My earlier researches dealt with assessment of marine invertebrate fauna as well as basic studies on the biology, ecology and physiological energetics of the blue crab, Portunus pelagicus. I am also greatly involved in community-based coastal resources management. Much of my latest work (5 years) dealt with applied aspects oriented towards linking human and natural systems. I recently completed a project funded by the NOAA on enhancing management effectiveness of marine protected areas through a systematic, holistic, practical and doable monitoring and evaluation system using biophysical, socio-economic and governance indicators. I also undertook a project on the population, reproductive and fishery biology of commercially important invertebrates in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. In this project, we developed tools, indicators and an integrating framework for sustainable utilization of commercially important invertebrates. Management tools generated included GIS maps of invertebrate resources information, invertebrate information by fishing ground and an identification guide to commercially important invertebrates.