Over 300 delegates gather for BFAR-co-hosted SAFET 2026 in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — More than 370 delegates from 28 countries have converged in Cebu for the three-day Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference, or SAFET 2026.

The conference, which runs from September 8-10 at Shangri-La Mactan, is co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), in partnership with international organizations.

SAFET 2026 focuses on emerging technologies that could help improve fisheries management, protect marine resources, and strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and fishing communities.

More than 75 speakers are sharing insights on fisheries, marine conservation, technology, and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

One of the major topics being discussed is electronic monitoring, which uses cameras, sensors, and other digital tools to track fishing vessel activities and improve the collection of fisheries data.

Inga Wise, executive director of Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET), highlighted the potential of electronic monitoring in improving fisheries monitoring and management.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is also being explored as a tool to monitor fishing activities and help detect possible illegal operations at sea.

BFAR is also showcasing digital platforms, including the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Vessel Monitoring System, which can help authorities trace fish from their source at sea through the supply chain and eventually to the market.

The conference is also addressing the effects of climate change on fishers and coastal communities, including ways to strengthen the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and help fisherfolk adapt to changing marine conditions.

DA-BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services Isidro Velayo Jr. said the agency is working to strengthen its support for fisherfolk through improved programs and technology.

However, one of the major challenges is ensuring that emerging technologies are affordable and accessible to fishing communities, particularly because many of these systems can be costly and technically complex.

Government leaders also stressed the need to ensure that technologies introduced through pilot projects eventually become practical tools that fishers can use in their day-to-day operations.

BFAR Region 7 Regional Director Mario Ruinata said SAFET 2026 is particularly significant for Central Visayas, where many communities depend on fishing for their livelihood.

He said an important consideration is determining how and when technologies such as electronic monitoring, AI, satellite systems and digital platforms can be introduced to local fishing communities. (Contributed story)