The Philippines at the Center of a Soft Coral Revolution: New Study Uncovers Exceptional Marine Biodiversity in West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank

 

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In a groundbreaking discovery that places the Philippines once again on the global map of marine biodiversity, new research reveals that soft corals found in the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank are among the most diverse in the world.

The revelation comes from a sweeping global study, published this May in Nature Scientific Reports, titled “Biodiversity and biogeography of zooxanthellate soft corals across the Indo-Pacific.” It offers the most comprehensive exploration yet into soft corals—an enigmatic and often overlooked class of marine life known as Octocorallia.

Soft corals are more than just underwater ornaments. Their hypnotic movements and vibrant hues captivate divers, but they also play a fundamental role in maintaining marine ecosystems. They contribute to reef structure, offer sanctuary to countless marine organisms, and may hold the key to life-saving medicines. Yet, despite their importance, they have remained under-studied, particularly in Southeast Asia.

That’s about to change—with the Philippines leading the charge.

Philippine Waters: A Hotspot of Coral Richness

Dr. Jue Lalas, a Filipino marine biologist and co-author of the international study, emphasized the country’s pivotal role:

“The samples from the Philippines were major representatives for the Coral Triangle region. The paper shows that the Philippines, including the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank, is part of one of the centers of zooxanthellate soft coral diversity.”

Specimens were sourced from across the archipelago—including the Kalayaan Island Group, Western Palawan, Pangasinan, Puerto Galera, and Benham Bank in the Philippine Rise—between 2019 and 2021. Most of them were collected by Dr. Lalas himself, then a research associate at the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI), with the support of Rhea Luciano and Christine Segumalian. They were all part of the Interactions of Marine Bionts and Benthic Ecosystems (IMBiBE) Laboratory led by another Filipino co-author, Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez.

This collaboration between local scientists and global institutions resulted in over 4,000 soft coral samples from more than 40 countries and territories, creating a molecular treasure trove for biodiversity researchers.

A Molecular Window into the Reef

Using DNA barcoding—specifically the mtMutS and 28S rDNA markers—the team classified the coral samples into molecular operational taxonomic units, mapping patterns of species richness and endemicity across the Indo-Pacific. Their findings spotlighted two critical regions for soft coral biodiversity: the Indo-Australian Archipelago and the Western Indian Ocean.

But it’s the Philippine waters—especially the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank—that emerged as standout zones of both diversity and endemic species, many of which may still be undocumented.

Unveiling the Unseen

“There are just very few papers on soft corals in the Philippines, despite them being obviously dominant components of our coral reefs,” explained Dr. Lalas. “That’s largely due to the lack of experts studying them, as more attention has traditionally been given to hard corals.”

Dr. Baria-Rodriguez and her IMBiBE team have been working to change that narrative. Since 2019, they’ve collaborated with world-renowned soft coral taxonomist Dr. Yehuda Benayahu to train local scientists in coral identification and taxonomy. Their work has already expanded our understanding of soft coral ecology and distribution, and their continued efforts promise even deeper insights.

In 2023, another training was held to further bolster local expertise, drawing participants from UP MSI and other partner universities.

Climate Clues from Coral

This growing body of research holds implications far beyond academic curiosity. In an age of climate change and ecological instability, soft corals may serve as environmental sentinels.

“In some disturbed reef areas in the Indo-Pacific, studies are showing a shift toward soft coral dominance,” Dr. Lalas shared. “They are generally more resilient to disturbances, but they too can suffer mortality if environmental stressors persist.”

Their ability to survive in stressed habitats suggests that soft corals might play an important role in maintaining reef ecosystems under climate duress. And where soft corals go, scientists believe, critical clues about ocean health may follow.

A Call for Protection and Continued Exploration

The study also hypothesizes that vast numbers of soft coral species—particularly in the West Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Red Sea—remain undiscovered. “We have undoubtedly underestimated the number of species for these taxa,” the authors admit.

For Dr. Lalas and his team, the findings mark just the beginning.

“If you look at the study more closely, and the literature on Philippine soft corals, we have yet to explore their diversity in most of our seas,” he noted. “This represents a vast opportunity for coral reef scientists across the country.”

Their message is clear: the Philippines is sitting atop a marine goldmine of biodiversity, and with rising interest, there’s a real opportunity to lead global soft coral research while safeguarding these fragile ecosystems.

From the Depths to the World Stage

This landmark research is a triumph not just for science but for Philippine environmental stewardship. It highlights the Philippines’ indispensable role in the marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and amplifies the urgent need to protect its aquatic frontiers from exploitation and degradation.

The studies and expeditions behind these discoveries were made possible through partnerships with various agencies and projects, including PROTECT WPS (funded by DENR-BMB), UPGRADE-CIA (National Security Council), DDHP (DOST-PCHRD), and SECURE Philippine Rise (DENR-BMB), among others.

As we learn more about the invisible wonders of the sea, one thing becomes clear: the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank are not just rich in soft corals—they are symbols of the nation’s marine legacy, waiting to be fully understood and fiercely protected.

For further inquiries or media interviews, contact the UP MSI Communications Team at content@msi.upd.edu.ph.

Wazzup Pilipinas remains committed to showcasing the incredible achievements of Filipino scientists and the majestic beauty of our seas. This is not just a story about coral—it’s a call to action for marine conservation and scientific advancement.

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