DOrSU Hosts FIMFS Convention in Mati to Advance Fisheries and Integrated Marine Studies
Mati City, Davao Oriental — Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) through Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center XI hosted the 56th Annual Convention of the Fisheries and Integrated Marine and Fisheries Studies (FIMFS) from October 22 to 24, 2024, in Mati. The convention gathered experts, local stakeholders, and advocates to advance sustainable fisheries and marine conservation practices in the region.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees explored critical issues and proposed new ideas in marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and community involvement in coastal management. These discussions highlighted the need for collective action to protect marine ecosystems and support coastal communities.
Dr. Roy G. Ponce, President of DOrSU, welcomed participants with an opening message emphasizing the university’s dedication to addressing pressing challenges in fisheries and marine ecosystems. DOrSU Vice President, Dr. Misael B. Clapano, then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Lochinvar Sim Abundo, CEO of OceanPixel Pte Ltd. Dr. Abundo’s keynote presentation, “Building Blue Economy Development Clusters in the Philippines,” focused on sustainable strategies for developing blue economies, underscoring the importance of eco-friendly practices in the nation’s coastal areas.
Following the keynote, the convention featured sessions by leading experts in marine science. Ms. Hanna Kuhfuss presented her work on “3D Clay Reef Systems,” an innovative approach to habitat restoration, while Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. shared insights on “Reef Fish Species Diversity and Biomass Estimates.” The plenary sessions concluded with presentations from Ms. Adelina C. Santos-Borja, Chairperson of the Southeast Asian Limnological Network, who discussed “Science as one of the Pillars of Integrated Lake Basin Management,” and Dr. Deo Florence Llacuna Onda of UP Marine Science Institute, who presented “What Do We Get from Counting? New Insights on Plastic Pollution in the Philippines.”
In addition to plenary talks, participants attended parallel sessions on specialized topics such as artificial reefs led by Dr. Aileen P. Maypa, marine wildlife by Dr. A.A. Yaptinchay, plastic pollution by Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda, and blue carbon networks by Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy. These sessions provided valuable insights and fostered dialogue on innovative solutions to support biodiversity and mitigate environmental impacts in coastal ecosystems.
The FIFMS convention underscored DOrSU’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices and actively contributing to the conservation of Davao Oriental’s marine biodiversity. By bringing together thought leaders and practitioners, the event fostered future collaborations and initiatives to protect the region’s natural resources. (Contributors: Lexcy Lex Bargamento, Johanna Michelle Amando, Melrene Isabel Morales)
