Bohol signs partnership

MOA on sea mammals

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—Consistent with the strategy of community mobilization in maintaining the global geopark designation for Bohol, the local government under Governor Erico Aumentado signed with an agreement for a marine mammal research group to protect the biologically important Bohol Sea and the 19 species of whales and dolphins, manta rays and the pygmy blue whale documented here.

After getting the authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Gov Aumentado formalized the partnership agreement with Balyena.org represented by Dr. Jo Marie Acebes on Marine Mammals of the Bohol Sea Project.

The historic signing of the agreement had key stakeholders like the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -7 (BFAR-7), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its local offices backing up the pioneering marine biodiversity conservation move and did not miss the event at the Capitol, May 5.

“The Memorandum of Agreement for the collaborative Marine Mammals of the Bohol Sea Project marks a vital marine biodiversity milestone in the continued commitment to conservation here in Bohol,” Gov Aumentado addressed the stakeholders witnessing the ceremony.

Bohol sea, that crucial link between the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea has been a marine super highway and the deep undersea gorges and strong currents that pass the islands here have brought to the Boholano doorstep a wide array of pelagic fish, marine mammals, dolphins, and manta rays as well as the ideal food for these marine animals.

The fresh river systems that also feed Bohol sea with the saturating mix of fresh and salt water has provided these ocean giants the food they would need in their migration.

The Bohol Sea's designation as both an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) and a Marine Key Biodiversity Area (MKBA) highlights its ecological significance and the urgent need for informed, collaborative conservation actions.

The presence of baleen and toothed whales has attracted Balyena.org, which has since conducted marine research in the region since 2010.

With its extensive experience in marine mammal research and advocacy, Balyena.org can bring forth critical expertise in studying and protecting whales, dolphins, and sharks.

The project partnership involves marine mammal monitoring, whale movement studies, stranding response support, public awareness efforts, and capacity-building for local stakeholders, according to the signed MOA.

“With the partnership with Balyena.org, this directly supports the province’s broader goals of marine conservation, scientific research, and sustainable development,” according to BPEMO head Jovencia Ganub.

Through science, cooperation and sustained advocacy, we are hopeful that this initiative will inspire stronger marine protection efforts not only in Bohol but also across the country, Aumentado posited.

By formalizing this collaboration through the MOA, Bohol strengthens its conservation framework under its UNESCO Global Geopark status, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and the livelihoods they support.

“With the conservation group helping Bohol, the scientific data from their research monitoring can back practical policy recommendations and community-based action, thus making them a valuable partner in achieving long-term biodiversity goals,” Ganub added.

While the may be a local milestone, it can also become a model for nationwide marine conservation efforts especially when Bohol is now basking in the designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark and by strengthening the province’s role in marine protection, it helps Boholanos keep the geopark status as an ace in the tourism stack of cards. .(RAHC/PIA-7/Bohol)

WHALE OF A DIFFERENCE. With and without science in its policies, Bohol can easily err on its decisions.. Balyena.org represented here by Boholana marine wildlife researcher Dr. Jo Marie Acebes would be helping Bohol in keeping the biodiversity of Bohol Sea using science and research of the 19 whale species and dolphins, dugong and manta rays that are frequenting this water. Now, Bohol Sea has been a picked site for dolphin and whale watching and understanding these giants can help in their protection. (PIABohol)