Oceanus Conservation

21/10/2026

We spotted dugongs in Surigao del Sur! But what does this actually mean? 🤔

⭐ Interested in learning more? Check out these links below.

[1] https://www.oceanusconservation.org/hope-for-sea-cows-local-fishers-become-guardians-of-dugongs-in-lianga-bay-philippines/
[2] https://mwwphilippines.org/learn-more-about-dugong/

12/10/2026

If you've ever seen these mangroves in real life, consider yourself lucky! 🤩

The tides are turning for our mangroves based on the latest The State of the World's Mangroves 2026 Report, with the latest figures and data on mangrove cover and species conservation status 🌳

We're super grateful to have been featured in the 2026 report (pg. 159), highlighting community-based conservation of mangroves and wildlife in the Philippines 🙌🌱

🔗 Check out the comments section below for a link to the full report.

The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) is coordinated by Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, IUCN, Wetlands International South Asia, and World Wildlife Fund.

10/10/2026

It's officially migratory bird season! 🦅

The Philippines is a vital stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), which is one of the world's major bird migration routes 🇵🇭🌊

Here, migratory birds often arrive by September, staying until February, to rest, feed, and prepare for breeding season in northward areas.

Globally threatened species like the Chinese Egret and Eurasian Curlew (to name a few) find temporary solace in wetland ecosystems, including mangrove forests. This further pushes the need for conservation and preservation of these vital habitats.

➡️ Swipe to see what birds we've seen in our sites!

📸 Footage was taken by Oceanus Resident Birder, Jim, and Bantay Dagat and Community partner, Drexel, on field during bird assessment or recreational birding visits. Show them some love on their platforms!

🪶Jim (Kuya Wowie Wildlife (IG), Kuya Wowie (FB and Tiktok))
🪶Drexel Duremdes

💬 What migratory birds have you seen in your areas? Share them down below!

09/10/2026

Our work at Dugong Bughaw got featured! 🙌

A few weeks ago, we finally documented the elusive dugong of Marihatag, thrice now!

This could not have been possible without the continuous monitoring efforts of the team alongside local community partners such as the bantay dagat, and the LGU.

We also owe this exciting milestone to the knowledge shared by the local community in previous surveys. This only goes to show that we can go far when we incorporate local knowledge and scientific approach together, for the conservation of these majestic dugongs and their seagrass homes 🤝✨

📖 Read the full article here: https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/10/dugong-sightings-in-surigao-del-sur-spark-community-led-marine-life-protection/

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 9 October 2026) – Rare live sightings of a dugong (sea cow) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur were documented on two separate occasions in

05/10/2026

29/09/2026

Ever wondered what it was like to be a citizen scientist in Siargao for a day? 🤔📝

From September 16-21, we went on a journey with you through the mangrove forests of Malinao River, Siargao on a 3-hour guided boat tour of "Pagsusi sa Katunggan".

This initiative is meant to give you a glimpse of the inner workings of local conservation efforts, from observation to data recording, and most importantly, to make us realize that we have been doing these things in our daily lives! ✨

With local citizen scientists like you on board, the solution to the big issues seem doable. If we take action collectively, we will get far. Even the simple act of noticing goes a long way 💙🌱

Pagsusi sa Katunggan (Exploring the Mangroves) is a pilot project done in collaboration with Harana Surf Resort. We'd also like to thank the boat operators, supporters, and fellow advocates who have assisted and supported us throughout. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we hope you carry these lessons and experiences wherever you may go. Para sa kinaiyahan, para sa atong katunggan! 🤝🌳

💬 What was a memorable moment for you? Let's talk about it in the comments below! ☺️

16/09/2026

You can check our presentations during the PAMS18 Symposium here!

🌊 Hot off the press (and fresh out of the deep blue)! 🌊

The official PAMS18 Symposium Proceedings are officially LIVE! 🎉📲

Whether you want to revisit groundbreaking presentations, cite key Philippine marine research, or dive into strategies for “Oceans at a Crossroad: Integrating Science, Policy, and Action for Sustainable Philippine Seas,” we’ve got you covered.

How to get your copy:

📲 Scan the QR code on the pubmat above.

🔗 Click the direct link: https://tinyurl.com/yh4y6py2

Tag your research buddies, lab mates, and co-authors below so they don't miss out! 👇🪸

15/09/2026

Looking for something different to do in the island? 👀🌱

"Pagsusi sa Katunggan" (Exploring the mangroves) is an intentional tour activity dedicated to raise awareness and contribute to science, while basking the beauty of the mangrove forests in Siargao Island.

This pilot is a collaboration between Oceanus Conservation and Harana Surf Resort. This new adventure aims to encourage tourists, as well as locals, to step beyond the usual island experience and be more intentional while contributing to the protection of the mangroves.

Join us in this limited time opportunity 🤩 Only this September 16-20, 2026. Open dates are closing in quick, so secure your slots now!

You may visit and register at Harana Surf Resort in Tuasan Point, General Luna, Siargao Island or you may check these links for more details:

➡️Pagsusi sa Katunggan 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧:
https://tinyurl.com/PagsusisaKatungganPrimer

➡️𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢:
https://form.jotform.com/262472191732053

Pagsusi sa Katunggan tour is also open for new partnerships in Siargao. If your business is interested in this collaboration, you may reach us at [email protected]

15/09/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Dugong spotted off the coasts of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on early morning September 11, 2026.

The Dugong Bughaw Team rises with the tides, always on the lookout for dugongs through land-based and drone surveys. This has been their monitoring routine for almost 5 months now.

All this hard work finally bore fruit when we captured clear footage an individual swimming along the surface in the shores of Marihatag! 🙌

Dugongs, or locally known as 𝘥𝘶𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴, are elusive herbivore mammals that feed on seagrass beds. Dugongs are globally listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and locally protected under DENR Administrative Order No. 55 (1991).

This footage serves as a testament that dugongs are still present in the area, despite numerous reports of stranding and deaths in nearby areas earlier this year.

Efforts to conserve these existing dugong populations mean further study and continuous data collection, and conservation of seagrass meadows, especially in understudied areas like Marihatag. The team works alongside local communities to achieve these goals for our shy 𝘥𝘶𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 🤝💙

This project is in collaboration with the local communities from coastal barangays, bantay dagat, and support from the LGU of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. We could not have gone this far without all of you!

10/09/2026

Be a citizen scientist for a day in Siargao Island! 📝🌱

Join us and contribute to mangrove conservation through "𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙞 𝙨𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙖𝙣" (Exploring the mangroves), a unique mangrove experience where you explore the raw beauty of the Siargao mangrove forests, while learning and contributing to mangrove conservation!

We are excited to share this pilot collaboration between Oceanus Conservation and Harana Surf Resort. This new adventure aims to encourage tourists, as well as locals, to step beyond the usual island experience and be more intentional while contributing to the protection of the mangroves.

Join us in this limited time opportunity! Only this September 16-20, 2026. You may visit and register at Harana Surf Resort in Tuasan Point, General Luna, Siargao Island or you may check these links for more details:

➡️ 𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙞 𝙨𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧: https://tinyurl.com/PagsusisaKatungganPrimer

➡️ 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢:
https://form.jotform.com/262472191732053

𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙞 𝙨𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙖𝙣 tour is also open for new partnerships in Siargao. If your business is interested in this collaboration, you may reach us at [email protected]