Marine Conservation Philippines

13/05/2026

Meet the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, one of the ocean’s most extraordinary predators. 🌈🦐

This spectacular creature is among the many fascinating marine invertebrates we monitor during our invertebrate surveys. Known for its vibrant colors and incredible abilities, the peacock mantis shrimp possesses the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, capable of seeing colors and light far beyond human vision.

But don’t let its beauty fool you. Its powerful “clubs” can strike prey at speeds so fast and with a force comparable to a .22 caliber bullet, making it one of the strongest punches in the animal world relative to its size.

A tiny yet powerful reminder of how astonishing and diverse our oceans truly are. 💙

08/05/2026

Andulay Marine Protected Area is one of the dive sites we regularly monitor—a living proof that determination and education go hand in hand with conservation. 🌊💙

From the stories shared by the fisherfolk, establishing an MPA was once met with confusion and hesitation. Many feared it would only limit their ability to fish and provide for their families. But through time, continuous dialogue, and consistent education, they began to witness the positive changes and long-term benefits that marine protection brings, not only to the ocean, but also to their community and livelihood.

Today, the protection of Andulay no longer depends solely on outside reminders or enforcement. The sense of responsibility now comes from the community itself. The MPA is fully demarcated, and a dedicated Bantay Dagat watches over it 24/7.

Real conservation happens when communities become the heart of protecting their own seas. 🌊❤️

📸 Kuba

30/04/2026

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30/04/2026

Last Tuesday, April 28, a new treasure was opened to the public, not to be taken but to be protected.

Marine Conservation Philippines joined the opening of the Hidden Treasure Marine Sanctuary of San Jose, which is located 10 minutes from Dumaguete to the North, to explore it's beauty. It is also known to have a couple of reef shark sightings!!

MCP is grateful and happy to be part of this milestone.🩵🦈🌊🪸

📸 Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Board

28/04/2026

22/04/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌍💙

To celebrate, our amazing team came together for a beach and dive clean-up with Pro Ocean🇵🇭.

Together we removed:
♻️ 140 kg of non-recyclable waste
♻️ 32 kg of recyclable waste

Every piece collected is one less threat to our oceans, marine life, and coastal ecosystems. 🌊🐠

Days like today are a reminder that real impact comes from collective action. Small efforts add up and together we can protect the places we love.

Let’s keep the momentum going not just today, but every day! 🌏

17/04/2026

Ever wondered what your mornings could look like as a Divemaster trainee with Marine Conservation Philippines?

From early morning Divemaster duties (6am!) to sharpening your diving skills, protecting reefs, and discovering something new beneath the surface. The training we offer challenges you, and shapes you to become a better diver every day.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for the ocean into something meaningful, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO DO IT💙

11/04/2026

Today, MCP retrieved a 14-kilogram ghost net at one of our dive sites, Kookoo’s, in Siaton.

Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost or discarded at sea. It can wrap around marine life including corals, and accidentally trap and kill animals.

The ghost net was spotted during a routine survey dive at the site. A team was sent today with cutting tools and bags to carefully remove the net from the corals and other substrate where it was entangled. A number of live shells were freed from the ghost net, exhibiting its unnecessary impact on the ecosystem. This emphasizes the importance of such efforts that can aid our already vulnerable ecosystems.

Good job to our team for successfully and safely carrying out their mission today!

11/04/2026

At Marine Conservation Philippines, we believe that taking care of the ocean starts with taking care of ourselves.
At base meals are well balanced and vegetarian, a conscious choice good for both the body and planet. Dive snacks are baked daily and packed in our trucks as a pick-me-up during surface intervals. Fresh fruits that are in season are also available to grab in the kitchen.

Every bite fuels our next adventures and our mission to protect our ocean.

A huge thank you to our hardworking and lovely kitchen staff, Melba, Tata, and Joan, for making it all possible! 💙

11/04/2026

Looking for the next step in your career? We’re looking for dedicated Research Interns to lead two exciting new projects at MCP!

Our Habitat Complexity Assessment project will use an adapted scorecard to measure the reef’s 3D structure and assess how it supports marine biodiversity.

Our Settlement Tiles project will monitor how coral larvae settle and grow to help us understand reef recovery and recruitment.

Whether you’re interested in the “architecture” of the reef or the next generation of coral recruits, these internships offer hands-on experience in real-world marine research, along with scientific training, project management experience, discounted rates, and the chance to produce research that actually makes a difference to the local community. 🪸

Applicant Requirements:

🎓 Currently undertaking or completed a BSc in Marine Biology (or related field).
📅 Minimum duration: 4 months
✈️ Internship Start Date: June/July 2026

Check out our website for the full project summaries and details on how to apply! 🔗 Link in Bio!

researchinternship internshipopportunity