The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), the research and development arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Department of Agriculture, is set to stage the 11th Fisheries Scientific Conference (Fish SciCon) on September 24–25, 2025 at Royce Hotel.
Carrying the theme “From Research to Application: Transforming Fisheries for a Productive and Sustainable Future,” this year’s conference underscores the importance of translating scientific studies into practical solutions that enhance productivity, protect marine ecosystems, and secure livelihoods in the fisheries sector.
The two-day event will feature research-to-policy presentations, showing how NFRDI outputs have informed ordinances and regulations nationwide. A key highlight will be the launch of new knowledge products, including five training modules on oyster, mangrove crab, and tilapia production, a fishing gear handbook, and seven posters on dominant species and fishing gears in Region 4A.
NFRDI will also mount a central exhibit spotlighting priority R & D initiatives such as projects on tawilis, lemuru, dampalit (sea purslane), the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), and the Aquabiz School – Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) Program.
The conference will showcase around 50 scientific posters across capture fisheries, aquaculture, postharvest, and biotechnology. Another major feature is the Spotlight Competition, where Fisheries Scholarship Program recipients from BFAR will present their theses and dissertations—continuing a tradition since 2018 of providing young scientists a venue to share insights and engage with the broader scientific community.
Participants will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits approved by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): 2.5 points for Plenary Sessions and 1.5 points per Parallel Session.
Held biennially, Fish SciCon is NFRDI’s flagship platform for fisheries research for development (R4D), uniting scientists, policymakers, industry players, and communities in advancing sustainable fisheries and food security.
