National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.unesco.gov.ph/handle/123456789/6
Browse
13 results
Filters
Settings
Search Results
- In Silico supported nontarget analysis of contaminants of emerging concern: Increasing confidence in unknown identification in wastewater and surface watersAngeles, Luisa F.; Halwatura, Lahiruni M.; Antle, Jonathan P.; Simpson, Scott; Jaraula, Caroline M.B.; Aga, Diana S. (American Chemical Society, 2021-08-01)Nontarget analysis using liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) is a valuable approach in characterizing for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the environment. In this study, wastewater and surface water samples from three locations in Manila, Philippines were analyzed for CECs using a nontarget analysis approach with an LC-Orbitrap. A previously optimized semiautomated workflow was used for data processing with Compound Discoverer. A total of 157 compounds were identified, with 21 confirmed with reference standards, 83 confirmed with evidence from a mass spectral library (mzCloud), and 53 tentatively identified using in silico fragmentation (MetFrag). These compounds include pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, antifungal, and antihypertensive compounds, human metabolites, natural products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Compounds confirmed with reference standards include antibiotics ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, acetyl-sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim (2 to 19 ng/L), and antifungal compounds carbendazim and climbazole (3–47 ng/L). The pesticides diethyltoluamide (DEET) and diuron were also detected (37 ng/L). The utility of a preliminary multivariable linear regression quality structure-retention relationship (QSRR) model based on quantum chemical molecular descriptors is demonstrated. This study demonstrates the importance of using tools and software that are helpful for annotating HRMS data and reporting detections according to a standardized classification system. The detection of several CECs in wastewater and surface water samples show the importance of performing nontarget analysis in determining occurrence of CECs in the environment.We acknowledge support from the National Science Foundation PIRE-HEARD award number 1545756 and USAID PEER subaward number 2000009924. S.S. thanks the National Science Foundation (Award #1904825) for support of this research, and the Donors of the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (PRF-58954-UNI5). We also thank Shyrill Mae Mariano from the Marine Science Institute in the University of the Philippines − Diliman who helped with the sample collection and Rebecca Dickman from University at Buffalo for her help on technical work.
- Utility of low-cost recreational-grade echosounders in imaging and characterizing bubbly coastal submarine groundwater dischargeGabuyo, Mary Rose P.; Siringan, Fernando P. (Elsevier, 2022-01)Despite the growing knowledge on the significance of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), mapping its occurrence is a continuing challenge. This study explores the capability and applicability of low-cost, off-the-shelf, recreational-grade echosounders (RGESs) to image different types and locate point sources of bubbly coastal SGD. Standard and systematic methodologies for efficient imaging and processing were established. The use of RGES was validated using a research-grade side scan sonar (RGSSS), continuous resistivity profiling, conductivity-temperature-depth casting, and MantaCam and SCUBA diving surveys. Lower frequencies (77/83 kHz) of RGESs showed more distinct acoustic signatures of bubbly SGD, as these were nearly the same as the effective resonance frequency of the bubbles. The clusters of bubbly discharges have higher backscatter strength than the water column noise, resulting in the definitive and convenient manual detection of SGD features. Hence, showing more accurate point sources of SGD. Three types of known SGD occurrence were identified and characterized based on acoustic behavior and spatial distribution: 1) sparse, discrete and sporadic discharge over wide area, 2) curtain, high and continuous bubble concentrations from widespread discharge, and 3) spring, direct bubble discharge from intense seafloor degassing at a single point source. These results showed that RGES provides a good alternative for more efficient and cost-effective preliminary coastal SGD works. Additional research on areas with water-dominated discharge but no bubbling is recommended.
- Connections and clustering of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin events among coastal embayments in an archipelago partly mediated by advectionPunongbayan, Andalus T.; Wang, Ysabel D.; Villanoy, Cesar L.; Yñiguez, Aletta T. (Elsevier, 2022-01)The potential for advection to influence harmful algal bloom (HAB) spread in adjacent embayments and islands has not been investigated in the Philippines as previous studies have focused on HAB dynamics within specific embayments. Advection of HABs may be relevant in the Samar-Leyte region where adjacent sites are subject to recurrent blooms of Pyrodinium bahamense. We used different analyses to extract the potential role of advection in blooms in the region. First, we used Bayesian and information theoretic approaches applied to historical data on shellfish bans to quantify spatial dependencies in HAB occurrences between sites. Then, to determine whether such dependencies are related to circulation patterns in the region, we analyzed connectivity using a hydrodynamic model coupled with a conservative tracer-based HAB model. The Bayesian network showed that in 7 out of 11 sites, the probability of a shellfish ban depended on the state of an adjacent site. Site pairs with direct dependence relations also shared relatively high similarity in HAB occurrences over time. In the modelled network, bans tend to occur sequentially, spreading from a few sites with relatively high probabilities for ban events. A subset of sites (sources) were found to be informative of future HAB event probabilities in other sites (destinations) over time lags that are generally longer the farther the destination. Modelled surface advection showed high connectivity strengths between sources and destinations associated with circulation features, e.g., an anticyclonic current in Leyte, wind-driven coastal current in western Samar, and tidally-driven flow in the shallow embayments in southwest Samar. High connectivities were correlated with direct dependence relations in the Bayesian network. Connectivity explained up to about 1/3 of the variance in statistical dependencies between ban signals. Our results show that Paralytic Shellfish Toxin events within this region can be due to advection of blooms originating from nearby areas rather than localized cyst dynamics within an embayment. Particular sites were also identified as potential indicator sites within spatial clusters for monitoring since they are typically where blooms originate and spread from.
- Age, growth, and population structure of Conomurex luhunuasSanchez-Escalona, Katherine; Aliño, Porfirio (National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2022-12)Age and growth dynamics of Conomurex luhuanus were investigated to determine the population structure. Age-specific change in shell shape determined with geometric morphometrics revealed discrimination of shape between 0-3 years old at 99–100% while 3–4 years old can be separated with 81% certainty. Using the age discrimination data, K and L∞ were estimated at 1.00 year and 7.28 cm, respectively. Recruitment is bimodal with natural mortality (M) of 0.71 and fishing mortality (F) approximated at 3.92 year. The exploitation rate (E) is 0.85 year, indicating probable overharvesting of the population under study. The presence of a deep-water population, age-specific burying behavior, and bimodal recruitment pattern are possible resilience factors.The study was supported by a grant from PCAARRD-DOST.
- Thecal tabulation, body scale morphology and phylogeny of Heterocapsa philippinensis sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) from the PhilippinesBenico, Garry; Lum, Wai Mun; Takahashi, Kazuya; Yñiguez, Aletta T.; Iwataki, Mitsunori (Elsevier, 2021-08)The thecal tabulation and body scale structure of the marine armoured dinoflagellate Heterocapsa, isolated from Philippines, were examined using LM, SEM and TEM, and its phylogenetic position was inferred from ITS and LSU rDNA sequences. Cells were ovoid and the plate tabulation (Po, cp, X, 5′, 3a, 7′′, 6c, 5s, 5′′′, 2′′′′) was consistent with most Heterocapsa species. The second anterior intercalary plate (2a) had a circular pattern with a thick marginal border free of pores. The nucleus was longitudinally elongated and curved, and located at the dorsal side of the cell. Discoid lobes of brownish chloroplast were peripherally distributed, and a pyrenoid was positioned at the centre. The triradiate body scales, measuring 250–300 nm in diameter, consisted of a roundish basal plate with six radiating ridges, nine peripheral uprights/spines, and three radiating spines. These components were identical to those of H. pseudotriquetra and H. steinii, except for the roundish outline of basal plate. Molecular phylogeny showed that the species clustered with H. pseudotriquetra and H. steinii. This species was differentiated from all other Heterocapsa species in the sausage-shaped nucleus and circular pattern on the 2a plate. This study proposed a novel species Heterocapsa philippinensis sp. nov. for the isolate.
- 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.
- Spatial variation in the benthic community structure of a coral reef system in the central Philippines: Highlighting hard coral, octocoral, and sponge assemblagesLalas, Jue Alef A.; Manzano, Geminne G.; Desabelle, Lee Arraby B.; Baria-Rodriguez, Maria Vanessa (Elsevier, 2023-07)Coral reefs are complex habitats that contain very high biodiversity and provide different ecosystem services. In the Coral Triangle, however, various major benthic components are still understudied. This can limit our understanding of coral reef community dynamics, especially in the presence of a changing climate coupled with local disturbances (e.g., decreased water quality). This study describes the benthic community structure of an ecologically and economically important coral reef system in the central Philippines through characterizing the assemblages of three major components (hard corals, octocorals, and sponges) among sites and stations with varying environmental conditions (i.e., exposure to monsoons, water quality levels). Results reveal significant variations in the mean percentage covers of hard corals, octocorals, and sponges at the site and station levels (ANOVA, p < 0.05), with hard corals dominating in Site 1, which is more exposed to the southwest monsoon, and Site 3, which is an embayed and unexposed site with low water quality, while soft corals dominated in Site 2, which is more exposed to the northeast monsoon. Multivariate analyses also revealed significant variations in the benthic community structure at different spatial scales (ANOSIM, p < 0.05). Interestingly, even stations within a site had significant variations in community structure, with different taxa being dominant. This study highlights the importance of conducting more detailed analyses of understudied taxa (i.e., octocorals and sponges) during coral reef surveys to improve our understanding of coral reef community dynamics that is very important for management.
- Fisheries Administrative Order No. 270: Series of 2023. Rules and regulations on the operations of the Philippine flagged fishing vessels operating in distant waters (beyond national jurisdiction).(Department of Agriculture, 2023-01-27)This Administrative Order provides for the conditions on the registry of the fishing vessels further to Republic Act No. 8550 and the requirements for the implementation of flag state responsibilities to not engaging vessels in IUU fishing. The Order requires update of fishing vessel listing that are operating in the High Seas area by BFAR and compliance with the vessel marking and specification requirements of the RFMO. This Order applies to all Philippine- flagged fishing vessels engaged in distant water fishing regardless of type. The text consists of 27 Articles divided into 5 Chapters as follow: General Provisions (I); Measures for High Seas (II); Measures for Vessels Operating in Waters of Other Coastal States (III); Prohibited Acts and Penalties (IV); Miscellaneous Provisions (V). The text has one Appendix on list of acronyms.
- Fisheries Administrative Order No. 269: Series of 2023. Rules and regulations on tuna purse seine/ring net operations in the pacific seaboard of the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).(Department of Agriculture, 2023-01-27)This Administrative Order covers Philippine registered purse seine and ringnet catcher fishing vessels of more than thirty (30) Gross Tons (GT) targeting tuna with valid Commercial Fishing Vessel License (CFVL) and their corresponding support vessels operating within the Pacific Seaboard of the Philippine EEZ and listed in the WCPFC Records of Fishing Vessels. The Order provides on fishing days limit, qualification to access fishing in Philippine Pacific EEZ, vessel monitoring measures, vessel listing, catch logsheet, use of fish aggregating device and access right. The text consists of 18 Articles.
- Indo-West Pacific affinities of Philippine seagrassesFortes, M. D. (Walter de Gruyter, 1988)A dendrograph was developed to depict the mutual relationships among 27 Indo-Pacific countries with similar seagrass floras. Hierarchical (cluster) analysis of the resulting affinities provides strong evidence that the countries could be partitioned into seven discrete provinces. The genus Halophila represents a major connection between most of these provinces, strongly influencing the clustering of the Seagrasses. The degree of species overlap (9.5 — 46.2%) between Province A (where Philippines belongs) and Province G (Western, Southern, and Southeastern portions of Australia) favors vicariance as an explanation. The separation of Kampuchea as a discrete unit within Province A appears to be an artifact of collection rather than a reflection of the true floral affinities in the region. The lack of sufficient basic floristic information remains as the most serious limitation in any attempt to describe the phytogeographic affinities of seagrasses in the Indo-Pacific region.