Government renews funding, seeks collaboration for Benham Rise research | Oceana

Victory | September 1, 2016

Government renews funding, seeks collaboration for Benham Rise research

Government and university officials announced renewed funding for research in Benham Rise, a largely unexplored seamount off northeastern Luzon, at a forum in September capping the successful visit of Oceana senior advisor Alexandra Cousteau to the Philippines. Oceana helped lead an expedition to Benham Rise in May and provided video equipment and technical divers to document deep sea reefs in Benham Bank, the shallowest portion of the undersea plateau. Fisheries and science officials stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, as researchers noted that the number of fish species recorded had tripled from the first cruise in 2014 and Benham Rise holds significant opportunities for fisheries productivity.