Scientists discuss opportunities in fishing industry

MANILA, Philippines - More than 300 scientists, researchers, and representatives from government agencies and academe held a meeting in Cebu this week to discuss various opportunities in the country’s fisheries industry.

The Department of Science and Technology said the conference – held in the past two days – was organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology, an attached institution of DOST.

The conference, deemed a prelude to the annual scientific meeting in July, focuses on the sustainable development goal of conserving and ensuring the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

Various research on fisheries and aquatic resources were discussed in the conference.

Invited speakers include academics Rhodora Azanza and Gisela Concepcion who discussed seaweed culture and quality education for sustainable development, respectively.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Marlo Mendoza talked about clean water and sanitation in fishing, while DENR biodiversity management bureau executive director Vincent Hilomen discussed climate change and fisheries.

DOST Undersecretary for disaster risk reduction Renato Solidum was slated to speak on disaster resiliency and business community.

Solidum is also concurrent head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

“At the end of the two-day event, there will be a consolidation of all discussions and recommendations that will be presented to policy and decision makers for further consideration in line with the national agenda of the government towards achieving the sustainable development goals,” the DOST said in a statement.