Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña has asked researchers to do more scientific studies on high potential fishery resources like seaweeds and on Benham Rise, also known as the Benham Plateau. Benham Rise is a seismically active undersea region estimated to cover an area of about 13 million hectares located east of Luzon and is 35 meters underwater with the shallowest point located off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela. In April 2012, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea already recognized and officially approved the Philippines’ claim to Benham Rise as part of its continental shelf and territory. Based on initial studies, Benham Rise is rich in mineral, oil and gas deposits like solidified methane that could help the country achieve self-sufficiency in energy. De la Peña and Aumentado were speakers at the Visayas Regional Scientific Meeting held last month in Cebu City.

Source: Manila Times May 11, 2017 10:07 UTC