Philippines Showcases Domestic Fisheries Tech to Bolster Management

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) will feature local digital systems and technologies to strengthen fisheries management as industry leaders gather in Cebu next week. In a statement, the DA-BFAR will co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference 2026 from Sept. 8 to 10, expecting over 300 participants from various sectors. Discussions will focus on responsible fisheries and management, market dynamics, fair value, livelihoods, and coastal communities. DA-BFAR officials and local fisheries leaders will feature the Philippines’ use of technology and data for fisheries management and decision-making. DA-BFAR features the I-FIT GIS and FGIS technologies for risk assessment, resource management, catch documentation, seafood traceability, regulatory compliance, and data-backed decision-making. Participants will tackle the Port State Measures Agreement and technology-based measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. “As an archipelagic nation, the Philippines has both the responsibility and the opportunity to help shape how technology is used for responsible fisheries,” DA-BFAR national director Elizer Salilig said. Salilig said these inventions could help protect marine resources while helping millions of Filipinos who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. The conference will advance fisheries technologies for practical solutions in conservation, sustainable markets, and coastal resilience. /pai