The expedition of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to the 13-million hectare Benham Rise scheduled this weekend has been called off because of an expected Low Pressure Area (LPA) in the area on April 14.
Undersecretary Eduardo Gongonga, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Executive Director, said the LPA is expected to result in rough seas which would make it difficult for the team to conduct activities from April 14 to 15.
The expedition which I was supposed to lead was earlier scheduled to leave Infanta, Quezon on April 13 and stay in the Benham Rise from April 14 to 15 then sail back to Infanta on Easter Sunday, April 16.
The expedition was supposed to be composed of three DA-BFAR vessels, including the Oceanographic Research Ship MV DA-BFAR and two smaller MCS boats and at least 10 FB Pagbabago fiberglass fishing boats to be manned by Quezon fishermen.
The DA-BFAR team would have included scientists and researchers, including technical people who will set up “Payaws” or fish sheds in the shallow portion of the Benham Rise.
The technical team was also tasked to study the viability of establishing structures in the shallow portion like a research facility for scientists and researchers compete with a helicopter landing pad.
The expedition has been rescheduled for the second week of May when the waters are expected to be calmer.
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