WPU, MFI renew partnership for juvenile marine species production

Puerto Princesa, Palawan — Western Philippines University (WPU) and Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) renewed on January 11, 2017 their partnership for the production of select invertebrate species at WPU's marine station located in the city.

The juveniles are produced for restocking at key conservation areas such as well-managed marine protected areas where the species used to thrive but have been depleted due to dynamite fishing, over-extraction and other damaging anthropogenic practices.

Partnership of the university and the foundation started in late 2012 for the production of abalone and trochus juveniles, and the eventual upgrade of the marine station in 2014. The upgrade catalysed for WPU further funding from external parties and organisations such as the USAID and CHED for marine-related research such as culture process improvement, livelihood opportunities and others.

The new MOA was signed by WPU President Elsa Manarpaac and MFI Executive Director Karen Agabin.