SLSU Bontoc faculty participates in 1st PSSFNS1
Faculty of Applied and Aquatic Life Sciences (FAALS) at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus presented their research findings at the 1st Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS), held in Iloilo City from October 16 to 18, 2024. This event serves as a key platform for collaboration, focused on developing sustainable and practical approaches for small-scale fisheries across the nation.
The PSSFNS1 symposium is the first in the Philippines to focus exclusively on small-scale fisheries, uniting fishers, scientists, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders from across the country.
Themed, “Small-Scale Fisheries in the Philippines are too Big to Ignore,” the symposium spotlighted key issues in small-scale fisheries, covering management, economics, socio-cultural impacts, climate resilience, and the roles of gender, technology, and innovation.
Emphasizing the rich marine biodiversity of Southern Leyte, Associate Professor Jimmy Salamida, Dean of FAALS, showcased his research poster titled, “Fishing Gears and Their Common Catch in Two Coastal Areas of Liloan, Southern Leyte, Eastern Philippines.” The study documented 14 types of fishing gear and identified the fish caught as primarily pelagic and reef-associated species.
Mr. Salamida highlighted that the data gathered can contribute to the formulation of an effective fisheries management plan for the entire Panaon Island, a proposed seascape.
“Our findings provide baseline data on multi-gear fisheries in the area, which is a prerequisite in making fisheries policies and management decisions,” he added.
He also recommended that implementing Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiatives would greatly enhance understanding of fisheries resources on Panaon Island.
Meanwhile, Instructor Liela Bejel shared her research findings on, “Shifts in Social Dynamics, Occupational Activities, and Socioeconomic Conditions of Tilapia Farmers in Brgy. Magatas, Sogod, Southern Leyte during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” in a Student Oral Speed presentation competition.
She emphasized that there was a significant increase in aquaculture farming in the area, particularly among women, saw a rise in tilapia farming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Providing additional technical training and support for post-harvest processing and the value-added chain of potential tilapia products could generate extra revenue, especially for women in the industry” she added.
Ms. Bejel also pointed out that there is a lower engagement of younger people in aquaculture farming, suggesting that promoting agro-entrepreneurship could help address this issue.
Organized by the TBTI Philippines Hub, the event is led by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) with co-organizers Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), and University of Antique (UA).
Featuring a special session by Oceana Philippines International on reducing postharvest fish losses and improving food security and livelihoods in coastal communities. Additionally, USAID Fish Right presented responsible sourcing practices for small-scale fisheries to stakeholders and panel members.
The symposium concluded with a commitment to creating sustainable and viable solutions for small-scale fisheries across the country.
