National Committee on Marine Sciences (NCMS)
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- Submerged reef features in Apo and Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines, revealed paleo sea-level history during the last deglaciationMunar, Jeffrey C.; Aurelio, Mario A.; Dumalagan, Edwin E.; Tinacba, Erin Joy C.; Doctor, Ma. Angelique A.; Siringan, Fernando P. (Springer, 2024-02-27)The morphology of coral reefs provides an effective benchmark of past sea levels because of their limited vertical range of formation and good geologic preservation. In this study, we analyze the seafloor morphology around two atolls in the Philippines: Tubbataha Reef, in Palawan, and Apo Reef, in Occidental Mindoro. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry to a depth of 200 m reveals seafloor features including reef ridges and staircase-like terraces and scarps. Depth profiles across the reefs show terraces formed within six and seven depth ranges in Tubbataha Reef and in Apo Reef, respectively. These were further observed through a remotely operated vehicle. The terraces and scarps are interpreted as backstepping reefs that were drowned during an overall rise in sea level from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Terraces are used as indicators of paleo sea level and the separation between terraces as the magnitude of sea-level rises coeval with meltwater pulse events during the last deglaciation. The pattern for both Apo and Tubbataha reefs indicates subsidence, consistent with the absence of Holocene emergent features and their atoll morphologies. Subsidence of up to 17 m since the LGM in Apo Reef is mainly attributed to the downbowing of the crust toward Manila Trench. In Tubbataha Reef, subsidence of up to 14 m is attributed to the continuous cooling of the volcanic crust underlying the atoll. These can be used to fill gaps in the tectonic history of the study sites from the last deglaciation.This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development (DOST-PCARRD) Geophysical Coral Mapping Project and Acquisition of Detailed Bathymetry for Coastal Erosion Management Project both under F. P. Siringan, and National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment (NACRE) Project under Hazel Arceo. We would like to mention, in particular, Dominic Jone Cabactulan, Timothy Quimpo, Ronald Olavides, Mary Ann Calleja, Patrick Cabaitan, and Cesar Villanoy who were members of the project team. We thank the Tubbataha Management Office, Sablayan Local Government Unit, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the work permits and logistical help during the surveys.
- Ocean mapping and other marine activities of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)Carandang, Efren P. (Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, 2002)This paper describes the various marine activities being undertaken by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) pursuant to its mandate as the central surveying, mapping and resource information agency of the government. NAMRIA gathers marine data through periodic hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and remote sensing techniques, and publishes the results in the form of nautical charts, bathymetric maps and other thematic maps. It also creates marine geographic information systems and databases. As steward of the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), the agency participates in international oceanographic data exchange programs, and also serves the marine data and information needs of the local marine science community. NAMRIA's data collection capability got a big boost with the acquisition this year of two multi-disciplinary survey vessels with state-of-the-art systems. With these vessels as platforms, NAMRIA will embark on the comprehensive charting of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and collaborate with the different marine science agencies in the conduct of multi-disciplinary oceanographic cruises.
- Defending Philippine maritime territory and marine resources: Initiatives and problemsCarranza, Ruben R., Jr. (Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, 2002)The significance of the Philippines' maritime territory and the complexities of its defense are examined. The speaker highlights the integral role of the country's waters in trade, food security, and resource provision. Challenges, including naval limitations and maritime intrusions, are presented, followed by a discussion of defense strategies like selective sea control. The speech concludes with a call for decisive policy actions, diplomatic solutions to territorial conflicts, and improved capabilities to safeguard the nation's maritime interests.