In July 2024, the Strategic Studies Program of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative Studies (UP CIDS SSP) and the Foreign Services Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA FSI) held the first installation of its maritime security roundtable discussions. The discussion series aims to pool scientific information that will aid policymakers in creating science-backed policies. Moderated by Dr. Deo Onda of the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI), the first roundtable discussion featured presentations from two distinguished marine scientists: Dr. Al Licuanan of De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila and Dr. Charina Repollo of the UP MSI, who highlighted the rich marine biodiversity in the region. The roundtable discussion pointed out gaps that can be filled in terms of data sharing, conservation efforts, and marine scientific research initiatives in the highly contested waters of the South China Sea. Amid the conflicting maritime claims of six claimant states over different parts of the South China Sea, it is also in their best interest to collaborate in preserving the sea’s rich marine biodiversity.