The University of San Carlos, through the Department of Biology, participated in different events and initiatives related to coastal and marine systems rehabilitation and preservation.

On September 13, 2024, representatives from the Department joined the Cordova Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) planning workshop which addresses the governance of human activities affecting the sustainable use of goods and services generated by coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Among the participants of the event were the Local Government of Cordova, Corvoda’s Fisherfolk’s Associations, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7, and other private sector representatives. 

The workshop was supported by the Australia Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Coral Restoration Project, of which USC is also an active partner. In June 2024, Marine Biology students observed multispecies coral spawning, during which millions of eggs were collected and released after larval culture for the coral larval enhancement experiments aimed at restoring the degraded reefs in Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City. 

Aside from workshops, Marine Biology faculty members, students, and alumni (above) also participated in the International Coastal Clean-up Day on September 21, 2024, at the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Lapu-Lapu City.