New seagrass species discovered in Quezon protected area - DENR 

A new species of seagrass was documented in the Catanauan Protected Landscape and Seascape (CPLS) in Quezon Province, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

Called Cymodocea serrulata, the newly discovered specie now brings the total number of seagrass species in the area to eight following the biodiversity and monitoring activity conducted by the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Catanauan.

"Malaking bahagi ng marine ecosystem ang mga seagrass dahil nagsisilbi itong tirahan, kanlungan, at feeding ground ng iba’t-ibang uri ng mga yamang-dagat," the DENR said.

(Seagrasses form a major part of the marine ecosystem as they serve as a habitat, shelter, and feeding ground for various marine resources.)

"Ang karagdagang datos ay magsisilbing mahalagang panimulang datos (baseline information) para sa patuloy na biodiversity assessment, konserbasyon, at pamamahala ng protected area. Ang pagkakatuklas ng karagdagang species ay nagpapatunay sa mayamang biodiversity na matatagpuan sa CPLS."

(This additional data will serve as vital baseline information for ongoing biodiversity assessment, conservation, and management of the protected area. The discovery of an additional species confirms the rich biodiversity found within the CPLS.)

The CPLS is a designated marine and coastal conservation area located in the municipality of Catanauan through Presidential Proclamation No. 2152.

The DENR assured that quarterly patrolling in the protected area will continue. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/LA, GMA News