Xavier Ateneo once again participated in the 55^th Annual Convention of the Federation of Institutions for Marine and Freshwater Sciences (FIMFS) held at Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) with a theme of Synergies for Blue Economy: Research, Innovation and Sustainability in Aquatic Systems from 6-8 December 2023.

The study was a collaborative work of the Marine Botany subject and McKeough Marine Center (MMC) and was presented by Ms Alonzeyah Mae Omangpang, 4^th year Marine Biology student and MMC student volunteer. Also, some of the co-authors of the study were present namely, Ms Anne Sherlyn Bungcasan (MMC’s Technical Staff), Ms Julie Ann Butron, MsC (Marine Biology Faculty), and Angel Mhar Villanueva, 4^th year Marine Biology student. In addition, Biology faculty Mr Rex Samuel Abao Jr witnessed the presentation and attended the convention.

RESEARCH PRESENTATION. Ms Alonzeyah Mae Omangpang presents the paper “Seagrass
Meadows in Commercial and Residential Areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental” at the 55^th FIMFS convention.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY PARTICIPANTS. Left to right: Angel Mhar Villanueva, Alonzeyah
Omangpang, Anne Sherlyn Bungcasan, Julie Ann Butron, MsC., Rex Samuel Abao, Jr.

The study presented was titled “Seagrass Meadows in Commercial and Residential Areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental” and was conducted to determine the present status of seagrass in both commercial and residential areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental. The result showed that the seagrass meadows in both areas are in fair condition based on Fortes 1989. Also, the result showed a higher species diversity observed near the residential areas compared to the commercial areas of Opol, Misamis Oriental. Furthermore, the study will provide vital information on proper management and planning strategy for the seagrass community of Opol, Misamis Oriental.