Two papers from the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) won best presentations awards in the 12th International Fisheries Symposium (IFS) held in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan from November 19-21, 2024.
The paper presentations of Jhoanna Faye Porlit Jacinto and Asst. Prof. Dominique P. Mediodia were adjudged Best Poster and Best Oral Presentations, respectively.
Jacinto, a CFOS graduate student taking up MS in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology), was adjudged first place for the poster presentation competition for her research titled “Enhancing Sustainable Fisheries: Optimization of Seaweed-Based Bioplastic Production for Eco-Friendly Packaging.”
She co-authored the study with Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, Asst. Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano, and Asst. Prof. Leonilo F. Endoma, Jr.
The research poster presents an innovative solution to plastic waste in fisheries. Using seaweed-derived biopolymers (agar, alginate, and carrageenan) and glycerol as a plasticizer, the study employs Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the bioplastic’s water vapor permeability.
Results demonstrate a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, suitable for fishery product packaging. This research underscores the potential of seaweed-based bioplastics to promote sustainability, reduce marine pollution, and support the fisheries sector.
“Winning the Best Presentation Award on an international stage is an extraordinary feeling—both humbling and exhilarating. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative effort poured into this research. Being recognized at this level not only highlights the global relevance of our work but also affirms the importance of sustainable innovations in addressing pressing issues like plastic pollution and fisheries sustainability. This win feels even more special as it connects our local advocacy to a broader international audience, creating opportunities for partnerships and further innovation,” remarked Jacinto.
Meanwhile, Mediodia, a faculty member of the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, CFOS and currently a PhD student at the Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, National Taiwan Normal University, bagged the Best Oral Presentation for his study, “Evolution of Otolith Shape in Sciaenidae (Croakers).” His research aims to understand the variation of otolith shapes in the family Sciaenidae and their relation to their evolutionary history.
CFOS dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro and Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap led the UPV delegation composed of faculty members, researchers, and students to the annual event organized by the ASEAN Fisheries Education Network (ASEAN-FEN). The conference was attended by participants from the 46 ASEAN-FEN fisheries and aquaculture-oriented member universities from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, Japan, China, France, and Taiwan.