Research
Research
Embedded Files
Publications
Publications
Marine cold-spells in the Philippines (1982–2021): a systematic characterization of metrics, trends, and asymmetries with marine heatwaves Authors: Raven Quilestino-Olario, Dale Patrick D. Atup, Brenna Mei M. Concolis (page), Hazel O. Arceo, Aiza Cortes, Alejandra Mora-Soto (page), Aletta T. Yñiguez (page), & Brisneve Edullantes (page)DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7801575/v1 Pre-print: 11.2025
Plain text summary This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of marine cold-spells (MCSs) in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone from 1982–2021 using high-resolution CMEMS–OSTIA SST data. Results show that MCSs have generally weakened—becoming less frequent, shorter, and milder—though some coastal regions still experience localized strengthening due to upwelling and mixing. Compared with marine heatwaves, MCS declines are steeper, but cumulative warming exposure is rising faster, underscoring increasing ecosystem stress and the need for adaptive management in a warming ocean.
Citation Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Concolis BM, Arceo HO, Cortes A, Mora-Soto A, Yñiguez AT, Edullantes B. Marine cold-spells in the Philippines (1982–2021): a systematic characterization of metrics, trends, and asymmetries with marine heatwaves.
Citation Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Concolis BM, Arceo HO, Cortes A, Mora-Soto A, Yñiguez AT, Edullantes B. Marine cold-spells in the Philippines (1982–2021): a systematic characterization of metrics, trends, and asymmetries with marine heatwaves.
Characteristics of Marine Heatwaves in the Philippines Authors: Brisneve Edullantes, Brenna Mei M. Concolis, Raven Quilestino-Olario, Dale Patrick D. Atup, Aiza Cortes, & Aletta T. YñiguezDOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102934 Published: 09.2023
Plain text summary Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are happening more often and lasting longer in the Philippines, with events rising from 7 in the 1980s to 37 in the last decade. The year 2020 alone saw a record 276 MHW days. While intensities haven’t increased much, the frequency and duration are growing nearly twice as fast as in nearby waters. The most affected areas are in the West Philippine Sea and western tropical Pacific. These trends highlight the need for deeper research and stronger marine management to protect ecosystems and coastal communities.
Citation Edullantes B, Concolis BM, Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT. Characteristics of marine heatwaves in the Philippines. Regional Studies in Marine Science. 2023 Sep 1;62:102934.
Citation Edullantes B, Concolis BM, Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT. Characteristics of marine heatwaves in the Philippines. Regional Studies in Marine Science. 2023 Sep 1;62:102934.
Co-occurrence of a marine heatwave and a reported tomato jellyfish (Crambione mastigophora Maas, 1903) bloom in March 2020 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Authors: Raven Quilestino-Olario, Brenna Mei M. Concolis, Dale Patrick D. Atup, Aiza Cortes, Aletta T. Yñiguez, Brisneve Edullantes DOI: 10.3800/pbr.18.93 Published: 03.2023
Plain text summary This study looks into a jellyfish bloom that occurred during a marine heatwave (MHW) in March 2020 in Corong-Corong Bay, Palawan. A moderate MHW was detected during the same period, with peak sea surface temperature anomalies aligning with the day of the bloom. Ocean conditions like cyclonic eddies, alongshore winds, and surface warming may have contributed to both events. While the exact link remains unclear, recurring blooms during MHWs could become more likely as these events continue to rise. This adds to the limited understanding of how extreme marine events may impact marine life in the Philippines.
Citation Quilestino-Olario R, Concolis BM, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT, Edullantes B. Co-occurrence of a marine heatwave and a reported tomato jellyfish (Crambione mastigophora Maas, 1903) bloom in March 2020 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Plankton and Benthos Research. 2023 May 31;18(2):93-105.
Citation Quilestino-Olario R, Concolis BM, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT, Edullantes B. Co-occurrence of a marine heatwave and a reported tomato jellyfish (Crambione mastigophora Maas, 1903) bloom in March 2020 at El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Plankton and Benthos Research. 2023 May 31;18(2):93-105.
Marine Heatwaves and their Impacts: Research Perspectives in the Philippines Authors: Brisneve Edullantes, Brenna Mei M. Concolis, Raven Quilestino-Olario, Dale Patrick D. Atup, Aiza Cortes, Aletta T. Yñiguez DOI: 10.56899/151.05.28 (alternative link)Published: 08.2022
Plain text summary Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of unusually warm sea temperatures that can have serious ecological and economic consequences. The Philippines, being a marine biodiversity hotspot and heavily reliant on fisheries, is especially vulnerable, yet research on these extreme events in the country is still limited. This perspective paper highlights the urgent need to understand how marine heatwaves form, when and where they occur, and what impacts they have. By advancing this knowledge, we can better prepare for and respond to ocean warming through informed fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Citation Edullantes B, Concolis BM, Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT. Marine Heatwaves and their Impacts: Research Perspectives in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 2022 Oct 1;151(5).
Citation Edullantes B, Concolis BM, Quilestino-Olario R, Atup DP, Cortes A, Yñiguez AT. Marine Heatwaves and their Impacts: Research Perspectives in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 2022 Oct 1;151(5).
Other works
Other works
Climate Assessment Report D5.1 v1.1 for ESA CCI Phase 3 Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Authors: Chris Atkinson, Nick Rayner, John Kennedy, Thomas Sikorski, Giulia Bonino, Raven Quilestino-Olario, Raj P. Roshin, James Carton, Luisa Lamas Document reference: SST_CCI_D5.1_CAR_V1.1 Published: 11.2023
This document presents a climate assessment of the European Space Agency Sea Surface Temperature Climate Change Initiative (ESA SST CCI) Phase 3 products, Release version CDR3.0. It also contains the following report within the document, specifically pages 111 to 116:
- Marine Heatwave Analysis of the ESA CCI version 3 dataset by the Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of the Philippines Cebu
This report explores the pre-release version of the SST CCI analysis v3 products while comparing it among other SST products to investigate spatiotemporal information especially towards the coastline.
Projects
Projects
Current project/s
- SPP 1158 "Antarktisforschung"
Since 1981, there has been a coordinated promotion of polar research in Germany by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The funding is designed to make available to university research groups the logistics required for research work in the polar regions. Due to the focus on the universities, the DFG funding is of particular importance in raising awareness among young academics in Germany for the specific research questions in the polar regions and in training future generations of polar researchers.
Past project/s
- DOST Project No. 9615 "Survey of Heatwaves in the Philippine Seas"
Our project investigates the development of marine heatwave (MHW) events in the country, aiming to develop models for assessing and forecasting their spatial and temporal distribution. It is implemented by the College of Science, University of the Philippines - Cebu, and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
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