PCSD in partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) organized a two-week trainersโ training on the ReefCloud-ReefScan Coral Taxonomy & Data Analysis from March 5 to 15, 2024. The activity was participated by representatives from DENR-PENRO, DENR-CENRO Taytay, PG-ENRO, City Agriculture Office, City ENRO, LGU Kalayaan, Western Philippines University, Sulubaaรฏ Environment Foundation and PCSD Staff.
Field sessions for ReefScan operation and onsite data analysis using R software for coral taxonomy, advanced statistical data analysis, and data reporting were done. At the end of the activity, participants were able to generate reports using the ReefCloud. ReefScan is a state-of-the-art equipment that supplements the current Manta Tow method for rapidly assessing shallow water ecosystems while ReefCloud is an open-access platform created to swiftly and effectively gather and analyze data to aid global conservation efforts.
PCSD is now utilizing Reefscan in assessing difficult to access areas with minimal deployment of divers. Collected data are stored in ReefCloud for wider stakeholder access.