In May 2016, Oceana joined scientists from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the University of the Philippines (UP) for an expedition to Benham Bank, the shallowest portion of the Benham Rise. A dazzling array of soft and hard corals, fish, algae, and sponges was documented by marine scientists in the week-long expedition. In 2017, the Philippine government renamed Benham Rise as Philippine Rise. The following year, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems (ENIPAS) Act was signed into law, making the Philippine Rise a legislated protected area. Know more about it here: http://ph.oceana.org/expeditions/benham_expedition/benhamexpedition/overview