Empowering Tomorrow’s Marine Conservationists: Stories of Resilience and Hope
The ocean nourishes us all. Its value encompasses all facets of life, from the food we eat to the livelihood of communities, and the chance to collaborate with different cultures to ensure its protection. Yet today, the ocean needs protectors more than ever, and at the forefront of this mission are motivated individuals like Fatima Clavecillas and Paolo Co, scholars of LAMAVE’s Iskolar ng Dagat program. Their journeys demonstrate how opportunity and determination can turn passion into action and dreams into change.
A decade of LAMAVE research shapes IUCN Important Shark and Ray Areas in the Philippines
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Ten years of research by the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) has supported the delineation of six of the eleven “Important Shark and Ray Areas” (ISRA) identified in the Philippines as part of global efforts to map out critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras around the world.
Next phase of Global FinPrint seeks to improve protection of reef sharks worldwide
SARASOTA – Dec. 6, 2023 – With reef shark populations in crisis, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and partners from across the globe are updating the seminal shark survey, Global FinPrint, and applying their findings to the design of new marine protected areas (MPAs).
Volunteering overseas and making an impact in the conservation of marine wildlife is one of the most fulfilling experiences anyone can have. Charlotte Joliffe shares her most memorable moments as a volunteer in the Philippines for the Whale Shark Research & Conservation Project and how her experience has geared her to thrive in her marine sciences career.
Celebrating arts and music for the ocean this Fete de la Music
With the theme Mersea — a play on the French mer (sea) and merci (thank you) — LAMAVE has been chosen as the conservation beneficiary for this year's Fete de la Music celebration.
XDEEP welcomes LAMAVE into their Exploration Support Program
Diving is a crucial part of LAMAVE’s research to conserve endangered species: from deploying remote underwater video systems (RUVS) and maintaining our nationwide acoustic telemetry network to monitor shark and ray populations, to visual surveys during research expeditions….XDEEP supports marine conservation in the Philippines by adding LAMAVE to their Exploration Support Program, gearing our team with their state-of-the-art BCD lines — the NX Series Harness and NX Series Ultralight Harness.
In celebration of Ocean Exploration Day, we sat down with LAMAVE researcher Titus Cañete to discuss what inspires him to study this mysterious zone and the technology he is developing that could help make deep sea research more accessible to early-career scientists.
Collaborative research puts mantas on the map in the Philippines
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY— a new collaborative scientific study led by the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) and in cooperation with partners and the public has compiled a national population database for manta rays and has identified four hotspots for the species in the Philippines.
LAMAVE is launching the Northwestern Palawan Turtle Nesting Project in November 2022
The Turtle Nesting Project will initially focus on the municipalities in the northwest of Palawan, with the main base being in San Vicente. LAMAVE is supporting and amplifying the impact and work of the local POs and stakeholders, bringing people together, providing technical knowledge and expertise and providing opportunities for enhancing local capacity and professionalizing local teams and eco-tourism guides.
Calling all creatives and conservationists! LAMAVE launches a new fellowship program and a photography prize
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY— LAMAVE a marine conservation NGO, today announces the launch of a new initiative designed to support young Filipinos advocating for environmental conservation through impact media.
Hiraya launches 'Higanteng Pagi Journal' for conservation
Hiraya Journal showcases the beautiful manta rays of the Philippines in their latest design, the “Higanteng Pagi”. They are also supporting conservation efforts for these majestic giants by donating a portion of each sale to LAMAVE.
Studying Whale Sharks in the Philippines with LAMAVE as an Ocean Giants Programme Scholar
Early-career scientists can gain valuable experience in marine conservation and grow their network through on-site placements with NGOs like LAMAVE. Ocean Giants Programme scholar Robin Gould tells us about his experience during his placement with our Palawan Whale Shark Research and Conservation project in the Philippines.
In December 2021, we launched a fundraiser asking you to support communities affected by Typhoon Odette including seaweed farmers in the remote island municipality of Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines. You responded and together we raised ~795,000PHP (~USD$15,000). In February of this year our team travelled to Cagayancillo to carry out the on-the-ground efforts. LAMAVE Director Sally Snow, shares an insight into the journey…
LAMAVE and the National Geographic Society embarks on a Deep-Sea Expedition to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in May 2022
This expedition aims to understand one of the most mysterious ecosystems in the planet — marine areas with depths greater than 200 meters. The team will deploy the first deep-sea camera system in the region!
Filipino sustainable fashion brand Astella launches marine-themed line in support of LAMAVE.
Astella is launching their new collection, "LAMAVE x Astella", on April 29 at 7 PM. This collection is a marine-themed, hand-printed line of apparel perfect for the Philippines' year-round summer! A portion of the sales from this collection will go to LAMAVE to support scientific research for the conservation of marine megafauna in the Philippines.
Experience the best diving that the Philippines has to offer while making an impact in marine conservation. Get this rare opportunity to be on the frontline of conservation alongside experts from LAMAVE studying one of the last shark havens in Southeast Asia. Join us for a 9-day expedition to the heart of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park this June 7 to 15, 2022!
This year we say farewell to LAMAVE researcher Sue Ong as she sets out on new adventures. Sue has been part of the team since 2016 and made quite an impact during her time with us….
LAMAVE will soon launch the Everyday Hero Manta Ray Adoption Program, allowing environmentally-conscious people to make a tangible conservation impact. Read more and be the first to know when the Manta Ray Adoption Program opens.
LAMAVE as one of the mentors for the National Geographic Society 2022 STEM Field Assistant Program
We are super excited and honoured to have been chosen to partner with the National Geographic Society for its latest initiative, the STEM Field Assistant Program, and work together to inspire the ocean conservation leaders of tomorrow.
