The Department of Agriculture (DA) and global ocean exploration nonprofit OceanX have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assess the health and diversity of fisheries and marine food resources in the Philippine seas.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and OceanX Co-CEO Mark Dalio formalized the agreement on Friday, Dec. 20, signifying a collaborative effort to study, protect, and sustainably develop the country’s marine ecosystems.

The agency said the research will be conducted using OceanX’s advanced research vessel, OceanXplorer.

“The data we gather will provide invaluable insights into our marine resources, our vast coastline, and the unique biodiversity we hold,” Laurel said in a statement.

The agriculture chief said this will help the DA devise better strategies for preserving and optimizing marine resources for future generations.

While specific research plans are still under discussion, the agency said the partnership is expected to deploy state-of-the-art scientific tools to characterize the Philippines’ rich marine ecology.

For his part, Dalio emphasized the role of technology and collaboration in advancing marine conservation.

“At OceanX, we believe that cutting-edge technology combined with meaningful collaboration can unlock the mysteries of the ocean and provide actionable insights for sustainable resource management,” he said.

“Our partnership with the Department of Agriculture exemplifies how science and innovation can come together to create a long-term impact, not only in understanding marine ecosystems but also in supporting communities that depend on them,” he added.

The OceanX official said that they are looking forward to working with Filipino scientists, policymakers, and community stakeholders to advance the country's maritime sustainability.