Marine scientist underscores economic importance of Benham Rise

A scientist from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute underscored the economic importance of Benham Rise, saying that the elevated plateau off the coast of Aurora was likely rich in marine resources, and possibly even natural gas and mineral deposits.

In an interview with GMA News “24 Oras” aired Tuesday evening, Professor Hildie Nacorda  said that though their research team had explored only the shallowest part of the 13-million-hectare undersea plateau, they found the waters to be rich in marine life.

“Benham Rise, now that it has become part of the Philippines, of course becomes economically importance to us... pwede tayong mag-explore ng waters above that (Benham Rise), that's good for fisheries,” Nacorda explained.



Nacorda added that the Benham Rise may also contain gas and mineral deposits, though this has yet to be proven by deeper explorations.

Earlier reports had also said the Benham Rise may have manganese nodules deposits which are vital in steel production.

“We can explore possibilities of what we can do with the bottom (seabed). So, if there are resources there, mineral resources, natural gas, we can benefit from them economically, because it now belongs to the state,” Nacorda said.

Earlier last month Nacorda and 27 other marine researchers embarked on a two-week (May 6-16) exploration of Benham Rise. But the team was able to dive only 50 meters deep and reached the Benham Bank or the shallowest part of the plateau. The deepest part of Benham Rise is believed to be 3,000 meters (3 kilometers) below sea level.

This is the first human exploration in Benham Rise after the United Nations (UN) approved the Philippines' undisputed claim on the area on April 12, 2012. — Elizabeth Marcelo/DVM/TJD, GMA News