The second round in the series of site surveys for the proposed multi-billion seaweeds plantation was conducted in the Northwestern section this week, particularly in the seas of Buenavista, Inabanga, Clarin, Tubigon, Calape and Loon.

Two teams set out simultaneously to various designated areas to gather specific data on the qualities and characteristics of waters suitable for sea weed farming and also on the status of marine life present in these areas.

Parameters being measured in these surveys were the salinity, the turbidity, sea current, presence, quality/quantity and status of marine organisms (including population density), human traffic and/or interference.

The Provincial Government of Bohol on July 16, 2009 formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a South Korean company BiolSystems, Inc. sanctioned by its state that will put up a facility utilizing seaweeds as raw materials for the production of an alternative bio-fuel. From that time on preparations have been made for this project and one of component is the gathering of data for possible expansion sites for the culture of sea weeds to fully maximize still untapped areas in all coastal areas of the province.

Each team was composed of technical staff from the Provincial Agriculture Office who did measurements and recording of data along with professional dive masters who oversee the safety of the diving crew. Other members of each team were the respective Municipal Agriculture Officers as well as local chief executives and/or their representatives who directed each group to the exact targeted locations by using GPS (Global Positioning System) Trackers but also validated each performed dives. Three to five short-duration dives were performed per day primarily for health and safety reasons.

The endeavor has so far been successful with the full support of local officials led by Gov. Erico Aumentado, national and other government agency heads like Gene Mayol of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic, Aning Gulayan of the F.I.S.H. Project, Franco Villaruel of Project SEAHORSE and Rene Villaber of the Bohol Environmental Management Office and the counterpart of local chief executives of Inabanga, Buenavista, Tubigon, Clarin, barangay captains and officials of the island-barangays who offered their manpower and resources, including food, accommodation and fuel for the bancas.

There will be additional rounds of the hydro-biological survey in the coming weeks. The next one will be on October 29-30 and then on the second week of November for another 4 days. Among the next targeted zones will be the Northeastern part of Bohol including LGU Candijay and Anda. The survey intends to cover the proposed 25, 000 hectares of seaweeds area by the end of this year. The data gathered will be integrated and analyzed to get a clear picture on the viability of these areas which will determine the next steps in the implementation of the alternative bio-fuel project.