In this study, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using Sargassum sp. juice (SARG) to boost the growth and survival of post-settled Stichopus cf. horrens juveniles. Experiment 1 tested whether SARG improves growth compared with live microalgae diets, Chaetoceros calcitrans (Cc), combined Cc and Navicula ramosissima (Nr), and an unfed treatment. Experiment 2 determined the best SARG concentration—high feeding regime (HFR; 1 mL ind−1), medium (MFR; 0.5 mL ind−1), or low (LFR; 0.25 ml ind−1), relative to live microalgae Chaetoceros muelleri (CM). Juveniles in both experiments were reared for 30 days. In Experiment 1, the average daily growth rate (DGRL) of juveniles in SARG (0.04 ± 0.01 cm d−1) was the highest although not significantly different from Cc and Cc + Nr, but was significantly higher than the control. In Experiment 2, DGRL at day 14 in HFR (− 0.02 ± 0.02 cm d−1) was significantly lower than LFR (0.01 ± 0.01 cm d−1) and MFR (0.02 ± 0.02 cm d−1). Survival was higher in all SARG treatments compared with CM, while a significant decrease in feeding activity was observed in HFR by day 30. Results indicate that concentrations of 0.25–0.5 mL SARG per juvenile can boost growth and be an alternate diet for post-settled juveniles during early rearing. However, SARG alone is not sufficient to maintain growth beyond 3 weeks. With SARG feed supplementation and water quality management, the scaling-up of juvenile production of this emergent culture species can be accelerated.
    Our sincere gratitude to Mr. Tirso Catbagan and Mr. Garry Bucol for their assistance in the set-up of the experiments. We also thank Ms. Rose Angeli Rioja and Ms. JayR Gorospe for providing inputs to improve this paper. We also thank the Sea cucumber Research Team and the staff of the University of the Philippines—Marine Science Institute, Bolinao Marine Laboratory for their support and assistance during the conduct of the study.
  • Genetic diversity of Kappaphycus malesianus (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Philippines
    Dumilag, Richard V.; Crisostomo, Bea A.; Aguinaldo, Zae-Zae A.; Lluisma, Arturo O.; Gachon, Claire M.M.; Roleda, Michael Y. (Elsevier, 2023-07)
    Kappaphycus farming for carrageenan production is characterized by a strong selective pressure at the genetic level. Traits of agronomic importance are compromised due to domestication bottlenecks and the subsequent events of possible selective breeding of founding cultivars. Kappaphycus malesianus is farmed in Malaysia and the Philippines, and is distributed within the Malesian region. While the majority of genetically characterized specimens of this species are from Malaysia, those from the Philippines are poorly explored. Here, we assessed the genetic diversity of K. malesianus from the Philippines based on cox1 sequences. Of the 15 identified haplotypes, 14 specimens represent three novel haplotypes (wild specimens) that form a group distinct from the main clade comprising most K. malesianus haplotypes known to date. An additional haplotype from a cultivated specimen was identical to that of the most widely distributed haplotype. Our findings demonstrate that the K. malesianus is genetically more diverse than previously recognized. It is expected that higher genetic diversity may be revealed through additional sampling from a wider geographic range and careful application of integrative approaches. Future selective breeding programs in Kappaphycus would benefit from the incorporation of the genetic resources, as provided in this study.
  • Genetic diversity and population connectivity of the greenblotch parrotfish (Scarus quoyi Valenciennes, 1840) within southern Mindanao inferred from mitochondrial 16S rRNA
    Labrador, Kevin; Fortaleza, Maybelle; Cabasan, Joey; Elumba, Merlene; Nañola, Cleto (Science and Technology Information Institute, 2022-10-03)
    A genetic assessment was done on the greenblotch parrotfish (Scarus quoyi Valenciennes, 1840) in three bays within southern Mindanao, Philippines. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA recovered 12 haplotypes, one of which was dominant in all sites. Despite the reported phenotypic variation from previous assessments, there was neither evidence of genetic structure (global Φst = 0.012, p = 0.13) nor isolation by distance (r = 0.05, p = 0.50). Genetic diversity was also low (Hglobal = 0.472; πglobal = 0.13%), with ~ 77% of haplotype diversity accounted for with just 69 samples. While connectivity suggests continuous larval exchange within southern Mindanao owing to the species’ high dispersal potential, low genetic diversity implies reduced effective population size, probably due to recent bottlenecks (e.g. overfishing, habitat destruction). Although this study provides baseline genetic information on the local population, inferences are considerably limited by the genetic marker used and the spatial scale under investigation. A thorough understanding of the population will be possible if the entire habitat range of the species is assessed using markers with high resolving power, such as the hypervariable mitochondrial control region, microsatellites, or genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
    This project was funded by the DOST-PCAARRD (Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development) through the projects titled “DNA Barcoding and Genetic Diversity of Selected Marine Fishes along the North Bifurcation of the North Equatorial Current (NEC)” and “DNA Barcoding of Selected Marine Fishes in Davao and Sulu Archipelago (MINDA).” Sample collection was covered by the DARETO (Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities) research grant under CHED (Commission on Higher Education) through the project entitled “Bioeconomic Assessment and Modelling of Reef Fisheries and Sustainable Harvest Project”. We would like to thank Junissa M. Consuegra, Joemarie J. Lanutan, and Jodi Eugenia Lourdes F. del Fierro for their assistance in sample collection and laboratory work.
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    Multi-scale coral reef and seascape habitat variables combine to influence reef fish assemblages
    Sievers, Katie T.; McClure, Eva C.; Abesamis, Rene A.; Russ, Garry R. (MDPI, 2024-04-15)
    While benthic characteristics of coral reef habitats are a major driver of the structure of coral reef fish assemblages, non-reef habitats adjacent to coral reefs (e.g., mangroves, seagrass beds, and macroalgal beds) can affect reef fish assemblages. Here, we investigate how reef fish assemblages respond to local-scale benthic habitats within a coral reef and larger-scale adjacent seascape features (habitats within 500 m of coral reefs) on Siquijor Island in the Philippines. We examined an abundance of species for the entire reef fish assemblage and within the assemblages of parrotfishes (subfamily Scarinae) and wrasses (family Labridae). Five distinct habitat types were identified in a cluster analysis, which incorporated benthic characteristics within coral reefs and habitats adjacent to coral reefs. We found that the diversity and structure of coral reef fish assemblages were affected by benthic characteristics within coral reefs and also by benthic habitat types adjacent to coral reefs. Individual species responses and juveniles of certain species demonstrated uniquely high abundances in habitat clusters characterized by the non-reef habitats surrounding coral reefs. Considering coral reef habitats and adjacent non-reef habitats as a holistic, interconnected seascape will provide better estimations of the drivers of the structures of coral reef fish assemblages.
    This work would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the late Angel Alcala. His groundbreaking work paved the way for research in the Philippines, and his lifelong dedication to exploring and protecting the natural ecosystems of his country granted us access to crucial research sites. He also provided essential logistical and administrative support, significantly enhancing the feasibility of this project.
  • Local tide and geoid corrections significantly improve coastal retracked Jason sea surface heights in the Philippines
    Flores, Paul Caesar; Reyes, Rosalie; Amedo-Repollo, Charina Lyn; Rediang, Abegail; Alfante, Rey Mark; Bauzon, Ma. Divina Angela; Pasaje, Nikki; Bringas, Dennis (Science and Technology Information Institute, 2022-11-08)
    Retracking algorithms increase the accuracy of coastal sea surface height (SSH) measurements. However, it is still important to validate these retracking estimates with tide gauge (SSHtg) observations. We downloaded the freely available Jason altimeter SSH processed using the XTRACK-ALES algorithm, then detided the SSH using different tide models. The first model is the default tidal correction based on Finite Element Solution 2014 (SSHfes), and the second model is the T_Tide harmonic analysis of the nearest tide gauge (SSHaltimeter). SSHfes showed a very poor correlation (< 0.31) and very high root mean square error (RMSE, > 29 cm). In contrast, SSHaltimeter generally showed a very high correlation (> 0.91) and low RMSE (< 17.4 cm). A further quality check based on the average and standard deviation of the difference between the SSH readings (SSHfes – SSHtg and SSHaltimeter – SSHtg) also showed the superior performance of SSHaltimeter,which scored < 9.3 and < 16.5 cm, respectively; compared to SSHfes, which scored < 9.3 cm and > 27 cm for the same parameters. The poor performance from the SSHfes likely comes from the complex bathymetry and coastal geomorphology of the country, which is not accounted for in the FES. The Philippines generally has a narrow shelf, and the FES tide corrections may be related to deep-water tides rather than the shallow-water tides observed from tide gauges. Despite the high correlation and agreement between the SSHaltimeter and SSHtg, the rate of sea level rise from the SSHaltimeter in some sites is more than twice the rate from SSHtg, which indicates the possible influence of the vertical land movement.
    This study was supported by grants to R.B. Reyes by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development through the Coastal Sea Level Rise Philippines Project. We also thank the anonymous reviewers for their feedback on how to improve the manuscript.
  • Fisheries Administrative Order No. 200-1: Series of 2021. Guidelines and procedures in implementing Section 91 (poaching in Philippine waters) of the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.
    (Department of Agriculture, 2021-07-14)
    This Order prohibits fishing or operating by any foreign fishing vessel (including foreign-flagged fishing vessels manned by Filipinos) in Philippine waters, and states that entry of a foreign fishing vessel while not observing certain conditions or behaving in certain manner shall constitute shall constitute prima facie evidence that the boat/vessel is engaged in poaching as articulated in the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998 and relevant amendments including Republic Act No. 10654. One of the exceptions to the prima facie presumption shall be passage of the foreign vessel for purposes of dry docking, servicing, or unloading of catch by foreign flagged catcher vessels, provided, with a 24-hour prior entry notification in compliance with Port State Measures. The Order also, among other things, report of poaching and action on poaching report, information gathering and surveillance. Article 7 lists the persons authorised to enforce this Order including the Law Enforcement Officers of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; the Philippine Navy; Coast Guard and National Police. The Order sets out pre-operation, operation and post-operation procedures. Article 12 stipulates penalties for defined offences. The text consists of 15 Sections attached with 6 Annexes.
  • Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266: Series of 2020. Rules and regulations on the implementations of Vessel Monitoring Measures (VMM) and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) for commercial Philippine flagged fishing vessels amending FAO 260 Series of 2018.
    (Department of Agriculture, 2020-10-12)
    The objectives of this Order include: a. To enhance monitoring of fishing operations for fisheries management through the implementation of vessel monitoring measures. b. To enhance law enforcement to regulate the capture fisheries sector towards achieving long term resource sustainability. c. To implement vessel monitoring measures to track fishing behavior for scientific research and data. d. To establish a system that will facilitate law enforcement and aid in case building and prosecution of fisheries law violations. e. To gather data on fishing effort and catch data by means of an electronic reporting system which will serve as basis for fisheries management measures. f. To aid in the seafood traceability and catch documentary requirements of the government. g. To ensure safety for fishers thru a tracking device that would monitor the vessels' location during accidents and disasters. h. To implement policies embodied in Republic Act 8550, as amended by RA 10654 and its implementing rules and regulations, relating to the vessel monitoring requirements of fishing vessels. The Text consists of 26 Sections divided into 5 Chapters: General Provisions; lmpJementation of Vessel Monitoring Measures; Operational Requirements for Vessel Monitoring Measures; Penalties; Miscellaneous Provisions. All commercial catcher fishing vessels operating in Philippine waters and all fishing vessels in distant waters shall not engage in fishing activity without the vessel monitoring measures as established in FAO 260 and herein. The VMS shall apply to all licensed Philippine flagged commercial fishing vessels authorized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to operate in the high seas and those fishing vessels with access rights to fish in other countries' exclusive economic zones. All catcher vessels 30 GT and above operating either in the high seas or with access rights to fish in other coastal states and/or fishing in the Philippine EEZ shall have an installed Electronic Reporting System which can connect to the VMS transceiver to send fishery information to BFAR. For all other vessels, a combination of onboard and port ERS systems shall be implemented to electronically capture and report catch information. As a prerequisite for registration or license renewal, all commercial fishing vessels must secure a certification confirming that: a. An accredited ALC has been installed and verified as fully operational by the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). b. The ALC unit deployed has been accredited and certified as meeting the minimum standards set by the DA-BFAR. The Order further make provisions for: the main center for monitoring and gathering data for the purpose of this Order; data access; vessel monitoring measures in marine protected areas; minimum data requirements; accreditation of data systems and service provider; frequency of reporting: offences and penalties; etc.
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    Impacts of aquaculture nutrient sources: ammonium uptake of commercially important eucheumatoids depends on phosphate levels
    Narvarte, Bienson Ceasar V.; Hinaloc, Lourie Ann R.; Gonzaga, Shienna Mae C.; Roleda, Michael Y. (Springer, 2023-09-14)
    In an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system, seaweeds serve as extractive species that utilize excess nutrients, thereby reducing the risk of eutrophication and promoting sustainable aquaculture. However, the use of excessive fish feeds and the resultant faecal waste as nutrient streams can contribute to variations in nitrogen and phosphorus levels (e.g., primarily NH4+ and PO4−3) in the surrounding area and this may impact the physiology of the integrated seaweeds, particularly on how these species take up inorganic nutrients. In this study, the effect of different PO4−3 levels on NH4+ uptake of the three commercially important eucheumatoids Kappaphycus alvarezii, Kappaphycus striatus and Eucheuma denticulatum was examined under laboratory conditions. Seaweed thalli (n = 4) were incubated in seawater media containing 30 µM NH4+, and 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 3.0 or 5.0 µM PO4−3 for 1 h under a saturating light level of 116 ± 7.13 µmol photons m−2 s−1 inside a temperature-controlled laboratory. Species-specific responses to PO4−3 levels were observed. For K. alvarezii, maximum NH4+ uptake (17.8 ± 1.6 µmol gDW−1 h−1) was observed at 0.5 µM PO4−3 and the uptake rate declined at higher PO4−3 levels. For K. striatus, NH4+ uptake increased with increasing PO4−3 levels, with maximum N uptake (6.35 ± 0.9 µmol gDW−1 h−1) observed at 5.0 µM PO4−3. For E. denticulatum, maximum NH4+ uptake (14.6 ± 1.4 µmol gDW−1 h−1) was observed at 1.0 µM PO4−3. Our results suggest that among the three eucheumatoid species, the NH4+ uptake of K. striatus persists even at high levels of PO4−3. However, our results also showed that K. striatus had the lowest range of NH4+ uptake rates. These results should be taken into consideration when incorporating eucheumatoids in the IMTA system, where PO4−3levels significantly vary in space and time.
    This is contribution no. 500 from the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines (UPMSI), Diliman. The AlgaE Team would like to thank the Bolinao Marine Laboratory (BML) for providing the venue to conduct our experiments. BCV Narvarte and MY Roleda acknowledge the Sea6 Energy Pvt. Ltd. for sponsorship during the 24th International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) held on February 19-24, 2023, at Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Likewise, BCV Narvarte and LAR Hinaloc would like to thank the University of the Philippines- Office of the International Linkages (UP-OIL) for providing them with a travel grant to attend the aforementioned symposium. BCV Narvarte also acknowledges the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for his PhD Scholarship (GREAT- Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology Program).