The Philippines is home to the world's richest marine biodiversities, including 4900 species of marine plants and animals, 28 percent of which are economically important and 10 percent are flagship species. In fact, the country is acknowledged as the center of marine biodiversity, with many more species still being discovered. This rich resource has placed the country as one of the biggest fish producer, ranking 8th worldwide. It has been providing the Filipinos with food and livelihoods and contributing much to the improvement of the economy through exports of fishery products.