Aurora Research Essay

Our country’s natural resources are the cornerstones of our progress. It is only fitting that we do all that we can to protect and conserve them. The Philippines is a global priority for the conservation of marine biodiversity. The country is also highly dependent on marine resources, with more than one million people directly dependent upon the fisheries sector. 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. 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. 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-Dibaray bay Fish Sanctuaries. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: * Weak Institutional and Legal Capacities for Biodiversity in the Philippines * Many species endemic to the country are threatened or endangered. * Exploitation too much of flora, fauna and marine life. * Occurring different effect of climate change to marine biodiversity. * Amid warnings of a new wave of red tide hitting several coastal areas in the Philippines OBJECTIVES: * Provide crucial insight on how to preserve and protect our marine ecosystems. * Create a database containing valuable data on the biodiversity, habitat, abundance, and overall status of the province’s marine resources. * The marine research, with the technical assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture and such other agencies involved in marine research, shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on the culture and propagation of native marine species especially as they apply to the peculiarities and characteristics of local conditions, for the purpose of improving existing technology and for maximizing income potentials of the fishing industry. * Take such steps as may be necessary to encourage the culture of marine species native t o the province and thereby promote and attract investments in this field of economic endeavor by providing through the facilities of the breeding component of the center, the application of the technologies developed by the research component of the center and ensure the ready and steady suppIy of spawners, fries and fingerlings t o those engaged in this industry.