Verde Island Passage reveals new marine species

A marine team from California Academy of Sciences has recently discovered more than 30 new marine species at the Verde Island Passage located between the provinces of Batangas and Mindoro.

The said exploration was spearheaded by California Academy of Sciences zoologist Dr. Terry Gosliner which led to the discovery of new species of sea slugs, sea urchins, and soft corals. In 2015, the marine team has undergone same expedition and discovered new species of flat worms and comb jelly.

“These new discoveries continue to reinforce that the Verde Island Passage has unmatched marine biodiversity and undisputedly is the center of the center of marine biodiversity. It also confirms that different parts of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) have different species and each part of the VIP needs to be carefully managed to protect those unique species for coming generations,” said Dr. Gosliner in an interview with him by the Manila Bulletin.