Title: THE DAWNING OF THE MESOPHOTIC REEF RESEARCH IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract: The Philippines has among the largest and most biodiverse reef areas in the world. However, most of its shallow reefs outside marine protected areas have gradually declined over the decades while its mesophotic reefs at depths of 30–150 m have scarcely been studied. In this study, six sites from different parts of the Philippines were surveyed for documentation of the occurrence of coral ecosystems at the upper mesophotic depths. Multibeam and side scan sonars were used to map the sea floor and to identify sites for SCUBA dives, drop-camera and ROV surveys to identify biodiversity and ecological patterns. These provided an initial inventory of corals and fishes, information on the locations of high biodiversity, and emergent patterns on the differences between shallow and mesophotic reef communities. Here we present a synthesis of the initial results of the first nationwide mesophotic exploration in the Philippines and a framework of management of mesophotic coral reef resources.

Authors: Siringan FP, Cabactulan DC, Cabaitan PC, Calleja MC, Doctor MA, Munar JC, Olavides RD, Tinacba EC, Villanoy CL, Villanueva RD

Presentation: Poster (#326)

Session: 29

Date: 06/21/16

Time: 18:15 - 19:45

Location: Poster/Exhibit Hall

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