THE University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute has mourned the death of American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter, who was shot dead inside his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Carpenter was shot by three unidentified assailants while watching television at their house.
In a statement, the institute said Carpenter's "pioneering studies" on Philippine coral reefs, associated fish, and fisheries were foundational to coral reef ecology.
"It was through Dr. Carpenter's work that the Philippines earned the acclaim of being the 'center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity.' He also advocated for the designation of an important part of this 'center,' the Verde Island Passage, as a National Protected Area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site," it said.
Carpenter, according to the MSI, was a "pivotal scientific advisor to the Philippines during the arbitration case for the South China Sea, going to great lengths to provide reports, testimonials, satellite imagery, and video evidence on the state of coral reefs in the area."
"Dr. Carpenter lent his expertise to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, having joined several fish surveys and published papers on the area since 2018. His collaborations and partnerships with various institutions for tropical marine ecology contributed to the capacity-building and development of Filipino scientists and students," it said.
The MSI noted that his affection for the Philippines stretches back to his days as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in the seventies.
"Since UP MSI's early beginnings as a research center, Dr. Carpenter has been a great friend to the Institute, and he continues to be an enduring influence on many other marine scientists, fisherfolk organizations, and conservation groups," they said.
"We join the marine science community in shared grief and the collective call for justice to be served. We are deeply grateful for his fifty years of guidance and companionship. May you rest in peace, Dr. Kent Carpenter," they said.
