Cebu: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday said it seeks to advance practical fisheries solutions through digital systems and technologies in the Philippines. This is in light of the upcoming Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026 in Cebu from Sept. 8 to 10.
According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig stated that these solutions will be highlighted during SAFET to help safeguard the country's marine resources. 'We want our experience, our experts, and our innovations to contribute to solutions that protect our marine resources while sustaining the millions of Filipinos whose lives and livelihoods depend on them,' he said.
Officials and technical staff from the agency will particularly focus on sharing its expertise in applying digital technologies to responsible fisheries governance. It will also share the regional discussions on the Port State Measures Agreement and technology-based action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF).
Additional highlights include demonstrations of the bureau's IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool (I-FIT) and Farmland Geographic Information System (FGIS) tools for resource management and regulatory compliance, alongside a Philippine Space Agency presentation on tracking dark vessels using satellite infrared data.
'As an archipelagic nation, the Philippines has both the responsibility and the opportunity to help shape how technology is used for responsible fisheries,' Salilig said. The three-day event, meanwhile, is set to gather more than 300 government officials, as well as representatives from the fisheries and seafood industries, research institutions, technology organizations, civil society, and fishing communities, among others.
Themed 'From Innovation to Implementation: Technology Powering Responsible Fisheries, Markets, and Livelihoods,' SAFET 2026 will cover discussions on Responsible Fisheries and Governance, Market Dynamics and Fair Value, and Livelihoods and Coastal Communities. These will feature improved systems, opportunities, and outcomes for communities and stakeholders.
