Manila: A researcher from the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines - Diliman will receive a PHP2 million grant for her study on sea cucumber biodiversity, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Thursday. The funding recognizes Rachel June Ravago-Gotanco's scientific research efforts that contribute to environmental protection and conservation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the grant will be sourced from the DOST Secretary's Grant for Environment. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. confirmed in a Viber message that the proposal was evaluated by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). In addition to the main grant, NAST awarded Gotanco PHP150,000 due to her research's implications for aquaculture, fishery management, and conservation.

Sea cucumbers, once abundant in the country's coastal waters, are high-value marine invertebrates recognized for their food, ecological, and pharmaceutical benefits. Known as 'earthworms of the sea,' these creatures burrow and ingest sediments, which supports healthy coastal ecosystems.

Gotanco stated in a news release that her research utilizes genetic data from sea cucumbers across the Philippine archipelago. By employing high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, the study generates data vital for evidence-based management and conservation of sea cucumber populations.

The research on sea cucumbers continues to expand, with Gotanco exploring other colonies and species. The ongoing work aims to further understand and protect these important marine organisms.