Miguel Enrique Ma. A. Azcuna and Jonel M. Corral
Rationale
To properly and effectively implement conservation and protection efforts in MPAs of Nasugbu, baseline information on coral communities present in the area is crucially needed. Interviews with fishermen from Nasugbu revealed the presence of several representatives from different phylum levels (Valdez et al. 2015). This indicates a potential for high biodiversity in the MPAs of Nasugbu. This could be determined by mapping the coral reef areas using Geospatial Image System (GIS) and Geo-tagging technologies. As an example, the Global Reef Expedition was able to obtain habitat and bathymetry maps of 65,000 sq. km. of the Earth’s reefs (Purkis et al. 2019). The biodiversity data obtained in this project will be digitally stored in an online database for public access. Monitoring can then be conducted to record the changes in the coral communities. The output of this study will be an accurate assessment of the marine resources in Papaya, Nasugbu, and this information.
Objectives
This project aims to conduct surveys of coral reefs in MPAs in Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu and obtain biodiversity data in these sites and obtain specific geocoordinates. This project also aims to process the biodiversity data and specific geocoordinates using GIS mapping then manage and store this information in a computer repository.
Accomplishments
The PR of the technical and scientific equipment were already done and have conducted a meeting with MENPRO Nasugbu to obtain Free Prior Informed Consent to conduct the surveys in the MPAs of Pico de loro, Santelmo and Etayo. GIS Mapping software is downloaded into the personal laptop of Yno Madriaga.