Survey of vulnerable, threatened, endangered, and economically important marine organisms in Verde Island, Batangas City

Joshua Vacarizas, Jayvee Saco, Romel Briones, Najeen Arabelle Rula, Jovy Ann Valera, Emilia Andrea Sabban, Miguel Enrique Ma. Azcuna

Rationale

     Despite the increasing popularity, due to the high fish diversity of Isla Verde, little is known about the diversity of other different ecosystems of the island such as coral reef, mangrove, intertidal, phytoplankton, and beach forest. 

Objectives

     This study aimed to survey the different ecosystems of Isla Verde and determine the conservation status of each identified species in terms. 

Accomplishments

  • Two fieldworks were conducted to survey the island. The results of the project were presented under the title “Marine Shore Biodiversity of Verde Island: Preliminary Assessment at the Heart of the World’s Center of the Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity” in the 33rd Regional Symposium on Research, Development, and Extension organized by STAARRDEC on November 19, 2020.
  • The research was presented by Dr. Miguel Azcuna and was awarded 2nd place in the Research Category.