Uncovering COTS: SLSU Bontoc holds 1st Specialized Training Workshop on Crown-of-Thorns Seastar
Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus hosts its 1st Specialized Training Workshop on Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (COTS) from July 28, 2024, to August 1, 2024. This pioneering event, led by the In-House Research, Innovations, Extension Services (RIES) team along with Faculty Researchers from the Bioresource Production Technology Center (BioProTeC), aims to address critical issues surrounding COTS and their impact on marine ecosystem.
In line with its commitment to enhance awareness on COTS, SLSU Bontoc, on this 4-day specialized training workshop, brought a team of expert speakers to talk on topics focusing on COTS biology, ecology, and management. Participants delved into in-depth information on the scientific aspects of COTS, as well as practical skills for monitoring, assessing, and mitigating outbreaks. The workshop featured hands-on activities to equip attendees with the tools necessary to address COTS challenges effectively.
Mr. Deonel Beto from Dap-ag Boys discussed the COTS situation in Southern Leyte, while Mr. Ryan P. Tomol, an In-House resident divemaster, covered COTS collection and disposal protocols. Associate Professor Alieza O. Del Socorro presented on water parameters data collection, and College Dean Mr. Jimmy Salamida, alongside Ms. Dimzon and Ms. Del Socorro, provided insights on tissue collection for molecular analysis. Moreover, Dr. John Philip Lou Lumain of Visayas State University shared his expertise on coelomic tissue collection for biotechnology analysis. An excursion to coral reef areas in Liloan, Southern Leyte was conducted for participants to experience actual spotting, density determination, manual collection and morphometric measurement of COTS, alongside disposal of these manually-collected seastars.
“As the leading university here in Southern Leyte region, SLSU Bontoc recognizes the urgent need to strengthen its COTS awareness program. COTS although can occur naturally in healthy coral reefs, but its outbreak could result in severe coral damage as they are voracious coral predators, affecting marine biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism industry reliant on health reef ecosystems,” Ms. Dimzon expressed.
The event featured participation from several esteemed scientific educators, including Ms. Mishaelle S. Quitos (Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology), Ms. Alpha G. Felix (Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology), Mr. Michael S. Arguelles (Palompon Institute of Technology), Mr. Charles Rommel L. Tado (Palompon Institute of Technology), Ms. Coleen S. Tibar (Samar State University), Ms. Irene Jean C. Lagumbay (Samar State University – Mercedes Campus), Mr. Niel Antun A. Flores (Camiguin Polytechnic State College), Mr. Peter Francis D. Santos (University of Eastern Philippines), and Mr. Jefferson Amogues (LGU Official of Limasawa Southern Leyte).
Dr. Gladys L. Pascual, also a profound Marine Biologist and Campus Director of SLSU Bontoc stated that the event bolsters the university’s presence in the region and emphasizes the importance of collectively protecting the ocean and its resources.
