A Filipino research team is on a scientific expedition to the Kalayaan Island Group from Feb. 22 to 28 as part of marine rehabilitation activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the research team consists of members of the PCG Marine Science Group, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau, and the University of the Philippines (UP) Marine Science Institute.

The expedition aims to establish baseline biodiversity data as a prelude to a series of activities to rehabilitate coral reefs and other marine ecosystems in the WPS, it said.

In particular, the research team will assess the diversity and community structure of seaweeds, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates; document biodiversity, abundance, and distribution of seagrasses on the reef flat of Pagasa Island; conduct mollusk surveys to better understand habitat interactions; and identify and map priority reef restoration sites.

“This is also in line with the PCG’s mandate on marine environment protection and in recognition of the immeasurable importance of the marine environment and resources to the Filipino people,” the PCG said. (PNA)