EMAILS FROM UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS, DEPT. OF BIOLOGY

[Danny is Danilo B. Largo, PhD. Doc Danny is Chairman, Department of Biology, University of San Carlos - known for its Marine Sciences Section]

(July 25, 2006)
Dear Al,

Thank you for sharing these with me. I have been following algal bloom events in Mactan in two locations (Bgy Buaya near the airport and Hadsan BeachResort) since the late 1990's. These blooms are symptoms of eutrophied waters when untreated wastes water enters the sea. I'm afraid it's just a matter of time when our remaining corals will have their last breath due to suffocation by these algae (Ulva spp. and cyanobacteria). What we can do is abate this nutrient pollution which will not only be costly but also needs political will of our local government and the cooperation of the witting or unwitting"polluters". I hope to sit down with you soon on how I can help you on this problem.

Your idea of the artificial kelp is commendable. If I remember right a similar one called artifical seagrass units (ASU), has been made about two decades ago by Dr. Mike Fortes of UP-MSI for the same purpose, but yours is unique as it utilizes floaters simulating the gas bladders of kelp. I hope to see your "kelp beds"one of these days as I am interested on the scientific value of your set up...

Cheers,
Danny

(July 27, 2006)
Dear Al,

...My Phycology/Marine Biology students (6 of them) is interested to see your Akelp. I suggested to them that we make a study on succession of marine organisms attached to it on a regular basis (weekly if possible), make an analysis and present it as a scientific study...

Danny