Experts and trainers on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) gathered for their second convention held in Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City on June 29-30, 2023.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development –Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Visayas through the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (UPV-CFOS-IMFO), brought together more than a hundred trained EAFM experts from across the country to discuss and learn from the many efforts, reports, and status on the impacts of EAFM on the management of the country’s fisheries resources.
EAFM is an important platform to address the many issues besetting the fisheries industry that promotes holistic management, conservation, and sustainability of fisheries resources. Various government agencies and private organizations in the Philippines have already implemented conservation and management programs and projects based on the EAFM concept and principles.
The participants were the graduates of EAFM training that DOST-PCAARRD has been conducting in collaboration with other sectors in the last 10 years. They are from the state universities and colleges (SUCs), higher educational institutions (HEIs), local government units (LGUs), and government agencies in the country.
The two-day gathering also provided an opportunity to evaluate the roles of the SUCs and LGUs in the implementation of the EAFM. It also allowed for the exchange of success stories and experiences in the practice of EAFM as well as to explore ways forward to support EAFM.
UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga represented by Asst. Regional Director for Technical Operations Naomi Cosette R. Luis, and WESVAARRDEC-RRDCC Chairman Raul F. Muyong graced the convention and addressed the participants.
The convention featured plenary paper presentations as well as paper and poster presentations on the EAFM practices.
The following were the plenary paper presentations:
- PAGTANAW 2050: The Philippine Foresight Science and Technology Innovation presented by Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, an academician, National Academy of Science and Technology and Professor Emeritus, UP Diliman;
- The Potentials of Blue Economy presented by Dr. Rico C. Ancog, dean, School of Environmental Science and Management, UP Los Baños;
- Sea of Opportunities: Harnessing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for EAFM presented by Dr. Gil S. Jacinto, National Focal Person for IOC and UNACOM Consultant for the Ocean Decade;
- BFAR’s Program on EAFM presented by Ms. Remia A. Aparri, regional director, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)- Western Visayas;
- EAFM Experiences presented by Prof. Nygiel Armada, Chief of Party, USAID Fish Right Program;
- Developing a Cadre of EAFM Practitioners in the Philippines: the PCAARRD Experience presented by Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, director, MRRD-PCAARRD; and
- Regional Initiatives on EAFM presented by Dr. Romeo M. Cabungcal, provincial agriculturist, Palawan.
Meanwhile, papers presented were as follows:
- Integration of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) to Marine Research in the Verde Island Passage presented by Dr. Jayvee A. Saco, center head, VIP corals, Batangas State University;
- Perspectives of a Fisheries Biologist/Ecologist on EAFM’s Utility presented by Dr. Nathaniel C. Añasco, professor, UPV-CFOS;
- Science-based Information as Input to Ecotourism and Sustainable Marine Resources in the East Coast of Albay presented by Dr. Antonio B. Mendoza, Jr., professor, Bicol University;
- Taklobo Tours: Gian Clam Conservation in Samal Island, Philippines presented by Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, professor, Davao del Norte State College;
- Impacts of COVID-19 on the Recovery of Reef Fish Biomass and Density presented by Dr. Cleto L. Nanola, Jr., professor, UP Mindanao;
- Sea Cucumber Culture and Coastal Ecosystems Conservations and Managemenger presented by Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy, professor, Mindanao State University (MSU)- Naawan;
- Status of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Carles and Estancia, Iloilo presented by Ms. Ma. Connie G. Fajardo, associate professor, Northern Iloilo State University;
- Some Aspects of the Reproductive Biology of Siganus fuscescens and Siganus guttatus (Perciformes, Siganidae) in Iligan Bay presented by Ms. Ivane P. Gerasmio, associate professor, MSU-IIT;
- Status of Caulerpa (Chlorophyta: Bryopsidales) in Eastern Samar presented by Dr. Ma. Natalia A. Ciasico, director, Research Development and Service Office, Eastern Samar State University;
- Commercial and ByCatch Market Fishes of Camotes Island Cebu, Philippines presented by Dr. Serapion N. Tanduyan, faculty member, Cebu Technological University; and
- Biofiltration potential of Mussels and Seaweeds: Ensuring Mariculture Sustainability in Pujada Bay presented by Dr. Emily S. Antonio, research ethics head, Davao Oriental State University.
The participants, divided into three (3) groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, presented their workshop outputs on the different initiatives that have been implemented related to EAFM including the challenges, and opportunities as well as the push needed to fully implement/integrate EAFM in the workplace.
The first EAFM convention was conducted in 2017 attended by 66 participants from SUCs, HEIs, and LGUs from Regions 1 to 9, 11, and 12.
Currently, there are 178 EAFM graduates from the eight (8) batches of Essential EAFM training courses and 73 graduates of EAFM training of trainers (ToT) that DOST-PCAARRD has conducted since 2013.
