Marine research center set up in Aurora

BALER, Aurora , Philippines  – A marine research center that would conduct continuing research and experimentation on the culture and propagation of native marine species and develop high-value products from endemic marine and aquatic species in the province has been set up in this capital town.

Sen. Edgardo Angara said that Aurora Marine Research Center has been established in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Museum, Aurora State College of Technology and the Inter-Agency Committee on Marine Research Center.

Angara said with its 330-kilometer coastline, steady rainfall, rich collection of flora and fauna and Hawaii-like weather, the province has natural growth potentials for fisheries development with the AMRC, a perfect complement to the province rich marine resources.

AMRC, was created through R.A. 9441 authored in the Senate by Angara and in the House of Representatives by House Deputy Majority Leader Juan Edgardo Angara. He said the AMRC would seek t improve existing technology for maximizing income potentials of the coastal community and the fishing industry and encourage the culture of marine species native to the province.

He said that major fish species abound in the province from Dilasag to Dingalan such as blue marlin, lobster, octopus, tuna and even reef fishes. In addition, the province has five marine protected areas in Dibut MPA, Dibutunan MPA, Diguisit-Puntin Marine Protected Area and the Ditangol and Mapalad-Dibaraybay Fish Sanctuaries.

The setting up of the AMRC followed the launch in 2007 of the Philippine Marine Biodiversity Project, a survey or census of marine life, of deep-water benthic fauna of the Northeastern Pacific Seaboard covering the province and Quezon aboard the MV research vessel of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.   – Manny Galvez