The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and fishery arm for research and development (R&D) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will hold the 11th Fisheries Scientific Conference (Fish SciCon) on September 24-25, 2025 at Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport, Pampanga.
This year’s theme, “From Research to Application: Transforming Fisheries for a Productive and Sustainable Future,” emphasizes turning scientific knowledge into practical solutions. It highlights how technologies and science-based policies can boost productivity, ensure sustainability, and strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry, and fishing communities to build a resilient fisheries sector that supports livelihoods, food security, and marine ecosystems.
The two-day event will feature back-to-back presentations showcasing the science policy interface, demonstrating how NFRDI’s research outputs inform policy recommendations that have been translated into ordinances and regulations.
A major highlight will be the launching of NFRDI’s latest knowledge products, including, five training modules on oyster, mangrove crab, milkfish, tilapia in brackishwater, and tilapia in freshwater; a handbook on fishing gears; and seven posters on dominant species in region 4A and fishing gears.
NFRDI will also have central exhibit featuring its priority R&D initiatives, including projects on tawilis, lemuru, dampalit (sea purslane), the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), and the Aquabiz School – Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) Program.
In addition, about 50 scientific posters will be exhibited across four categories: capture fisheries, aquaculture, postharvest, and biotechnology. The conference will also host the Spotlight Competition, an oral presentation contest for theses and dissertations of BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program recipients. This event, which has been part of Fish SciCon since 2018, provides a valuable platform for young scientists to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with the scientific community.
Participants can also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits approved by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): 2.0 points for the plenary session and 1.22 points for each parallel session.
Held every two years, the Fish SciCon serves as NFRDI’s flagship platform for knowledge exchange in fisheries research for development (R4D). It brings together scientists, students, professionals, and stakeholders to share innovations and best practices aimed at strengthening food security and advancing sustainable fisheries.