By Kharlle G. Lapad

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) through its Fisheries Resource Management Section (FRMS), successfully conducted a Refresher Training Course on Marine Habitat Assessment from June 17 to 20, 2025, at the BFAR – 10 Regional Operations and Fisherfolk Training Center.

The training aimed to strengthen the technical capabilities of BFAR Environmental Survey Team (BEST) members by reinforcing and updating their knowledge of standard protocols and methodologies used in assessing marine habitats, ensuring consistency and accuracy in data collection and analysis.

The activity was attended by BEST members, who play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the long-term viability of marine resources. Also present were the On-the-Job Trainees (OJTs) from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) , who availed of first-hand experience and exposure to field-based marine habitat assessment.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on assessment methodologies and data processing techniques for key marine ecosystems— mangroves, seagrass, and corals. Each session was designed to deepen their understanding of the science behind habitat assessments and how such data informs resource management strategies. 

The sessions were led by FRMS personnel, each specializing in specific components of habitat assessment: Mr. Kharlle G. Lapad presented methodologies and data processing for mangrove ecosystems; Ms. Irish Jean Estrada facilitated the session on seagrass assessment; Mr. Rad Marc Edulan handled coral assessment; and Mr. June Gabriel Pagalan discussed coral data processing, bathymetric surveys, and the use of the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) for spatial mapping and analysis.

Wrapping the four-day training with hands-on activities, participants were given the opportunity to apply the techniques discussed during the lectures. This practical component allowed them to gain confidence in using scientific tools and software while deepening their understanding on field procedures. By enhancing technical capacities in marine habitat assessment, the training contributed to the development of more informed, science-based conservation and management strategies moving forward.